When a boy named Kekoa is swept out to sea by a large wave, he prays for help to the Hawaiian god Kanaloa and several types of fish come to Kekoa’s rescue. Kanaloa then rewards each fish with special abilities to allow them to protect themselves from predators. More than just a charming story, this tale reminds us of the value of helping others. This bilingual “flip” book tells the same story in English and in ‘olelo Hawai‘i.
This story was written and illustrated by students of the Kanu o ka ‘Aina New Century Public Charter School, located in rural Waimea in the Kohala district of Hawai‘i Island. Originally printed in 2004, this revised edition also features an updated cover design.
Winner of the 2005 Samuel M. Kamakau Award for Hawai‘i Book of the Year, Excellence in Children’s Books, and Excellence in Illustration.