This tale may have been told before, but I really enjoyed the tropical view of Hawaii...and learned how to make poi. ( )

How I miss Hawaii!!!! Honestly, that is what I loved best about this book.

And I wish I had eaten poi when I was there. ( )

Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss. ( )

This book is a beautiful picture book that tells the history of Poi (a staple food of Hawaiian’s) through poetry. This story has strong themes about community brought together by tradition. The book radiates pride for Hawaiian culture while being informative and entertaining. The last few pages of the book include a note with more information about Poi, a note from the author and a glossary of all the Hawaiian words used in the book. I think this book would be best for second through fourth graders. This book could even be used at a middle school level for students to practice poetry analysis and poetry writing effectiveness. ( )

This book for children aged four and up is about a shared meal in Hawaii, although that information is not clear until the afterward. The meal is based on poi (also not explained for non-Hawaiian readers) until the notes at the end.

The story is told in the form of patterned verse in the style of “This is the House that Jack Built.” Each double-page spread, beginning with a bowl of poi to be used in a family luau, takes us behind the scenes to show where the poi came from and how it was made. In this way, readers learn about Hawaiian traditions that form the basis of family get-togethers.

Stylistic illustrations by Kenard Pak are lovely.

Back matter includes information about poi, an author’s note, and a glossary. I felt much of that information, however, could have been included within the text or at least at the beginning, rather than the end, of the book. ( )