★ "A stunning tribute to Hawaiian culture and identity."–starred review, Kirkus
New York Public Library Top Ten Best Kid's Book of 2024
A Center for the Study of Multicultural Literature Best Book of 2024
Aloha Everything, is a magical story that will take you on a thrilling journey through the breathtaking islands of Hawaiʻi!
In this exciting adventure, you'll encounter mighty canoes crashing over ocean waves, regal hawks soaring high above the clouds, and brilliant lizards jumping nimbly through forest trees! Most importantly, you'll meet a courageous young girl named Ano who learns, grows, and comes to love her island home with all her heart.
Since the day that Ano was born, her heart has been connected to her home. But, this adventurous child has a lot to learn! When Ano begins to dance hula — a storytelling dance form that carries the knowledge, history, and folklore of the Hawaiian people — Ano comes to understand the true meaning of aloha.
Aloha Everything is both a captivating read and a fantastic educational resource for learning about Hawaiian history, ecology, and culture. With breathtaking hand-painted illustrations and beautiful rhyming poetry that will lull little ones into brilliant dreams of vibrant adventure, this book is sure to capture the hearts of both children and parents alike.
The beautiful poetry—weaving its way through every page—artfully blends 25 Hawaiian words into the English prose and provides a thoughtful exploration of the meaning of aloha in relation to the land, the people, and the lore. There is also a pronunciation guide and glossary providing additional information for those looking to learn more about the rich language and culture of Hawai’i.
Praise
? "Mesmerizing, metered verse combines English and Hawaiian words for a rich tale of Hawaiian history, culture, ecology, and legends. Making deft use of light and shadow, the vibrant images bring the text to life. . . A stunning tribute to Hawaiian culture and identity."–starred review, Kirkus
A New York Public Library Top Ten Book for Kids"Lush illustrations by Waite and rhythmic quatrains by Melia George paint the story of a Hawaiian girl who learns about her cultural heritage through hula. . . . acrylic and gouache paintings linger on the eye in this gossamer work." –Publishers Weekly
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? "Mesmerizing, metered verse combines English and Hawaiian words for a rich tale of Hawaiian history, culture, ecology, and legends. Making deft use of light and shadow, the vibrant images bring the text to life. . . A stunning tribute to Hawaiian culture and identity."–starred review, Kirkus
"Lush illustrations by Waite and rhythmic quatrains by Melia George paint the story of a Hawaiian girl who learns about her cultural heritage through hula. . . . acrylic and gouache paintings linger on the eye in this gossamer work." –Publishers Weekly
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New York Public Library Top Ten Best Kid's Book of 2024
"This poem sings off the page, encompassing the beauty of the Hawaiian Islands. An enchanting vision of a girl experiencing her extraordinary home through lyrical verse and stunning collage."
—NYPL
? "Mesmerizing, metered verse combines English and Hawaiian words for a rich tale of Hawaiian history, culture, ecology, and legends. Making deft use of light and shadow, the vibrant images bring the text to life. . . A stunning tribute to Hawaiian culture and identity."–starred review
—Kirkus Reviews
"Lush illustrations by Waite and rhythmic quatrains by Melia George paint the story of a Hawaiian girl who learns about her cultural heritage through hula. . . . acrylic and gouache paintings linger on the eye in this gossamer work."
—Publishers Weekly
A 2024 Best Book of the Year
—Center for the Study of Multicultural Children's Literature
