Isles inspire touching ‘Shark’ tale

Even as he worked through the snowy winter in Cape Cod, Mass., illustrator and author R. Kikuo Johnson drew from his island roots of his former home of Maka­wao, Maui.

His latest children’s book, "The Shark King" (Toon Books, $12.95), was released Tuesday and is already a Junior Literary Guild selection. The tale is based on an ancient Hawaiian legend of a boy, Nanaue, born to a mortal woman and the shark god Kamoho­ali‘i.

His inspiration came not only from the legend, but from diving around Molo­kini crater and the reefs off the south shore of Maui during his regular visits back home.

To check out R. Kikuo Johnson’s (pictured above) "The Shark King" or other Toon Books, visit toon-books.com.

"Ever since the publication of my first book, ‘Night Fisher,’ back in late 2005, I’ve been intermittently working on another graphic novel, but like the classic sophomore slump, I hit a wall. But, thankfully, I do a lot of editorial illustrations for The New Yorker and The , so the freelance work helps." (Johnson also illustrates a monthly advice column, "The Ombudsman," for Condé Nast Traveler.)

"The Hawaiian shark king myth really jumped out for me," said Johnson, a 1999 graduate of Seabury Hall. "I read about 10 versions of it, and although the character of Nanaue reaches puberty, and there are instances of violence and cannibalism, I kept to the story of a boy who loses his father and feeling out of place with people. I really wanted to explore the father-son relationship."

Although he had already completed a book, "The Shark King" presented its own challenges for Johnson, who studied fine art at the Rhode Island School of Design. "This is the first long comic I’ve ever done in color. The biggest challenge for me was to keep it as simple as possible. Throughout the drawing proc­ess, I was thinking ‘Clifford the Big Red Dog’ and using really simple shapes."

And Johnson has finally broken through "the wall." His next graphic novel will take place in his adopted home of Cape Cod, where he’s sure to capture the spirit of the place, much has he done for Hawaii. — Gary Chun

Global fun awaits at ‘Iolani Fair

The 21st annual ‘Iolani School Fair takes place from noon to 10:30 p.m. on Friday and April 21, at the school’s campus.

The theme this year is "Global Getaway," featuring plenty of food booths, games for all ages, rides, crafts, face-painting, a general store, a silent auction, entertainment and more.

Food booths will feature international flavors — everything from Greek food and veggie wraps to Cuban sandwiches, pasta Bolognese, and sushi and ochazuke.

You can also enjoy Hawaiian plates, malasadas, Waiola shave ice, waffle hot dogs, red velvet cupcakes from Hokulani Bakery and fresh crepes from Tango Cafe. New choices include li hing malasadas and New Orleans-style gumbo.

Look for the popular Xtreme Fun fairway, which includes a rock climbing wall, carousel, helicopter ride and bouncers. The "Ninjasaur Slide," an oversize inflatable double slide, is new this year.

The Reach for the Stars talent contest will be open to students across Hawaii at 5 p.m. Friday (grades K through 7) and 9 p.m. April 21 (grades 8 through 12), with more than $2,000 in prize money at stake.

Watch free movies on the football field at 7:15 p.m. — "Kung Fu Panda" is scheduled to screen Friday, and "Captain America" on April 21.

Admission to the fair is free, but you’ll need to buy scrip for food, rides, games and goods. From noon to 4 p.m. April 21, kids can enjoy unlimited entry to Xtreme Fun with a $20 wristband (regular rates are $1 to $2.50 per ride).

Proceeds from the fair go to student programs and campus facilities.

Parking (for $3) will be available at the Kaimuki High School football field with shuttle service to the fair.

Call the fair office at 943-2339 or visit www.iolanifair.org for more information.

Show taps ocean power

Six family-friendly ocean-themed pieces evoke the spirit of the sea in "Ocean’s Motion: The Leafy Weedy Sea Dragons & Other Dances," an anthology production that opens Friday at Kennedy Theatre on the University of Hawaii at Manoa campus.

The show features dance, music and puppets, and includes visual effects by scenic designer Meg Hana, lighting designer Asuka Endo and video projection designer Kara Miller that "transform the main stage into an enchanted, multilayered underwater world," according to a release from Kennedy Theatre.

The stars of the collaboratively created title piece are a trio of sea creatures — Foamy (performed by Walt Gaines), Bubbles (performed by Jen Dickenson and Cindy Hartigan) and Sea Bird (performed by Jillian Blakkan-Strauss and Benjamin Sota) journey to the bottom of the sea with the water spirit Sundara. Expect other characters from the depths of the ocean to make appearances, including sea anemones, manta rays, sharks, dolphins, eels, a leafy sea dragon and a 20-foot whale.

In "Water Colors," paintings by students of Hanahau‘oli School will be projected onstage to accompany the tale written by Betsy Fisher.

The UH Tahitian Ensemble is contributing two pieces to the program — one an ‘orero (chant), the other a series of dances.

Festival aims for healthier families

Kids and their families can get an introduction to a fun, healthy lifestyle at YMCA Healthy Kids Day Festival at the Bishop Museum on April 21.

Sports, nutrition and safety will be the focus of the festival, which will have booths sponsored by 15 community groups, said Susan Nakamura, event coordinator for the YMCA.

"The kids can participate in flag football, and we’re also working with the USTA (U.S. Tennis Association) to have a mini tennis court, which is really fun," Nakamura said. "We’re also working with the PGA and have a little golf area."

Also on hand will be Kalani Ahmad, a basketball freestyle artist who appeared on "America’s Got Talent."

Kids can also get tips on healthy eating from chefs from the KCC Culinary Arts Program, who demonstrate healthy cooking techniques. "Participants will get to make a healthy snack and eat it," Nakamura said.

Bishop Museum admission will be free for kamaaina and military with ID until 2 p.m.

Healthy Kids Day runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call 531-3558 or visit www.ymcahonolulu.org.