Punky Aloha

Tuiasoa’s debut follows a lively protagonist in a winning arc toward relational confidence, assuring readers that “making new friends doesn’t have to be scary.” Narrator Punky Aloha, a Polynesian child who wears a flower behind one ear and brown hair swept into a bun, is on a mission to obtain butter for Grandma’s banana bread—“not just any banana bread... Grandma’s famous, fresh-baked, bananas-from-the-backyard, warm-from-the-oven banana bread.” Unable to accompany Punky to the store, Grandma offers “magical brave glasses, for brave adventurers like you” to help overcome Punky’s shyness, as well as a reminder to “Be helpful. Be Giving. Be Brave” by way of “shar[ing] our aloha.” As Punky sets off on a skateboard, encountering a distressed pig who needs help transporting mangoes, a sad bee who has collected an insufficient pollen store, and another child on wheels, each encounter gives Punky an opportunity to practice moving from internal fear to external kindness. Round-lined digital illustrations lush in greens, blues, oranges, and yellows summon the island’s warmth, giving an airy ease to a sweet intergenerational story of interacting with one’s community—and gaining a “heart full of courage.” Ages 4–8. (May)