Rhythmically Royal! - by Caitlin Delems (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Learn about the inspiring life of Hawaiian Queen Liliʻuokalani--and her passion for music that shaped her legacy. Perfect for young readers ages 7-10.

Before Hawai'i was a US state, it was a kingdom, and Liliʻuokalani was its first and only queen. And before she was a queen, Liliʻuokalani made her mark as a composer and musician. Born in 1838, young Lili'u lived for mele, the Hawaiian word for music. She sang at the seaside, in gardens, on horseback--from dawn to dusk. As she grew up, Lili'u could never remember a time when song did not soothe her, traditional legends did not move her, and the welfare of the Hawaiian peopledid not concern her.

Lili'u's musical compositions caught the ear of the king of Hawai'i, and he commissioned her to write a song for his kingdom. Soon, her Hawaiian national anthem was sung by everyone! Her music strengthened her people, comforted them in times of sadness, and promoted aloha--peace, compassion, and love.

Caitlin DeLems's poetic text pairs beautifully with Yoko Tanaka's lush and highly accurate paintings to capture the music of Hawai'i and its queen.

About the Author

Caitlin DeLems enjoys playing piano and violin, and she loves the magic of symphony concert halls. Caitlin has carved out a niche space writing history picture books about unknown but determined female musicians and composers. She is the author of Bea Breaks Barriers!, a NCSS-CBC Notable Book, and Pitch Perfect and Persistent, which earned a Kirkus Reviews starred review.

Yoko Tanaka is a painter and illustrator. She is the illustrator of the bestselling The Magician's Elephant by Kate DiCamillo and Sparrow Girl by Sara Pennypacker, among many other titles. She is also the author/illustrator of Dandelion's Dream, which was chosen for Kate Greenaway Medal Longlist 2021, Kirkus' Best Books of 2020, and The Boston Globe' Best Books of 2020.