I am so so excited about Kealani Netane 's debut PB Tala Learns to Siva!!! Please go pick one up or request it at your library today to support Pacific Islander voices!!

It is going to happen!!!! I surprised my sister and parents at the airport. They're heading straight to Honolulu but I'm heading to Kona first for a couple school visits. Graduation is Friday!

I did the thing!!

This is so incredibly exciting!! 6-house auction and 2 book deal for this PB!!!

Was asked to speak to 3-5th graders about cultural appropriation vs appreciation. Kids asked great questions (how can I respectfully write about Pele, a goddess? Is Pele represented in Moana?) Their homework assignment is to ask their parents about their own cultures.

label/lable is another word I always spell wrong the first time

I seriously wanted to simply sit back and listen to the other amazing panelists and moderator. Thanks so much for having me!! (go check it out!)

It's time to start looking ahead to the '24-'25 school year! If you're an #educator, #teacher, or #librarian looking for an author to discuss craft, culture, and creativity, please reach out via the "contact" tab on my website.

Do you A) spend time to untangle and reroll B) cut the lines, toss the tangled mess, and move on with your life

All unknotted and rerolled. Successful procrastinating.

Last September I was planning to start my school tours and Pele erupted. Tomorrow, 6/4, book 2, LEI AND THE INVISIBLE ISLAND comes out and Pele has decided to erupt again. instagram.com/p/C7wiCGpxUNc/…

🌸Looking for a new adventure? LEI AND THE INVISIBLE ISLAND by Malia Maunakea is the exciting follow-up to Lei and the Fire Goddess featuring a mysterious, invisible island, dangerous spirits, and a newcomer who does not need Lei’s help…or does she? ➡️ bit.ly/3JGSne1

Orange Banner Celebration Time! This one is kinda funny. Lei and the Invisible Island is #1 on Amazon's Children's Asian and Asian American Book list... AND Kealani Netane 's Sāmoan picture book Tala Learns to Siva is #2! Stoked to be celebrating with her!

I HAVE JUST BEEN INVITED TO DO A READING AT THE PALACE!!!!!!!!!😱🤯🫨 please oh please let me be able to coordinate this into fruition

#colorado peeps! Bringing this book party to Lafayette. Hope you can make it! Festivities will include a reading, a book signing, and a traditional Hula featuring Keaka O Kalani. The library will be giving out copies of the book while supplies last (!!!) (also avail for purchase)

Launch happened! So fun to see the songs in LEI AND THE INVISIBLE ISLAND brought to life through hula

Crummy pic but I'm going back to my land surveying days, overlaying the 1883 plans of Kapiolani park w today's Google map for research that makes me oh so happy!!!

It is happening!! Free event for kamaʻāina on Oʻahu. Come listen to readings from both books in the Lei and the Legends series and take a tour of the palace. More info to come. Be sure to follow ʻIolani Palace for lots of fun events (on IG).