Written by Beth Greenway, Illustrated by Tammy Yee, Arbordale Publishing
Nani has always dreamed of being a princess. When a real Hawaiian princess comes to her hometown of Hilo, Nani dresses in her best clothes. But as she watches Princess Luka, who has come to save the town from a volcanic lava flow, Nani learns that there is more to being a princess than fine clothes. This incredible story of kindness and generosity is based on the historical events of the 1880-1881 eruption of Mauna Loa on the Island of Hawai‘i and the real-life Princess Luka.
Arbordale Publishing
Hardcover: 32 pages
ISBN-10: 1628559489
ISBN-13: 978-1628559484
Arbordale Publishing
Hardcover: 32 pages
ISBN-10: 1628559489
ISBN-13: 978-1628559484
REVIEWS
"A good story about the importance of kindness. VERDICT Recommended for most collections."
- School Library Journal
- School Library Journal
"History mixes with folklore in this story of the Mauna Loa volcano."
- Kirkus Reviews
"A True Princess of Hawaii" is completed by beautiful, realistic but imaginative color illustrations plus creative learning activity pages...This excellent educational book has great appeal to young readers of all ages"
- Midwest Book Review
MEDIA: Researching and creating A TRUE PRINCESS OF HAWAI'I
BEHIND THE SCENES: Illustrating "A True Princess of Hawai'i"
Years ago, I lived in Kaumana, six miles above Hilo town on the island of Hawai'i. Many of the homes were built on the remnants of the 1881 Mauna Loa eruption featured in the book, "A True Princess of Hawai'i." Evidence of the eruption was everywhere. Lava rock walls bordered tiny gardens, and black pahoehoe lava peaked through the grass, ferns and 'ohi'a trees. Nearby was Kaumana Cave, part of a miles-long lava tube that was formed during the eruption. It was the perfect place to raise two young sons!
Since then, I have been fascinated with the story of Princess Ruth's intervention to save Hilo from Pele's destruction. So I was thrilled to work with Arbordale Publishing on A True Princess of Hawai'i. Their team is devoted to creating books that encourage kids to explore, and their website features lesson plans and activities to supplement learning.
Since then, I have been fascinated with the story of Princess Ruth's intervention to save Hilo from Pele's destruction. So I was thrilled to work with Arbordale Publishing on A True Princess of Hawai'i. Their team is devoted to creating books that encourage kids to explore, and their website features lesson plans and activities to supplement learning.
Character studies and sketch of Hilo town in the 1880s.
Rough drafts for cover.
TOP IMAGE: View of Waianuenue Street from the Hilo Wharf in the 1890s, and the illustration of Keoki and Nani racing to the town pier to greet Princess Luka.
BOTTOM IMAGE: Hilo Wharf in the 1880s, and the illustration of the arrival of Princess Luka.
BOTTOM IMAGE: Hilo Wharf in the 1880s, and the illustration of the arrival of Princess Luka.
