"Winter is for Whales: A Book of Hawaiian Seasons" by Ron Hirschi, Yuko Green illustrator; Island Heritage, ages 6-10

Author Ron Hirschi draws on his experience as a fisheries biologist, writer and teacher to create a balanced blend of fact and fun in this picture book that explores Hawaiian seasons.

The book's cover, a fanciful die-cut whale illustration with a magnetic closure, hints at a number of lift-a-flap inserts on the pages that follow. The wet winter season and the dry summer months are observed through changes in nature, from monster-sized winter waves to the annual departure of the kolea birds.

The writing has just as much kid-friendly appeal as the book's design. Starting with the beginning of winter and the arrival of our humpback whales, Hirschi writes:

"Bigger than buses, the whales swim more than 2,500 miles each winter from Alaskan waters. Hey snorkelers, try downloading this — just beneath the waves, the male whales could be heard singing. As the female whales listened, they most likely used the songs to help them choose a mate."

Big Island artist Yuko Green's watercolor and paper collage illustrations are as varied and engaging as the text.

Educators could put together a good lesson on Hawai'i's seasons, pairing "Winter is for Whales" with the recently published "Sun and Rain: Exploring Seasons in Hawai'i" by Stephanie Feeney.

"Little Malia's Big Poi Idea" by Jocelyn Calma, Don Robinson illustrator; Island Heritage, ages 3-6

The theme of Little Malia's Big Poi Idea is familiar to anyone with young children — Malia is obsessed with one particular food — poi. The story begins:

"Here's a story of little Malia,

a picky girl with a big idea to change the food in all her meals,

to the only thing she found ideal."

The rhyming text at times feels forced, but Robinson's artwork is what makes Malia's story memorable. Robinson's Malia is a feisty little local girl with an oversized head, enormous eyes, and a tiny body that is at once wholly captivating. Robinson is one of the most exciting and original Hawai'i artists working today in locally published children's books. Here's hoping Robinson continues in this genre.

"Daddy, What is Love?" by Jane Shapiro, Don Robinson, illustrator; Island Heritage, ages 3-6

This book is a comforting ode of unconditional love from a father to his child. The first double-page spread begins with two simple sentences:

"Daddy, what is love?"

"Love is in my smile since you became part of our 'ohana."

This sparse, poetic text lends itself to unlimited possibilities for illustration, and the illustrations are what truly make this book sing. Local artist Don Robinson's images, set in ancient Hawai'i, are a delicious mix of bold, stark, and warmth, with refreshing perspectives.

Don Robinson also illustrates author Jocelyn Calma's "Little Malia's Big Poi Idea." As you'd expect, instead of the serious tone of the art in "Daddy, What is Love," here Robinson gets whimsical, silly and fun.

Jolie Jean Cotton is a Honolulu freelance writer. Her reviews of children's books appear here on the first Sunday of the month.