Books entertain and teach keiki

Books are one of the best ways to introduce kids both in the islands and on the mainland to different cultural practices. They provide a nonthreatening glimpse into the lives of others and can convey values through charming stories and colorful illustrations that capture the unique aspects of island life. Here is a sampling of books that may make good gifts for the keiki on your shopping list.

"Maka the Magic Music Maker" ($14.95, BeachHouse), by Shannon Scott, is a tale of a shy young boy who loved to sing and play ukulele. People would stop and sing along when he played the "Maka Shaka Shuffle," whether or not they were busy.

A giant boar visited the village, chasing children in hopes of eating them for lunch. Maka hid in the treetops as he watched the boar’s destruction. The boar pushed over a basket that held Maka’s baby sister, Kalei. He jumped out of the tree to protect his sister. He began playing the shuffle song, which mesmerized the boar. Maka continued to play the song and led the boar away from the village. By using his natural talents, he was able to save his little sister.

The tale, illustrated by Holly Braffet, is accompanied by a CD of the author reading the book and the song "Maka the Music Maker," by Domi­nic Vespoli.

"Tutu Nene: The Hawaiian Mother Goose Rhymes" ($13.95, Island Heritage) gives traditional nursery rhymes a local spin. Debra Ryll’s pidgin take on Little Miss Muffet is accompanied by an illustration of a muumuu-clad girl’s encounter with a happy-face spider.

"Little Miss Aku sat on a pohaku, Swatting mosquitoes all day. Along came a spider, Who sat down beside her, And scared the buggahs away."

Definitions are provided with each rhyme.

Ryll received inspiration for the first version of the book after visiting Kahoolawe in the 1980s. The 2012 version features updated rhymes and illustrations by Steph­a­nie Britt of Kauai.

"Grandpa’s Mixed-Up Lu‘au" ($13.95, Island Heritage), by Tammy Paikai, is a tale that weaves together lots of misunderstandings and is bound to get some giggles from the youngsters.

Grandpa is hard of hearing and can’t properly hear grandma’s requests. She needs help shopping for the luau and asks for laulau; Grandpa brings back a halau. She asks for poi; he brings a boy. But a happy ending awaits.

A cherubic grandma and grandpa come to life with the help of Don Robinson’s colorful illustrations.

"A Coconut Named Bob" ($13.95, Island Heritage) is a charming tale about a boy and his friendship with an inanimate object. The little boy, while fishing and collecting coconuts, finds one special coconut that he places on the side. He draws two round eyes and a mouth, names it Coconut Bob and takes him everywhere.

During a storm at sea, Bob is thrown overboard and washes ashore on a beautiful sandy beach, where he sprouts leaves and becomes a tree. The boy and Bob miss each other terribly, although as time goes by, the tears subside.

One day the pair are reunited when the young boy, now a grandfather, is sharing adventures with his grandson, who found his own special coconut. The old man recognizes Bob, and the two share a quiet reunion.

The story, illustrated by Don Robinson, was authored by Austin Weaver at age 13.

Available at www.islandheritage.com.

"The Magic ‘Ukulele" ($17.95, Banana Patch Press), written by Dr. Carolan and Auntie Kealoha, takes readers on a whimsical journey of a boy traveling around the world playing his ukulele.

The book seeks to demonstrate the versatility of the instrument. By plucking the ukulele in a specific manner, the musical styles range from the "two-step into a Texas saloon," "boogie in Jamaica to a reggae tune" or a "dance with a dragon in Kowloon."

The book comes with a CD featuring a narration of the story by ukulele teacher Roy Sakuma accompanied by sound effects and melodies by Ken Emerson.

A reference section includes fun facts about the ukulele, a breakdown of the instrument’s parts and some simple chords and songs.

The illustrations by Joanna Carolan take readers around the globe. Available at www.bananapatchpress.com. — Star-Advertiser staff

Let ‘Annie’ put a smile on your face

Children love stories where a kid overcomes adversity and teaches adults a thing or two along the way.

The Broadway musical “Annie” has been one of those appealing stories ever since the production opened in 1977: An orphan starts off living the “Hard Knock Life” in an orphanage but has an unquenchable faith in “Tomorrow.” By the end of the show, she’s been adopted by super-rich Daddy Warbucks and given the president of the United States some tips on how to lift the people’s spirits despite the tough economic times.

Eleven-year-old Manoa Elementary School student Riley Newton stars as unfailingly optimistic redheaded Annie in DHT’s latest revival.

Chris Gritti co-stars as Daddy Warbucks, Autumn Ogawa as kindhearted Grace Farrell and DHT regular Lisa Konove is the comical (rather than frightening) Miss Hannigan. — John Berger

Canoes take PCC visitors on a magical holiday ride

Visit a Pacific island wonderland this holiday season at the Polynesian Cultural Center’s “Christmas in Polynesia.”

A festive canoe ride takes visitors through a live production of “The Littlest Star,” set amid Christmas lights and interspersed with musical performances, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays through Dec. 22.

From Dec. 17 to 22, the 25-minute canoe rides will also be available Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Rides begin at 6:30 p.m. and run until 8 p.m. or later, depending on demand.

Admission is $10 adults (ages 12 and older), $8 keiki ages 5 to 11 and free for kids 4 and younger. Bring a canned-food donation for the Hawaii Foodbank and receive $2 off.

The Polynesian Cultural Center is at 55-370 Kamehameha Highway in Laie. Call 293-3333 or visit www.polynesia.com. — Star-Advertiser staff