“Pledge Allegiance to Knowledge” is the year’s theme of
National Book Month. Kauai’s Children’s Authors are doing just that, sharing
knowledge. As a group, Kauai Authors Guild members gather to share knowledge
with one another, passing on useful information about the publishing industry.
As individuals, they share their stories, and some pretty
interesting non-fiction and science with their young readers. To celebrate
National Book Month, the authors will be gathering for book readings,
activities and book signings at the annual Princess Ka’iulani Keiki Festival in
October. They chose this venue because the festival has a long history of
promoting literacy and was once known as the Kauai Keiki Story Fest.
Kauai author, Monika Mira has been particularly busy sharing
knowledge. This year alone, she has released three new non-fiction titles for
the Amazon Kindle, all of which are part of the ongoing Science and Nature Series for Young Readers. Amazon bestseller, SPIDERS,
teaches children all about the mysterious world of these creepy crawlies,
including everything from web building to anatomy. HAWAII’S GREEN SEA TURTLES
and FUN
FISH FACTS FOR KIDS allow children to discover the wonders of
underwater world.
As with all of Mira’s books, she takes the time to make sure
that children understand human and environmental threats to wildlife and the
importance of conservation. She will be offering a coral reef coloring activity
for children at the festival in conjunction with her award-winning title, The
Complete Hawaiian Reef Fish Coloring Book.
Mark Jeffers of Storybook Theatre is the newest member of
the Guild. However, his newly released book, The Eye of the Lion, The Story of
my First Hurricane was written over twenty years ago. The book recounts
the story of Hurricane ‘Iniki as it passes over the island of Kauaʻi
leaving a wake of destruction in its path. He shows how one Hawaiian family
prepares for the hurricane and supports each other while the storm passes over
their home. Jeffers is also one of the organizers of the Princess Ka’iulani
Keiki Fest.
Authors Carol Peacock, Susan Dierker and Wendy Lewis will be
at the festival to share their stories with children as will. Benny
the Beetle is classic bedtime story that was illustrated by Peacock’s
mother many years prior to the release of the book. Susan Dierker will be
reading her title, Knuckles the Hound of Hanalei. The story is about transition
and love as one family adopts a pet from the humane society.
Wendy Lewis not only promotes literacy, but has toured to
dozens of schools to talk about what’s new in science and technology. Her book,
Sabrina,
The Girl with a Hole in her Heart is based on a true story about a
10-year-old girl from Africa who has a heart defect that leaves her weak and
tired. Doctors in her village can't help so Sabrina must decide if she can fly
alone to a faraway place to receive the surgery she needs. This story teaches
children about the spirit and the anatomy of the human heart while tying in
science and technology.
All of the authors will be on-hand at the Princess Ka'iulani Keiki Festival to
celebrate literacy and talk story with Kauai’s Keiki. The festival will be held on October 20th, 2012 in Hanapepe town from 10-4.
