With the holiday season approaching, here are a handful of notable new picture books from Hawai'i publishers — and one timely title from a national publisher — to consider putting under the tree for young readers.

"TUTU KNOWS BEST" BY LYNNE WIKOFF, ILLUSTRATED BY LAUREL MEISTER; ISLAND HERITAGE, AGES 4-8, $10.99

A Yiddish folktale inspired this charming picture book about a very big Hawaiian family living in very small quarters. When the big noise and small space get to be too much, Papa seeks the help of wise Tutu. Tutu's advice surprises the family, but knowing she is so akamai, the family does as she says. Chaos ensues, but Tutu's plan becomes clear as the story unfolds. Young children will love the playful illustrations and craziness all squeezed in under one roof.

"G ... IS FOR GECKO" BY JANE GILLESPIE, ILLUSTRATED BY DON ROBINSON; BEACH HOUSE, AGES 3-6, $12.95

Local artist Don Robinson, who also did "Mr. Miyataki's Marvelous Machine," creates a delightful gecko that wanders about his island home in this new alphabet book set in Hawai'i. Very young children will appreciate Robinson's evocative, vibrant art and will enjoy following the gecko on his adventures. It gets an A+ as an alphabet primer.

"THE SLEEPING GIANT," RETOLD AND ILLUSTRATED BY EDNA CABCABIN MORAN; BEACH HOUSE, AGES 6 AND UP, $14.95

This retold folktale stands out for its warm, wondrous illustrations and a gather-'round-the-campfire storytelling feel.

An enchanted fish grows until he becomes a giant man who will eat only poi. The giant's insatiable appetite decimates his village's taro supply. A kahuna advises that chants be offered to help ease the giant's hunger, and a clever young girl named Pualani holds the key to taming the giant. This story offers one explanation for the creation of Kaua'i's Nounou Mountain.

"THE SOLDIERS' NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS" BY TRISH HOLLAND AND CHRISTINE FORD, ILLUSTRATED BY JOHN MANDERS; GOLDEN BOOKS, ALL AGES, $8.99

This holiday-themed picture book from a national publisher caught my attention. Military families will embrace the loving tribute to men and women serving in the armed forces who can't be home for the holidays.

Inspired by Clement C. Moore's famous poem, this version is set on Christmas Eve in the desert, where homesick soldiers are visited by Sergeant McClaus with his sea bag of treats and convoy of helpers:

"MORE RAPID THAN ROCKETS, HIS DRIVERS THEY CAME

When he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name:

Now, Cohen! Mendoza! Woslowski! McCord!

Now, Li! Watts! Donetti! And Specialist Ford!"

As the soldiers lay sleeping, McClaus fills their boots and helmets with family photos, homemade goodies and artwork from their children at home.

The story closes with a heartwarming wish:

"As the camp radar lost him, I heard this faint call:

'Happy Christmas, Brave Soldiers!

May Peace Come to All!' "