The Story of Chinaman's Hat

by Dean Howell (Illustrator)

A Chinese boy grows enormous and floats across the ocean to old Hawai'i in this new legend about the origin of Chinaman's Hat islet in Kane'ohe Bay.

Genres: Childrens, Picture Books, Fiction

36 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 1990

Reviews

[Kurt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book in the rental unit I'm currently living in on the island of Oahu. Being a little behind on my goal of reading 32 books for the year, I decided it was time for a short children's book to help me get caught up.

I enjoyed this story of the lovelorn young boy named Lick Bean, who wanted so badly to impress a young girl but felt inadequate because of his small stature. In his overzealous quest to grow, he seriously overdoes it and becomes so large that his hat becomes the famous Chinaman's Hat Island off the eastern coast of Oahu.

A fun book with very nice illustrations. Now I just wish I had some grandchildren who I could read great children's books like this one to.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Erin brought me this book from a trip to Hawaii. It is a charming folktale.

[Siskiyou-Suzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yesterday, I found it when I stopped at Goodwill on a whim. My mother bought this book for me in Hawaii. I remember loving it and she remembers me loving it. She says she thinks I adored it so much because it was one of our only books that was really and truly mine. Me and my three siblings had so many books all kept in this large cabinet, so naturally we shared them, but this one was mine. I remember adoring it and reading it and re-reading it.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know this is a child's book but it is one of my favorites. I read it while living in Hawaii and fell in love with the creative story. It is so easy to read and fun to read to kids at bed time. I bought a copy just for me and my kids are not allowed to touch it.

[Jai Baraoidan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the book that you always remember as a kid. Growing up in Hawaii, Hawaiian culture was taught in school. Many of the Hawaiian studies teachers tell stories of ancient Hawaii, but this one was just classic to me. It's like flavor you can always recognize. It's always remembered.