Wilfred Toki's writing style puts one in mind of a storyteller at a bonfire. This tale is set in Waimea Bay, before the arrival of Capt. Cook, when fish were plentiful and fishermen were careful to catch only enough to eat for the day. Moku is a fisherman who faces a particularly difficult winter when his wife falls ill:

"He went out to catch fish with his nets, but the sea was too rough. His nets tore in the fierce waves and all the fish swam free. Moku lost his sinkers, his nets, everything." Moku's attempt to reach the rocks to gather 'opihi proves too dangerous.

Finally, a he'e (octopus) offers himself to Moku and his hungry family.

Toki, a long-time Hawai'i artist, says he drew the illustrations first, using quick strokes to capture the picture before the visions in his head disappeared. This well-designed book includes information about the story's origins and about Toki's youth in Hawai'i.

In addition, Beach House Publishing has released "Hana and the Honu," also written and illustrated by Toki, about a friendship between a boy and a turtle.

This is a tale for young children about a puffer fish on his first day of school. Puffy is shy and freezes on the playground when his bragging classmates tease him. The puffer fish swims away and is befriended by a wise honu who teaches Puffy to be strong and brave. The story line has been used again and again in children's books, but this title is still worthy of consideration. Children still tease, and heroes are still made when one can overcome the fear of being harassed by peers. The sprinkle of Hawaiian sea-creature names will bring the story home for local kids. Illustrated with bright, colorful paintings and a helpful glossary on the final page.

Wow. I have never seen a picture book more strikingly illustrated or a character spring to life from the page more vibrantly than this. From the creator of the best-selling, critically-acclaimed "The Three Questions" come three Zen tales told by a thoroughly lovable giant panda named Stillwater. When Stillwater moves into the neighborhood, he brings with him just the right story for siblings Michael, Addy and Karl. For Michael, Stillwater tells of a farmer who learns not to judge luck. To Addy, he tells a tale of a poor man who gives gifts to a robber. And for Karl, he tells the story of a monk who continues to carry the weight of a burden long past.

This introduction to Zen encourages children to look at the world from a non-western perspective. The watercolor and ink drawings are a fetching blend of East and West. An author's note delves into the meaning of Zen and the teachings of Buddha.

Muth writes: "When you look into a pool of water, if the water is still, you can see the moon reflected. If the water is agitated, the moon is fragmented and scattered. It is harder to see the true moon. Our minds are like that. When our minds are agitated, we can not see the true world. Stillwater's name came from this."

This title is for both children and adults to treasure.