KAHULUI - Two book-launch celebrations are set Saturday for "A President from Hawaii," a new children's book published in Hawaii telling of Barack Obama's childhood in the islands.
Author Dr. Carolan, and his wife, illustrator Joanna Carolan, will be joined by award-winning music artists Amy Hanaiali'i and Keli'i Knaeali'i, who collaborated on the project in the free readings and music performances.
They will appear at 11 a.m. at Borders Books Music Movies & Cafe in Kahului. At 4 p.m. they will be at Barnes & Noble in Lahaina.
Author Dr. Carolan is a pediatrician who has been in practice for over 30 years on Kauai. He has written six previous award-winning books for children, all with Hawaiian themes and all illustrated by his wife.
In "A President from Hawai'i" (published in hard cover by Banana Patch Press, $18.95), they explore the effect growing up in the 50th state had on the youth.
The book touches on the history, cultural values and language that would have influenced him. Using quotes from the president, it presents the key concept of aloha, along with other Hawaiian values such as kokua (to help), lokahi (unity) and 'ohana (family).
In her illustrations, Joanna Carolan uses photos of Obama as a child, along with original art, and historic and contemporary photos in a lively collage style.
Haniali'i, Maui's 12-time Na Hoku Hanohano Award-winning and three-time Grammy-nominated vocalist, narrates the audio CD accompanying the book.
Her new rendition of the song "These Islands" was recorded exclusively for the audio CD, which also includes traditional Hawaiian chants performed by Kumu Hula Healani Youn.
She will sing at the event accompanied on slack key guitar by Kaneali'i, winner of six Na Hoku Hanohano Awards.
"A President from Hawai'i" is distributed by Booklines Hawaii (www.booklineshawaii.com). For more information, contact info@bananapatchpress.com or visit www.bananapatchpress.com
