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Deeper Into The Hawaiian Language
Mahalo Does Not Mean Trash follows a family who shares Hawaii’s culture and traditions with a relative who is visiting from California. What was the inspiration for your story?
Born and raised in the middle of the Pacific Ocean on the island of Oahu, my ancestors go back to the kings and queens of Hawai’i. After moving to California when my children were 1, 3 and 5 years old, I saw that my children weren’t learning their culture, their lineage and their language. As a father I needed to teach my children about their rich culture and the best way was through stories. This was a story I told them when they were still toddlers with each of them as the main characters. Who best to teach them this important cultural word and value than their grandparents who possess so much wisdom and love that needs to be passed down before they pass on.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Although this is a story focused on Mahalo (gratitude), you will find the other two most important Hawaiian words/values weaved throughout: Aloha (love) and Ohana (family). We wanted to take the reader(s) deeper into the Hawaiian language so that people can get a better understanding of what makes Hawaii so special. Understanding the true meaning of gratitude by breaking down the word MAHALO, we hope that you will gain a new appreciation for the power of gratitude. It’s our hope and prayer that this book will bring a new level of kindness and gratitude around the world.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
We wanted to use Pupu and Papa as the “teacher(s)” because most times parents are busy trying to teach their children reading, writing and arithmatic so they can do well in school, whereas grandparents can be a conduit for the “important” learning and loving that is so needed in this world we live in: be kind, be grateful, be a good person and leave things, people and places better than when you found them or they found you.
Thanks” or “thank you” is one of the most used phrases in our language and often times used out of habit without any thought. Because of this, the typical response to “thanks” is also usually thrown out without thought or consideration with phrases like, “no problem”, “any time” or “it was nothing”. By being haphazard about our response, we diminish the importance of the person’s gratitude. As we see in the book, when someone says “Mahalo” they are acknowledging your divine breath. Knowning the meaning of Mahalo should make you think twice about how you respond next time.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
This is the first of three children’s books in our MAHALOHANA series that talks about the three greatest words in the Hawaiian Language: Mahalo, Aloha and Ohana. As we said earilier, this was one of the stories that I told my children when they were younger and now they feel it’s was time for us to share it with the world. The next book on Aloha (love) will be ready by February and the final children’s book on Ohana (family) will be available right before summer.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Website
Discover the significance of Mahalo, the sacred Hawaiian word for thanks, through the perspectives of three remarkable young authors!
Hiwa and Keao are introduced to their relative from California. Although his interpretation of ‘Mahalo’ is incorrect, it gets them to ponder the word’s meaning, and it will do the same for you!
This award winning children’s book is a heartwarming story about gratitude and the true meaning of this treasured Hawaiian tradition taught by pupu (grandma) to her mo’opuna (grandchildren).
Within this beautiful Hawaii book for kids and above, you will find:
✔Three Adorable Main Characters: Learning about their culture and how to be better human beings
✔Written By: AJ Paki Perkins and his three talented teenage children
✔Inspired by: Author’s Home State of Hawaii and its hospitable Culture
Learn Thankfulness with the Beauty of Aloha Islands
Interesting knowledge, amazing penmanship, and a fun-filled storyline to educate your kids and bond with them at the same time.
The kindness book for kids, ‘Mahalo Does Not Mean Trash,’ is here to be a source of both education and entertainment for your little ones. It is an inspiring story, brimming with the marvels of beautiful Hawaiian culture. In the Aloha state, Mahalo means ‘thank you,’ and using it is a wonderful way to demonstrate to your kids on how to show appreciation towards friends and loved ones.
Kindness, Compassion, and Connection to the Ancestors
‘Mahalo Does Not Mean Trash’ is not just any book for 4-year-olds. It is a recipe for kindness to be instilled upon growing minds.
You don’t even need to have ties to the Hawaiian culture to fall in love with this kid’s book about Hawaii. The uplifting message within, intertwined with a strong connection to ancestors and pure culture, will appeal to readers of every background or age.
Who knows? You could even pick up a few new Hawaiian words too!
A Priceless Literary Treasure and Token of Appreciation
An inspirational book for kids, written with care to distribute affection, with some hidden lessons for both young and old.
Great Birthday, Christmas, and Thanksgiving gifts for kids, if you are looking for something special this holiday season. This gratitude gift will definitely bring some aloha spirit into any home or classroom!
Learn About the Culture of the Gorgeous Aloha Islands
A fantastic opportunity to educate your children more about Hawaii!
This thanksgiving book for children delivers a beautiful narrative while also exposing youngsters to the Hawaiian language. If you’re planning a trip to Hawaii, it is an ideal read on the airplane, hotel room, or beach.
MORE ABOUT THE BOOK
Perks Publishing, LLC, was founded and is owned by the three siblings (ages 13, 15, and 17) who created the book with their father. The foreword is written by Lee Brower of ‘The Secret’ who talks about the Gratitude Rock.
Mahalo Does Not Mean Trash
When a young boy from California visits his cousins for the first time in Hawaii, he becomes confused about why people keep calling each other trash. What starts as simple misunderstanding blossoms into frustration and anger between the young cousins. It takes a patient Pupu (grandmother) to explain the real meaning of Mahalo and teach the children a valuable lesson about their Hawaiian culture.
Mahalo Does Not Mean Trash is an educational and inspiring story about family, traditions, and culture. Written by AJ Paki Perkins and his three teenage children, they work together to create this fascinating and outstanding children’s book. This is more than just a story about the meaning of Mahalo; it is the blending of cultures and sharing of one’s heritage. It is also a lesson in gratitude and appreciation for each other and the land that we live on.
One of my favorite parts of this magnificent book is the resources at the end. Hawaiian words can be confusing to non-natives, especially the pronunciation. The authors have included a pronunciation guide and a list of Hawaiian language words with their definitions. This children’s book is on the longer side, at over 60 pages, but the colorful illustrations play well with the vibrant setting of Hawaii. The character’s expressions really add to the story and keep children engaged. While some of the dialog can get confusing, it is a beautiful lesson for small children on diversity. The details the authors have included make this story personal and relatable.
Mahalo Does Not Mean Trash is an engaging and beautiful written children’s book that teaches about the culture of Hawaii and the importance of gratitude. Children will love reading about the cousins as they spend time with the Pupu and Papa and experience the wonderful things that the island of Hawaii has to offer.
Pages: 65 | ASIN : B0BMSKP91Z
LITERARY TITAN 