The “Kai and Friends” series comprises seven books. Each follows the story of a creature dealing with a struggle common to keiki – such as bullying – and shows the importance of elders.

The characters use inter-generational wisdom to find solutions to their problems. Each of the stories is grounded in contemporary issues, from ocean pollution to the Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death fungus impacting Hawaiʻi Island and Kauaʻi.

The creators of the books were at the event: co-authors PIDF president Jan Dill, Judy Dill, and Gail Omoto, and the illustrator, Gary Omoto. Gail gave several lively readings of the books to families visiting the museum, and all four creators signed books for the keiki.

In between readings, Jan shared other stories relating to the books, and Gail had activities to keep the participants active and involved. It was our second book event at Bishop Museum, and was a great success!

Our books make wonderful gifts for keiki 10 and under. They include audio CDs to help with reading and comprehension, narrated by Jack Johnson, Aaron Mahi, and others. The stories are a great way to introduce or reinforce Hawaiian language and cultural traditions.

To purchase any of our books, contact our office at (808) 595-2752. Our online bookstore will be available soon!

“Maka” is the seventh in our Kai and Friends series. It tells the story of Maka, a young tree snail, on his journey of humility and self-acceptance. As with the other books, it teaches the importance of inter-generational wisdom through a contemporary story.

In the case of “Maka,” the contemporary story is the case of the Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death fungus that has impacted over 100,000 acres on Hawaiʻi Island and was discovered on Kauaʻi earlier this year. In the book, Maka and his friends ponder why other trees in the forest are dying while their tree remains healthy.

All three co-authors were present, including our president Jan Dill, his wife Judy Dill, and Gail Omoto, who gave three readings to children attending the launch and visiting the museum that day. Keiki and kupuna alike loved Gail’s animated presentations and activities!

Bishop Museum is home to the world’s largest collection of Pacific land snails, and staff set up tables outside the gift shop where families could learn more about Hawaiʻi’s tree snails. There were dozens of shells on display and take-home magnets and information.

“Maka” and the rest of our Kai and Friends book are on sale at Bishop Museum’s gift shop, and can also be purchased by contacting our main office in Honolulu at (808) 595-2752.

Before entering Hawaiian Hall, Iokepa DeSantos asked permission for the students to enter by chanting to the staff representing Bishop Museum. In return, the Bishop Museum staff responded in a chant allowing them to enter.

At the Planetarium, the President and CEO of Bishop Museum, Blair Collis, welcomed us and talked about the museum before we learned about the stars. At the Science Adventure Center, the 2nd through 5th graders saw the Hot Spot Lava Show and learned about volcanoes.

The day ended at Sesame Street’s “The Body” exhibit where the children learned about the human body, how to take care of themselves, and eat healthy.