‘Honey Girl’ shares true tale of monk seal

“Honey Girl: The Hawaiian Monk Seal,” by Jeanne Walker Harvey (Arbordale Publishing, $17.95), tells the tale of Honey Girl, a local monk seal who was referred to as “super mom” by scientists because she raised seven pups.

The real-life story shows how Honey Girl, who frequented the North Shore of Oahu, was injured by a fishhook. The hook was removed by scientists who helped nurse her back to health. Honey Girl was released back into the ocean with a tracking device so scientists could see where she was traveling and if she was hunting for food. She gave birth to an eighth pup on the beach at Turtle Bay, where she stayed for six weeks to care for her baby.

Keiki can learn the importance of cleaning marine debris from our oceans, the life cycle of a monk seal and fun facts about the creatures in an educational section. Vibrant illustrations are provided by Shennen Bersani.

PRINCESS VISIT INSPIRES STORY

“A True Princess of Hawaii,” by Beth Greenway (Arbordale Publishing, $17.95), is inspired by Princess Luka’s visit to Hilo in the 1880s in which she implored Pele to stop the lava flow from Mauna Loa. The tale is told from the perspective of Nani, a young girl who longs to be a princess. An educational section at the back of the book offers activities and information, including the historical story of Princess Ruth Luka Keanolani Kauanahoahoa Ke‘elikolani’s visit to Hilo.

The author lives in Mississippi but resided in Hawaii for many years, where she raised three daughters, who all danced hula. Illustrator Tammy Yee grew up in Honolulu and has worked on more than 30 books.