Kapaemahu

June 1, 2022
Grades K-3 According to legend, four dual-spirited travelers (known as mahu) journeyed from Tahiti to Hawaii, bringing their gentle ways and miraculous cures. To thank the mahu for their gifts, Hawaiians transported four large boulders to Waikiki Beach, and the mahu transferred their healing powers to the stones. Revered for generations, the stones were forgotten during colonial times but have since been recovered. Based on the award-winning documentary film of the same name, this bilingual picture book (Olelo Niihau and English) attempts to reacquaint readers with this traditional Hawaiian story, promote Olelo Niihau (the only form of Hawaiian continuously spoken since precontact days), and remind readers that mahu have traditionally been revered in Hawaiian culture. Sousa's dreamy illustrations--taken from the film--reflect the text's thoughtful tone. Legendary characters are stylized and often depicted in profile without facial features, while contemporary figures appear in greater detail. Brown shades predominate, with ocher used prominently in the magical scenes. Author and source notes are appended.

COPYRIGHT(2022) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Starred review from August 1, 2022

Gr 3-5-Kapaemahu, a reference to the four healing stones found on Waikiki Beach, is a Hawaiian legend told through the eyes of its spiritual natives. The story's opening pages highlight the journey that four Tahitians took to settle in Ulukou on Waikiki. Each of the four leaders-Kapaemahu, Kapuni, Kinohi, and Kahaloa-possessed a special healing power to help the island's inhabitants. Following their healing, the people of Waikiki showed their gratitude by moving four large boulders to their beach. This book is best suited for elementary students at the intermediate level due to its advanced vocabulary; the illustrations feature mostly dark colors to represent the mysticism and suppression of Hawaii's Indigenous people. The book is also incredibly important as a story for children to connect with regarding gender identity ("The visitors were tall and deep in voice yet gentle and soft-spoken. They were not male; they were not female") as well as cultural preservation. The latter can be translated to any culture being studied or observed in school or at home and provides a great lesson in acceptance and love in a diverse world. Few readers will have heard of the Kapaemahu. It is a wonderful story to honor the Indigenous people of Hawaii and celebrates their history beautifully, while still giving appropriate attention to the suppression of native people and the need to honor those who came before. Back matter includes glossary, author's note, and more. VERDICT This unique offering serves as a fine read-aloud in conjunction with a history lesson on Hawaii, its people, their language, and the colonization that occurred.-Kerra Mazzariello

Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from April 1, 2022
A rich retelling of an ancient Indigenous Hawaiian legend. Long ago, four mahu (spirits) traveled from Tahiti to Waikiki, Hawaii. Neither male nor female, they were "a mixture of both in mind, heart, and spirit." Each had a specific "skill in the science of healing." Their leader, Kapaemahu, "healed by laying on hands." Kapuni "possessed great spiritual power." Kinohi could look inside a person and see what was ailing them. Kahaloa had the gift of distance healing. The mahu shared their wisdom with the islanders, who, in turn, erected a monument in their honor; four enormous boulders were moved down a mountain and placed together on the beach. The mahu ceremonially transferred their powers to the rocks then vanished. For centuries the stones remained on Waikiki Beach; times changed, and eventually the monument lay forgotten under the city. It has since been recovered, but its history and meaning continue to be erased. Written in both Olelo Niihau and English, this picture book, based on the authors' Academy Award-shortlisted animated short, underscores the importance of preserving sacred spaces and is a powerful reminder of how story honors our ancestors. Filled with cultural details and beautifully illustrated in vibrant tropical colors, the book pays homage to Indigenous Hawaiian healing traditions and affirms two-spirit people. The fascinating backmatter provides background information about the original Hawaiian legend and Niihau dialect. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A poignant monument to the power of hidden Indigenous histories. (author's note, glossary) (Picture book. 7-12)

COPYRIGHT(2022) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.