Hawai'i

Children's Literature - Debra Lampert-Rudman

Upon opening the book's brightly colored cover, Patrick, known as "Uhu" in Hawaii, welcomes the reader to join him on a kayak trip around the Hawaiian Islands. On the facing page, an entire vocabulary of Hawaiian language as well as commonly used word lists prepare the reader for this exciting adventure. The lush illustrations detail historical, as well as little-known facts. For example, "You know you're in Hawai'i if you order the Portuguese sausage and rice at McDonald's." The text of this statement is superimposed over an illustration of a person preparing a lu'au meal. Written in a breezy and conversational style, Uhu provides historical, mythological, environmental, ecological, and fun facts as we travel around the eight main islands in the Hawaiian chain.. Throughout the book, Uhu expresses his concern for the ecology of Hawai'i and hopes for its future. Geography, science, history, and social studies lesson plans may all be created from this informative and entertaining book.

School Library Journal

Gr 5-8-This overview is told from the perspective of a Hawaiian boy kayaking with his father around the state. At each island he explains a little about the history, natural science, culture, and economy. He speaks in a bubbly, colloquial voice peppered with local slang. The title page is crowded with a Hawaiian-language guide including alphabet, pronunciation, and vocabulary. The vivid, acrylic art bursts with color on each spread. It fills the pages, and the text appears in white boxes or is printed in white, but it is never difficult to read. Sometimes the images relate to one another to form a realistic picture; however, there is an occasional inconsistency in scale. For example, Father Damien towers above his chapel. However, readers sophisticated enough for the text will be comfortable with the creativity of the illustrations. The end of the book expresses the importance of preserving the state's natural and cultural resources. Gill is best known for her warm and wonderful books about Alaska. She succeeds equally well in a new climate. A lovely and lively introduction.-Amelia Jenkins, Juneau Public Library, AK Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.