November 17, 2010
Contributed by Thomas Yoshida
"We're thrilled to see our Hawaiian artists and authors receive this recognition," said Dr. Kēhau Cachola Abad, the director or Kamehameha Publishing. "The awards remind us that our Hawaiian books are valued not only here in Hawai'i but also among readers beyond our shores."
Kohala Kuamo'o won the bronze award for Best Illustrator, which was given to artist Aaron Kawai'ae'a, who is also the father of author and Kamehameha Schools Kapālama fifth-grader Kekauleleanae'ole Kawai'ae'a. The mo'olelo (story) recounts the journey of their ancestor, Nae'ole, and his quest to save the infant Kamehameha. Also revealed in the story is the origin of numerous place names in Kohala that are linked to Nae'ole's travels. The book's release earlier this year commemorated the 200th anniversary of Kamehameha's unification of the Hawaiian Islands.
Mohala Mai 'o Hau won the bronze medal in the Multicultural Picture Book category, which was awarded to author Robert Lono 'Ikuwā and illustrator Matthew Kāwika Ortiz. Their whimsical storybook shares a mo'olelo of four sisters, Niu, Pūhala, Lehua, and Hau. The youngest, Hau, is overshadowed by her beautiful and talented older sisters. But with the help of her kupuna, Hau begins to blossom as she discovers her unique talents and contributions.
The Moonbeam Awards were created by Michigan-based book marketing firm Jenkins Group to bring increased recognition to exemplary children's books and their authors, illustrators, and publishers. Moonbeam Award winners represent the best books published for children and young adults during the previous year.
Judging panels of teachers, students, and book reviewers chose medalists in 37 categories, and winning books came from a diverse group of long-established publishers, university presses, small presses, foundations, and self-publishers. Entries came from throughout North America and the English-speaking world, and medals went to books representing 34 U.S. states, five Canadian provinces, and two countries overseas.
The Moonbeam Awards ceremony was held during the first annual Traverse City Children's Book Festival, on Nov. 13, in Traverse City, Mich.
Kamehameha Schools’ policy is to give preference to applicants of Hawaiian ancestry to the extent permitted by law.
