”;TiQri the Little Snow Fox: A Tale of the North Pacific”;

By Tamara Montgomery and Jodi Parry Belknap
Illustrations by Joseph D. Dodd
(Calabash Books)

The Hawaii-based writers have set this book far away from the tropics, telling a tale in simple words and intriguing drawings of a white fox who envies the rainbow tones of his friend Aurora. He learns, though, that a brightly colored coat makes life hard for a snow fox. Accompanied by a CD of activities.

”;Kaimi's First Round-Up”;

By Ilima Loomis
Illustrated by Don Robinson
(Island Heritage, $11.95)

The lush earth tones of the illustrations literally glow on the pages of this story about a day with the paniolo, seen through the eyes of a child. The story is simple and cheery, but the detailed drawings give the reader much to linger over.

”;The Hawai'i Snowman”;

Written by Christine Le
Illustrated by Michel Le
(Mutual Publishing)

A snowman picks as his vacation destination Hawaii, of all places, and despite the temperature challenges, he makes it there. He is safe while it's nighttime, but with daylight and sunshine approaching, he must find his way back to colder climes. Enter: Santa. It's a charming tale with beautiful, luminous illustrations.

”;Whale Song & Dance”;

Written by Laurie Idea
Illustrated by Jeff Pagay
(Mutual Publishing)

A happy little tale of whales—Kaleo, who wants to sing, and Lani, who wants to dance. Their efforts do nothing at first but annoy the other creatures of the sea, but they get by with a little help from their friends.

”;Keiki: The Little Fish with a Spectacular Wish”;

Written and illustrated by Yuko Green
(Island Heritage)

A baby Hawaiian cleaner wrasse yearns to be a bigger, more important fish but learns the value of his role in the sea. The pretty, colorful illustrations give the impression of an undersea watercolor collage.

”;A Keiki's First Word Book”;

Edited by Puakea Nogelmeier
(Bess Press, $14.95)

Word books are thick on the ground, and even Hawaiian word books have become commonplace, but this photo book is comprehensive and well organized, taking a child from descriptions of his body to a tour of his home, then out into the larger world. Pages on counting, shapes and opposites are included, as well as the additional fun of windows on each page that open to reveal yet more words.

”;Keiki's Second Word Book”;

Illustrated by Lance Bowen
(Beachhouse Publishing, $14.95)

Not related to the first word book above, this one takes a more whimsical approach. It's colorfully drawn with cartoonlike characters who visit a shave-ice stand, the zoo and even the bathroom to learn such words as lua (toilet) and pea ki'i (teddy bear).