Story of Hina

by Patrick Ching, Pat Hall (Illustrator)

Children learn about the life cycle of monk seals and the importance of respecting wildlife as they follow Hina, a seal with a moon-shaped birthmark, from birth to adulthood. Based on a true story.

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1998

About the author

Patrick Ching is an internationally known wildlife artist who spent years of his life as a wildlife ranger, living among seals and turtles on the remote Northwestern Hawaiian Islands now known as Papahānaumokuākea. He has written many books on Hawaiian wildlife including Sea Turtles of Hawaii and The Hawaiian Monk Seal.

Reviews

[McKenna Weber · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very touching story with beautiful illustrations. I want this book in my classroom because of its engaging visuals, sweet message, and because it has some native Hawaiian words which would be great to expose my students to.

[Alisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book because it helps children learn about Hawai'i's monk seals and teaches students some Hawaiian words. In the story Makuahine (mother) Monk Seal has a baby pup named Hina. When Hina was grew older, Makuahine Monk Seal left because her job as a mother was over and Hina had to care for herself. Hina meets other animals like Nicky Nai'a (dolphin) and Henry Honu (turtle). At the end of the story the wildlife officials flew china to a different beach full of monk seals and was even reunited with her mother. This is a great book to show kids because it helps them learn not to disturb the monk seals while they are resting. The illustrations are also beautiful.

[Dolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful and true story about a Hawaiian monk seal born on Kauai in 1991. They named her Hina, after her shiny gray color. We bought this book during our vacation on Kauai and coincidently, we happened to discover a monk seal basking on the beach later that day. It made the book that much more real for us and we really enjoyed reading it together.