Come hear “Under the ʻŌhiʻa Tree”—a brand new children’s book about our native forest species—read by local author/illustrator, Erzsi Palko. Written as a rhyming invitation to make your own loving observations of nature, the book visits with our beloved ʻōhiʻa trees in their role as the foundation of Hawaiʻiʻs native forests and introduces our remaining native forest birds, bugs, snails, and a bat!  Make paper “puppet” art and be guided in simple prompts to give voice to your favorite native forest friends.

This workshop will guide you through the process of how the book was written:  listening to nature and creating art inspired by what you hear! Book signing to follow!

More about the presenter:

Born and raised on Oʻahu, Erzsi creates art inspired by listening in nature.  Her artwork has been exhibited at the annual Hawaiʻi Nei Art Show, the Gallery of Great Things in Waimea, and, now, the ʻŌlena Gallery in Hāwī.  With a background in studying plants and teaching science and performing arts, she has authored and illustrated Under the ʻŌhiʻa Tree (published by Bess Press) and a coloring book of rhymes, Enchanting Creatures of Hawaiʻi Island (published by Petroglyph Press).

For info on her art, books & free native species coloring pages please visit:  Erzi Palko webpage and follow her on Instagram at @ohiaanderzsi

Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication or a modification of policies or procedures to participate in a program, service, or activity should contact library staff as soon as possible. Advance requests 48 hours or more before the event are encouraged, but not required. All programs are subject to change.