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Two Hawaiian mice, Kimo and Kalini,
are best of friends. Friendly and adventurous, they love the beach and
enjoy playing in and around the Pacific Ocean. Once, while playing on
the beach at Halona Beach Cove, locally known as “Cockroach Bay,” Kimo
discovers a tiny driftwood surfboard charm necklace, which he and
Kalini use to surf on the waves. They get worried when they spot Bobo,
a tourist mouse, moving too close to the dangerous Halona Blowhole,
next to Cockroach Bay. Disregarding the dangers, Kalini saves him, and
Kimo, in turn, saves Kalini’s aloha charm, which she had lost while
saving Bobo. They all stay friends forever.
Harris delivers an adorable story about friendship and surfing. Using
the adventures of Kimo and Kalini, he focuses on local food, culture,
and language of Hawaii. Harris’s stunning descriptions highlight the
natural beauty of the island of Oahu as Kimo and Kalini scale lava rock
cliffs, dive into warm ocean pools, swim beneath cool waterfalls, and
surf on waves. Amidst all the fun, Kimo and Kalini, along with other
animals, are acutely aware of the dangers of the blowhole, from which
powerful waves push themselves up to twenty feet or more. Thus, the
risk that Kalini undertakes to save Bobo from the blowhole shows her
willingness to help others, while Kimo’s bravery helps to recover
Kalini’s lost charm. The emphasis on the value of friendship and love
will immediately appeal to children. Gentle yet informative language
reaches out to readers of all ages, while delightful illustrations
bring out the playful, endearing tones of the story. This is a breezy,
lovable story, to be enjoyed over and over again.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review