Locally published books make a classic gift even more special with themes and characters that echo what Hawaii’s keiki see in their own lives. This year’s top picks include slipper-wearing dinosaurs, a humpback whale that saves Santa, a child who loves saimin, a mystery about stolen eggs and a celebration of local holidays.

"Kekoa and the Egg Mystery"
By Tia Monteaux Walls (BeachHouse Publishing, $14.95)

When the eggs go missing from the family coop, Kekoa suspects perhaps the University of Hawaii cap-wearing bus driver, his muumuu-clad teacher or the local baker might have stolen his breakfast.

But this is Hawaii, and the thief is not one of his aloha-filled neighbors, but a mongoose.

Little Kekoa learns not to accuse the people around him and even finds compassion in his heart enough to spare an egg for his new furry friend.

A captivating story with a funny conclusion and a lesson make for a quality book.

"Plenty Saimin"
By Feng Feng Hutchins (Island Paradise Publishing, $12.95)

There is a historical context to this book that might require a bit of explanation to the packaged-ramen generation; however, a parent or grandparent reading it at bedtime will appreciate the extra effort.

Set in the ’50s, "Plenty Saimin" tells of a mother and son walking through a rural farm village to buy flour to make noodles from scratch. The illustrations by Adriano F. Abatayo III have rich details and soft colors not usually seen in children’s books.

Underneath the historical setting, it’s a tale that has been told before. The boy invites everyone he meets to dinner as his mother frets there will not be enough noodles to go around. Of course, the child’s generosity rules the day as each guest brings something to add to the pot, and dinner is much richer for the added company.

The book closes with an author’s note explaining the historical relevance of saimin and an easy recipe for the dish, a perfect project for a cool winter afternoon this Christmas vacation.

"A Hawai’i Christmas Tail"

By Riki Inzano (Mutual Publishing, $12.95)

Puilani, a young humpback whale, gets separated from his pod on the migration from Alaska to Hawaii and founders alone in the middle of the ocean.

The whale seems to swim off the pages of "A Hawai’i Christmas Tail" with bold drawings that portray his multicolored whale songs and rainbow sonar.

Then Puilani notices that Santa and his reindeer, disoriented by a storm, are in danger of crash-landing in the ocean, and the whale swims to the rescue. With encouragement from Santa, Puilani finds his way to the islands and his family.

It’s rare to find a holiday book about Hawaii. Most kids’ books this time of year focus on scenes of snow-covered trees and stocking-adorned fireplaces. It’s a fresh sight to see Santa on a post-Christmas holiday enjoying the warm weather on an outrigger canoe.

"Celebrating Holidays in Hawai’i"
By Leslie Ann Hayashi (Mutual Publishing, $14.95)

This offering would make a great gift for kids here or on the mainland. "Celebrating Holidays in Hawai’i" takes readers through the year and each of the unique holidays traditionally observed in the islands.

With Japanese, Chinese and Vietnamese New Year’s, Malasada Day, Lei Day and Chusok (Korean Autumn Night) among the holidays represented, it’s a lesson in the cultural pluralism we live with every day.

Each holiday includes a short description of the celebration and a recipe, activity or craft kids can do to participate in the festivities wherever they might live.

"If You Were a Dinosaur in Hawai’i"
Illustrated by Holly Braffet (BeachHouse Publishing, $7.95)

Aimed at toddlers, this selection is everything you hope for in a local board book.

Dinosaurs dancing hula and surfing? Check. Dinosaurs eating shave ice and plate lunch? Check. Dinosaurs interacting with sharks and mynah birds? Check.

Just one drawback: It’s so adorably illustrated, your little one will have you reading it over and over and over.