Hula Lullaby

by Erin Eitter Kono

Against the backdrop of a beautiful Hawaiian landscape, a young girl cuddles and sleeps in her mother's lap.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Aapi, Cultural, Music, Storytime

32 pages, Hardcover

First published May 18, 2005

About the author

Erin is an award winning author and illustrator. She studied Art History at the University of Iowa and the University of Hull in England. She studied Graphic Design and Writing through UCLA Extension in Westwood, CA.

Reviews

[Jon Nakapalau · Rating 5 out of 5]

A mother holding her child sings a lullaby...beautiful story with wonderful illustrations. So many traditions have been lost to the Hawaiian people; it really is a sad commentary that the culture has been modified to the taste of tourists. So many of the traditions are now 'hollowed' out; books like this are a way to try to reconnect with some of those lost traditions.

[Kelechi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes I think certain cultures are focused on more than others and we forget that there are sooo many kinds of people in the world at large. I really liked this book because it is perfect for bed time or for the younger grades nap time. It highlights aspects of Hawaiian culture and the illustrations are well done also. A definite bonus to any class library.

[Dolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweetly soothing and rhythmic song that illustrates the beauty of hula and the way that nature is so deeply a part of the Hawaiian culture. It's a fun book to read aloud, especially at bedtime.

[Maura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This narrative book tells us about the Hawaiian cultural, and the love between a mother and her daughter. The mother is telling her daughter all the beautiful things in Hawaii while the daughter is laying on her mother's lap. The author Erin Kono puts real Hawaiian language in the book to bring out the Hawaiian cultural. When you read this book you legitimately feel as if you are in Hawaii, with the gentle cool Hawaiian air blowing through your hair. I would use this book in my classroom to show how the Hawaiian cultural is perceived, and how a mother shows her daughter love.

[Sharmin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has beautiful illustrations! It a great book to learn about the Hawaiian culture. It is a story about a mother saying a lullaby to her daughter before bed.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bright colored pictures nice repetitive words and there is some rhyming too. Might be a little long for toddlers but there is a part that can be interactive "thump tap thump-a tap"

[Shawn Thrasher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous, gorgeous pictures - a lovely book!

[Ashra Vahora · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best grade for this book would be preschool grade. The charming and soothing bedtimes story set in the Hawaii. The book follows a mother and her child as they go through their evening routine, ending with a gentle hula lullaby that celebrates the beauty and tranquility of the Hawaiian landscape. The centers on the serene moments shared between the mother and child as they enjoy the sights and sounds of the island. They experience the gentle sway of the palm trees, the sound of the ocean waves, and the warmth of the tropical breeze. The mother sings a lullaby that incorporates elements of Hawaiian culture and nature, creating a peaceful and loving atmosphere. The interesting is ability to transport readers lush and calming environment of Hawaii. The illustrations are vibrant and capture the essence of the island's natural beauty. The story also introduces young readers to Hawaiian words and cultural elements, making it both an educational and comforting read.

[Reagan Fulton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this lullaby book. I do not think I would put it in a classroom because it does make you sleepy listening to it or reading it, but I would definitely read it to my own kids. The illustrations were beautiful too.

[Ariel Cummins · Rating 3 out of 5]

Story time with a twist -- it depicts the culture of Hawaii and highlights the sounds, language, dance, and music of the islands.

Bright colors give the book a jubilant feel that matches the happy text.

Great for bedtime! Could be fun for a bed time around the world storytime!

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

A simple lullaby with the occasional Hawaiian word thrown in. The illustrations are beautiful and the overall effect is calming. A decent, but not outstanding, group read aloud.

[Hailey Licata · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an adorable Hawaiian book. It is full of imagery, rhymes and fun creative illustrations. This book is a very relaxing, yet still fun, read.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

tropical, beach, Hawaii

[Adeline Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 2 year old daughter loves this book and asks for it over and over again.