LET'S LIVE ALOHA

Ebalaroza-Tunnell introduces the universal spirit of Hawaiian Aloha and its cultural and practical significance.

The narrator, Dr. G, whom we meet in a classroom, says: “Aloha is a powerful word that comes from the islands of Hawaii and has many beautiful meanings.” Dr. G has tan skin, dark brown hair, and kind eyes, and she wears a pretty yellow dress. Although “Aloha” means both “hello” and “goodbye,” it can also mean ”love,” she explains to the class. She provides a fun way of remembering the spirit of ALOHA: The letter A is for “ask,” so we can learn new ways of doing things. L is for “listen,” to really hear what others have to share. O is for “observe,” particularly the physical manifestations of our feelings. H is for “heart,” and the final A is for “adapt,” so we can change our attitudes and behaviors to grow and thrive. For each letter, Dr. G offers activities children can do, including journaling and breathing exercises. The text uses simple vocabulary and short sentences to describe relatively complex ideas, and Fadhilah’s cartoonlike illustrations of children of different races and ethnicities practicing the activities set a serene, inclusive scene.

A kindhearted, instructive tale with a Hawaiian twist.