Ohana Means Family

Discover the importance of kalo in Hawaiian culture.

Opening below a single bowl of purple poi, the text begins, “This is the poi for our ‘ohana’s lū‘au.” Using a cumulative pattern, it expands on where poi comes from to create a broader picture of the Hawaii countryside with a pair of presumably Native Hawaiian children as focal characters. They watch as the kalo, or taro, is pounded into poi, then, as the cumulative rhyme moves backward, they help in the taro patches of mud and clear water where the plants grow. A close-up of the taro patch zooms out to reveal more people working in many patches and the river that feeds the land that has been passed down from generation to generation. Each new addition to the cumulative text highlights an essential element of Hawaiian values, such as the land, elders, family, and food. In this read-aloud, Loomis writes a beautiful homage to kalo, a cornerstone of the culture and livelihood of the Hawaiian people. The poetic text combines with Pak’s breathtaking illustrations to depict kalo’s embodiment of the strong connection between land, water, air, sun, and the people. With his layered, textured paintings, Pak creates both beautiful pictures of the kalo and stunning panoramas of the community. A note on kalo and poi, an author’s note, and a glossary are provided to explain the importance of the elements of this story.

An incredible book to share with every member of your ‘ohana. (Picture book. 4-8)

Copyright 2020 Kirkus Reviews, LLC Used with permission

This "The House That Jack Built"-style poem explores the importance of poi, the Hawaiian staple that, an author's note reports, "no celebratory lu¯'au is complete without." Loomis (Eclipse Chaser) begins "This is the poi/ for our 'ohana's lu¯'au"; Pak (The Hundred-Year Barn) shows it in a hollowed-out bowl garnished with green leaves. The lines that follow build on each other: "This is the kalo/ to make the poi/ for our 'ohana's lu¯'au." Two Hawaiian children with black hair watch an adult man pound pieces of kalo plant on a board. A page turn reveals a vast field--dark, heart-shaped leaves in the foreground, plants spreading into the distance. Another turn shows kalo growing in fields flooded with water "clear and cold" and stylized human figures of all ages helping to harvest it. As the sun goes down, a family gathers at a long table under palm trees by the sea. The creators present this traditional practice--cultivating, harvesting, preparing, and eating a treasured food together--through the lens of Hawaiian culture. A glossary is included, though it contains no pronunciation information. Ages 4-8. Author's agent: Kelly Sonnack, Andrea Brown Literary. Illustrator's agent: Kirsten Hall, Catbird Productions. (Feb.)

Copyright 2019 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

★ The importance of this native Hawaiian tradition is revealed through Loomis' and Pak's textual and visual re-creations. The wind, the rain, the sun, the 'land that has never been sold, ' and the wise old hands that work the land show that family is one of many interconnected parts—plant, planet, human, the elements—each as important as the other. Pak's lovely, stylized watercolors bring readers close enough to see droplets on the roots of the kalo and then zoom out to see the whole sun-kissed island. Loomis writes in a gentle rhyme that undulates like the elements she describes so that readers will soon be murmuring along in sync. . . . this book does an admirable job of honoring the culture without cliché.—Booklist, Starred Review

★ In this read-aloud, Loomis writes a beautiful homage to kalo, a cornerstone of the culture and livelihood of the Hawaiian people. The poetic text combines with Pak's breathtaking illustrations to depict kalo's embodiment of the strong connection between land, water, air, sun, and the people. With his layered, textured paintings, Pak creates both beautiful pictures of the kalo and stunning panoramas of the community. A note on kalo and poi, an author's note, and a glossary are provided to explain the importance of the elements of this story. An incredible book to share with every member of your 'ohana.—Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

This 'The House That Jack Built'-style poem explores the importance of poi, the Hawaiian staple that, an author's note reports, 'no celebratory lu¯'au is complete without.' . . . The creators present this traditional practice—cultivating, harvesting, preparing, and eating a treasured food together—through the lens of Hawaiian culture.—Publishers Weekly