'Iwalani's Tree

by Constance Hale, Kathleen Peterson (Illustrations)

On the North Shore of O‘ahu, a girl named ‘Iwalani lives with her family not far from Ka‘ena Point, at the island’s westernmost tip. ‘Iwalani likes to wander down the beach to a place where an ironwood tree stands as a windbreak—just on the spot where the land becomes sand. The tree is ‘Iwalani’s playground, jungle gym, secret friend, and muse.

32 pages, Hardcover

Published September 16, 2016

Reviews

[Stella Lemper-Tabatsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hale’s ‘Iwalani’s Tree is a delight for children and adults alike. The sometimes-rhyming, always-rhythmic prose and the playful phonetic sounds of nature make for a pleasurable reading experience—out loud or in your head. The story of a young girl and her love for nature is a timeless tale with a new spin—introducing Hawaiian art and culture to those unfamiliar and evoking tastes of home for natives. The delightful main character, ‘Iwalani, escapes to nature, to a tree who “likes it when I sit and dream.” Her impulse gives the book its special charm and reaches out to the emotions of children and adults alike. Coupled with Peterson’s softly beautiful, vivid, pastel-like illustrations, this is a perfect story to soothe the soul and mind before bedtime. The incorporation of cultural history and Hawaiian legend surrounding the Ironwood tree provides an educational opportunity that complements the feel-good story. In a time where this Earth is in more jeopardy than ever, ‘Iwalani’s Tree is a beautiful reminder of the power and companionship of nature.

[Laurie Doyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful, wise, and not just for kids

[Literary Classics Book Awards & Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Iwalani is a young girl who has a special connection with an ironwood tree perched along the shoreline near her home in Hawaii. The tree provides a place of solace where she goes when she wants to get away. 'Iwalani loves listening to the long willowy needles as they whisper in the breeze. Sometimes the tree even shares her dreams with her. This beautiful children's book provides a welcome calm to storytime while providing an enchanting perspective on a child's imagination as enhanced by the magic and wonder of nature.

'Iwalani's Tree is a sweet story that resonates with the simple pleasures of childhood and the magical mystery that abounds in the world around us. Illustrations by Kathleen Peterson are a wonderful addition to this children's picture book which is sure to become a favorite bedtime read. Recommended for home and school libraries, 'Iwalani's Tree has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.