by Diane K. Aoki (Author)
Pulani is a rhyming story book set in Guahan (Guam). Pulani is about a Chamoru (Chamorro) girl who is given the task to find an apprentice to teach the knowledge of traditional healing practices, the knowledge of the suruhana. She goes on a journey and is accompanied by a flying Ko'ko', a Duendes (imp), a Ko'ko' bird who cannot fly and a deer. She faces challenges along the way: a snake, a rhino beetle, and attacking trees. She reaches Hagatna, her destination, and has encounters with taotaomona (ancestral spirits who live in banyan trees) and an arrogant chief. Eventually, she does find her apprentice. Through her journey, she learns about life and love. This rhyming story book is meant to be read aloud. It is written and illustrated by the author.
Author Biography
Diane Aoki is a retired public school teacher who has been a writer all her life. She was born in Kona, Hawaii and was raised in Guam. She attended Occidental College in Los Angeles, became a certified teacher at the University of Guam, and has a master's in Pacific Islands Studies from the University of Hawai'i at Mânoa. She has been living in Kona for many years. She writes about creativity on her website, www.dianeaoki.com.