_krysta's review
5.0
I visited Hawaii recently for the first time and learning about Polynesian culture and Hawaii history and traditions was one of my favorite aspects of visiting. I went to a luau and I tried poi. I saw the taro growing in the wild and heard the story about it. I loved how this book incorporated so much of that and the interconnectedness of nature and people in poetic verses that build upon the story with each page. It incorporates colorful illustrations and the audio helps to hear the pronunciations. A helpful glossary is provided in the back as well. Educational and beautiful book.
mirandabetz's review
5.0
This is such a beautiful book! A great look at Hawaiian culture and family tradition
emeelee's review
4.0
Written in the style of "The House that Jack Built", 'Ohana Means Family traces the making of poi for an 'ohana's lu'au back to the land, rain, and sun, and people whose combined forces helped the kalo plant to grow. The text flows really well.
tiaschmidt's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I think this was fantastic! Informative with stunning illustrations. I actually really liked the repetitive nature of the story and feel it would keep young reader's attention better and help a lot with word recognition! It was beautifully told and I personally learned a LOT from the afterward. Highly recommend.
biblio_kel's review
informative
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This is a very sweet children's book about a family party. The narration is perfect and the production elements are wonderful and create a really immersive experience.
As non-Hawaiian speakers, my son and I didn't know what several of the words referred to and since it was an audiobook, there were no picture clues to help us understand. There is a glossary at the wnd which explains the terms we were unfamiliar with and so we listened to the book a second time and enjoyed it a lot more.
I think with audiobooks, it is good to have the glossary first, as this will help facilitate the listener's understanding of the story.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for giving me a free digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
As non-Hawaiian speakers, my son and I didn't know what several of the words referred to and since it was an audiobook, there were no picture clues to help us understand. There is a glossary at the wnd which explains the terms we were unfamiliar with and so we listened to the book a second time and enjoyed it a lot more.
I think with audiobooks, it is good to have the glossary first, as this will help facilitate the listener's understanding of the story.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for giving me a free digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
mbarkley's review
informative
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
brittmariasbooks's review
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
4.0
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher Spotlight Audio, Live Oak Media for providing me with the audiobook of Ohana Means Family, a picture book by Ilima Loomis and illustrated by Kenard Pak.
The book taught me about taro, a staple of the Hawaiian diet and how it is farmed and prepared. I think the audiobook will be most enjoyed while reading along with the picture book so the reader can also enjoy the illustrations as well as the music the audiobook includes. All three narrators are Hawaiian, including the author.
If you want to learn more about Hawai'i and its culture, I recommend picking up Ohana Means Family.
The book taught me about taro, a staple of the Hawaiian diet and how it is farmed and prepared. I think the audiobook will be most enjoyed while reading along with the picture book so the reader can also enjoy the illustrations as well as the music the audiobook includes. All three narrators are Hawaiian, including the author.
If you want to learn more about Hawai'i and its culture, I recommend picking up Ohana Means Family.