Iki, The Littlest 'Opihi

by Tammy Yee

Opihi are shellfish that live clinging to rocky shores. But Iki, the littlest opihi, seeks adventure in the open ocean. Will he ever join the other opihi and learn to "stick to it"?

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1998

About the author

Tammy Yee is the author and/or illustrator of more than 40 children's books. She grew up in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi where she explored tide pools, swam in streams, and wrote and illustrated spooky stories her teachers politely read. After she graduated from college, she worked as a pediatric nurse.
Having children rekindled her love for picture books, so in 1994 she exchanged her stethoscope for a paintbrush, and she's been writing and illustrating ever since. In 2022, she was inducted into the Children's Literature of Hawaii's (CLH) Hall of Fame.

Reviews

[Gabi · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you live in Hawai'i or have been to the beaches of Hawai'i, chances are, you have seen an 'opihi. Iki, the littlest of his 'opihi friends, wanted to explore the world instead of sticking to the rocks like everyone else. So, as the wave came, he floated away and drifted around the ocean. This is a very cute book that many children will love, even if they have never heard or seen of an 'opihi. Tammy Yee also uses different Hawaiian words throughout the book and includes a glossary at the end so readers can learn new Hawaiian words if they do not know them already. This book would be great to use in the classroom as you start an ocean unit. Your students can explore the ocean just like Iki did. It can also teach children to be brave as Iki had many instances where he showed his braveness whether it was going off to explore by himself or when the shark approached him with sharp white teeth. The colorful illustrations also help to bring the book and story to life, making it enjoyable for all readers.

[Cameron Lazenberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full five on this one. It was informative, colorful and just a nice fresh approach to a child's story through the lens of a culture I'm not familiar with (Hawaii). It's pretty good and I love the rough and touch story theme of something so small and cute.

[Dolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tammy Yee is widely known in Hawaii for her illustrations and fun children's books. We have read several of her stories and enjoyed this one as well. Iki, the little opihi, likes to float in the current and see the world; he doesn't want to settle down yet. And then when he does, an opihi picker comes to get him.

All I can say is...yum? Opihi, while quite cute in picture books, are quite delicious and a Hawaiian delicacy. Iki, of course, has a happy ending, but I have a feeling there is a Hawaiian family out there who is sad that they are missing out on a tasty treat. Cute story, cute illustrations. Our girls like this book.

[Dani Hickman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Iki is a free spirited opihi who travels the ocean in spite of the other opihi judging Iki for not settling down into the "opihi" way. Once Iki picks the spot that he wants to make his home his ability to "stick to it" is tested. Being from Hawaii, I really enjoyed this story about opihi and the lesson of rewarded determination.