Ho'Onani Hula Warrior

Words By: Heather Gale

Pictures By: Mika Song

“Ho’onani had found her place. ⁣⠀

Not as a wahine (girl),⁣⠀

Not as a kāne (boy),⁣⠀

but as a hula warrior”⁣⠀

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This TRUE story is all kinds of special. It provides a truly beautiful insight into Polynesian culture, details the devastating impacts of colonialism and shares a seriously important message of inclusion and acceptance that I promise will stay with you! ⁣⠀

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“In Hawaiian culture, every person had a role in society. Māhū, people who embraced both feminine and masculine traits, were valued as healers and as caretakers and teachers of ancient traditions... in the spirit of Hawaiian tradition, we can make room for all people - kāne (male) wahine (female) māhū - and show every person the same unconditional acceptance and respect”.⁣⠀

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This beautiful book tells the story of Ho’onani and her teacher Kumu Hina, a Hawaiian cultural practitioner, activist and the first transgender candidate to run for statewide political office in the US. The book is based on a 2015 documentary titled ‘A Place In The Middle’ which documents Kumu Hina’s mission to maintain Hawaiian culture and how she has created a special ‘place in the middle’ for children like Ho’onani. The must watch documentary and additional resources can be found here https://aplaceinthemiddle.org/

Mela The Elephant

Words By: Dow Phumiruk

Pictures By: Ziyue Chen

“Mela remembered what the elephant had taught her: Kindness needs no reward, for it brings happiness and warmth to the heart. From then on, she offered many kindnesses to others, asking nothing in return.”⠀

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In this beautiful modern Thai fable Mela sets off to explore the local river. Her younger brother wanted to go to but as he had nothing to give her in return she says no. Mela is swept away by the current and gets lost, she meets an array of animals along the way who won’t help her until she gives them something in return. She eventually meets an elephant who teaches her that kindness is its own reward. A beautiful message, lovely illustrations and filled with Thai traditions and customs this is a must for all bookshelves.⠀

The Old Frangipani Tree at Flying Fish Point

Words By: Trina Saffioti

Pictures By: Maggie Prewett

“Mum’s family were poor and it sometimes made life very hard. Like on the day of the Flying Fish Point School fancy dress carnival, held every summer. ⠀⠀

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If your family didn’t have the money to hire a costume, you had to make one. Often there wasn’t anything at home to make a costume with.⠀⠀

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There was one special year though, when Mum’s sisters, Cathy and Dorothy, had an idea.⠀⠀

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‘Faithy-girl, you can go as an island princess. We’ll make a lei from the old frangipani tree.’⠀⠀

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This book is one of my absolute favourites and my little island girl loves it too. The Author, Trina Saffioti, retells the true story of when her mother entered the Flying Fish Point School fancy dress carnival. I really relate to this story as I was the poor kid at school that couldn’t afford fancy costumes too. It is a truly beautiful story about resilience and resourcefulness and is a must for every bookshelf!⠀