Punky Aloha was a book I found in an email newsletter from the publisher. I then looked it up on a site where we can order and find book information and occasionally, a full reader copy. And Shar Tuiasoa’s book was there with a reader copy link I could use.
I was blown away by how adorable Punky Aloha was. There she was in her big glasses, her piled-high hair and her impishly sweet smile. I was hoping Punky would not be a “bratty kid” as modern books seem to make young protagonists of late. And I was pleased to see that instead she was a spirited, shy, goofy, good friend, who is relatable even to adults.
Punky is spunky and an adventurer. But she was not always that way. She was shy and did not like to meet new people. And one day her beloved grandmother needs her to go to the store to get butter for her famous, wonderful banana bread. By herself! But with the help of her grandmother’s special glasses and the spirit of aloha, she is able to conquer her fears, make new friends, and find out how brave she is.
The artwork is “simply diiiiviiine daaarling!” (that’s my comment, not Punky speaking). It is bold, brassy, and classy. The colors bring out the culture and community that Punky lives in. You see the character travel around O’ahu and you see how no matter where you are from, there is nothing you cannot do if you try hard enough.
Of course, the talking animals is a little funny at first, but you can decide if it is Punky’s imagination or she is really attending a party with wild pigs. Set for the younger ages (three to about seven) it is really an any aged book as you can read aloud or have a child solo read.
Overall, just a delightful quick read for the adult, and a way to introduce a great new character to your library.
