Aloha! It is day 8 of the A to Z April Blog Challenge and I’m definitely ready to visit Hawaii. Here is lovely book that will takes us there:
Luka’s Quilt
By Georgia Guback ( author and illustrator)
Picture book ages 4-8
Luka’s grandmother, Tutu, lives with Luka’s family and they are good friends. Tutu is planning to make a quilt for Luka based on a dream she had of a beautiful garden. Luka envisions a quilt composed of beautiful colors and is surprised when she only gets to choose one color of fabric. She chooses green because all flowers have green leaves. Luka helps Tutu and continues to think that the colorful flowers will be added later. She is disappointed with the finished quilt when she sees that the flowers are white on a green background. Tutu explains that Hawaiian quilts are two colors and she is hurt by Luka’s reaction.
Their relationship is strained until Tutu takes Luka to the park to celebrate Lei Day. Tutu and Luka enjoy the day and enjoy the food, music, and dancing. Luka joins the other children and makes a lei using many different colors of flowers instead of the traditional one or two.
Later, Tutu sews a fabric lei and places it on top of Luka’s quilt. Now, the quilt is just right and Luka and Tito snuggle together under the beautiful garden quilt.
Luka’s quilt is a story of an inter-generational friendship that celebrates Hawaiian traditions. The information about Hawaiian quilts is interesting are the Lei Day activities. The colorful paper cut illustrations detail island things like sushi, plants, hula dancing and more.
Here’s a picture of 3 of my sweeties in Hawaii long ago. We’re due for a trip back.
What a sweet story. I get how Luka would be disappointed, but I also get how Hawiian quilts are made. Definitely a good story of learning about each other.
Hi Liz,
Thanks for visiting. One of the things I like about this book is the relationship between Luka and her grandmother. We can all learn from each other – no matter what age we are.
It’s fun how you’re “taking a trip” to Hawaii by reading books! It’s a good way to get associated with the culture before you travel somewhere. I’m glad that Luka and Tutu were able to come to an agreement on the Hawaiian quilt. Thanks for the story!
Hi Hazel,
Thanks for stopping by. I always try to find out as much as I can about a place before I travel there. I love Hawaiian quilts!