Punky Aloha - by Shar Tuiasoa (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Punky loves to do a lot of things--except meeting new friends. She doesn't feel brave enough. So when her grandmother asks her to go out and grab butter for her famous banana bread, Punky hesitates. But with the help of her grandmother's magical sunglasses, and with a lot of aloha in her heart, Punky sets off on a BIG adventure for the very first time"--

Book Synopsis

Meet Punky Aloha: a girl who uses the power of saying "aloha" to experience exciting and unexpected adventures!

Punky loves to do a lot of things--except meeting new friends. She doesn't feel brave enough.

So when her grandmother asks her to go out and grab butter for her famous banana bread, Punky hesitates. But with the help of her grandmother's magical sunglasses, and with a lot of aloha in her heart, Punky sets off on a BIG adventure for the very first time.

Will she be able to get the butter for grandma?

Punky Aloha is a Polynesian girl who carries her culture in her heart and in everything she does. Kids will love to follow this fun character all over the island of O'ahu.

Review Quotes

This is a tender, happy story that will make a delightful read-aloud.

- Booklist

A bold palette of verdant greens and rich teals set against warm golds and browns easily evokes the island setting, while curvy, exaggerated figures and simple, linear compositions give the digital art an airy effortlessness. With her messy topknot, flip-flops, and skateboard, bespectacled Punky is an utterly charming protagonist, and her narration moves effectively from early anxiousness to confident triumph. Break out a pair of oversized shades to give some added oomph to some readers' theatre or an island-themed storytime. - Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

[Illustrations] lush in greens, blues, oranges, and yellows summon the island's warmth, giving an airy ease to a sweet intergenerational story of interacting with one's community--and gaining a "heart full of courage." - Publishers Weekly