New Hawaii adventures available for young readers

Star-Bulletin

Just in time for holiday giving, local publishing company Island Heritage has released eight new children's books about Hawaii. They're in book stores now, and many of the authors and illustrators have already scheduled autograph and storytelling sessions. Check out Cool Stuff on this page and the Read All About It column in the Friday Star-Bulletin Home Zone for such appearances.

So here's a look at the eight new titles:

The Gecko Who Wanted to Be Different: By Dot Saurer, illustrated by Carole Hinds McCarty, 32 pages, $10.95

The story of Kupu the Gecko is told in rhyme. Kupu is tired of his dull coloring and wants to be colorful like many of the other creatures living in Hawaii, instead of looking like every other gecko. Kupu thinks the color gold would be just about special enough, and talks about it and complains about it not happening, until none of the other geckos want to have anything to do with him. Finally Kupu learns how to set himself apart from the other geckos.

One Gecko, Two Mynahs & More: By Todd Shelly, illustrated by Ethel Villalobos, 28 pages, $10.95.

Also written in rhyming text, this counting book helps little kids learn how to count and also provides information about a lot of Hawaii animals. A glossary provides interesting facts about these animals. Among them are Moke Seal's monk seal cousins, wild pigs, the Hawaiian stilt and the green anole lizard.

The Kama'aina Gecko: By Ed Freiler, illustrated by Jeff Pagay, 36 pages, $10.95.

The third new gecko story is about an alligator, who as an egg, lands in a nest of gecko eggs. Brought up with the little geckos, Eke is obviously different, and all but one of his gecko cousins have difficulty accepting his differences. Eke wishes he were more like his cousins, but finally everyone learns to accept the Kama'aina Gecko just as he is.

The Menehune of Naupaka Village: A Hawaiian Fairy Tale: By Kingsley Sur, illustrated by Gary Kato, 40 pages, $12.95.

Menehune prince Hoku of Kauai visits the Big Island to help menehune princess Lani and her people build a new fishpond. When Lani is injured in an accident, Hoku and his friends go on a quest for a healing herb that grows where the savage Mu warriors live.

Baby Honu's Incredible Journey: By Tammy Yee, 32 pages, $10.95.

After hatching, a baby sea turtle encounters difficulties as he attempts to keep up with his brothers and sisters on their journey to the open sea. After tangling with a ghost crab, and an 'iwa (great frigate bird), Baby Honu lands up riding on the back of a whale. Will he ever see his family again?

Lisa & Lani's Hula Adventure: By Isela Longoria-Esquer, photography and concept by Himani, 44 pages, $10.95.

While visiting Maui, Lisa meets Lani, who dances in a luau show with her mother. Lani befriends Lisa and even teaches her how to dance the hula, while both girls learn a lesson in friendship. Readers can learn to do the hula too, following the photographs.

Da Grouchy Moocher Boogie Man: By Prince Neff Maiava, illustrated by Lonewolf, 28 pages, $12.95.

Everyone shuns the ragged, poor man who walked the streets of Honolulu searching for his "treasures" in other people's garbage. The kids call him "da grouchy moocher boogie man" and even the alley cats avoid him. But one kind-hearted girl sees the sadness in the lonely old man's eyes and befriends him. Her actions prove, in the end, that "a bundle of kindness goes a long way."

Tutu Nene, The Hawaiian Mother Goose Rhymes: By Debra Ryll, illustrated by Alexis America, 28 pages, $10.95.

Familiar Mother Goose rhymes go local. Among the new offerings are "Pi'ilani picked a peck of pickled poke ..." and "Sumo Takahashi sat on the wall ..." and "the itsy bitsy bufo went up the cane shack spout ..."