Punky Aloha by Shar Tuiasoa
Published by HarperCollins on June 7, 2022
ISBN: 0063079232
Pages: 32
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads

This charming intergenerational story tells of how Punky learns to become brave, helpful, and adventurous. When her grandmother asks her to go to the market to pick up butter, Punky feels shy and unsure. Her grandmother gives her magical, brave glasses to help her with the reminder to share her “aloha” by being helpful, giving, as well as brave. Punky has a few adventures on the way to the market and when her magical glasses break, she comes to realize that she does not need them anymore; she has a heart full of courage. Shar Tuiasoa, the author and illustrator, is Polynesian from the island of O’ahu. Her illustrations fill the pages of this book with lush and vibrant tropical colors. School libraries in particular will find this a great addition to diversity their collection of picture books about helping others and kindness.

Reviewed by Elizabeth Andersen, Dyer Elementary School