"THE HAWAI'I SNOWMAN" by Christine Le, illustrated by Michel Le; Mutual Publishing, ages 4-8

In this sumptuously illustrated and imaginatively conceived picture book by husband-and-wife team Christine and Michel Le, a lonesome snowman is granted his wish to come to Hawai'i for Christmas. Ultimately, the snowman's own warmth and generosity leave him in peril. This is a truly an all-around enchanting holiday story. Artist Michel Le grew up in France, studied at the Sorbonne, and served as senior art director for Marvel Comics Creative Services in New York.

"KA'IMI'S FIRST ROUND-UP" by Ilima Loomis, illustrated by Don Robinson; Island Heritage, ages 4-8

A quiet, charming paniolo tale written in lyrical prose by Ilima Loomis and illustrated by one of the finest children's book artists working in Hawai'i, Don Robinson. Ka'imi is a young boy filled with excitement in anticipation of taking part in his first roundup. But, as with all good stories, Ka'imi's cattle drive does not turn out exactly as one might expect.

"NAUPAKA" by Nona Beamer, illustrated by Caren Ke'ala Loebel-Fried, with music by Keola Beamer; Bishop Museum Press, ages 4-8

A lovely, authentic Hawaiian find — combining good storytelling, beguiling illustrations and a companion CD read by the late, beloved Nona Beamer, set to the gentle background music of her son Keola Beamer. "Naupaka" is an ancient Hawaiian tale of a princess who falls in love with a commoner. The story is told in English with the Hawaiian translation by Kaliko Beamer-Trapp. Illustrated in rich, radiant block prints, a wonderful choice for holiday giving.

"A KEIKI'S FIRST WORD BOOK" in English and Hawaiian, Puakea Nogelmeier, editor; Bess Press, ages infant to 3

On the heels of the successful "From Aloha to Zippy's" comes this delightful first word book designed specifically for Hawai'i preschoolers and toddlers to learn the Hawaiian words for everyday items. Brightly colored photographs pop off the pages of white background, and a hidden object lies behind a secret door on each page. Destined to be another hit in the series, and deservedly so.

"TIQRI THE LITTLE SNOW FOX: A TALE OF THE NORTH PACIFIC" by Tamara Montgomery and Jodi Parry Belknap, illustrated by Joseph D. Dodd; Calabash Books, ages 3-6

Although there is a reason TiQri (pronounced Tee-Kree) the young snow fox was born the color of snow, he still longs to be more colorful. It takes a few changes in coat color for TiQri to appreciate the fur he was born into. This is the second in a series of books by Montgomery, Belknap and Dodd dedicated to endangered species, and cultures and environments of the Pacific Rim. The book, inspired by an Arctic Circle tale, comes with a CD for kids to make masks of their favorite characters, and gives teachers standards-based activities for classroom use.