Under the ʻŌhiʻa Tree

Under the ʻŌhiʻa TreeA stunning meditation through a native forest where our beloved hia trees remain a beating heart, Under the hia Tree asks its readers of all ages to pause and consider: What do you hear? What do you see? This invitation frames a visual and textual narrative bursting with the thrum of our native forest birds, insects, and plants. Both an exploration of wonder and a joyful appreciation of the precious ecosystem of our native forests, this picture book

A stunning meditation through a native forest where our beloved ʻōhiʻa trees remain a beating heart, Under the ʻŌhiʻa Tree asks its readers of all ages to pause and consider: “What do you hear? What do you see?” This invitation frames a visual and textual narrative bursting with the thrum of our native forest birds, insects, and plants. Both an exploration of wonder and a joyful appreciation of the precious ecosystem of our native forests, this picture book by artist Erzsi Palko is the loving work resulting from years of studying plants and meeting native forest species while adventuring with her pup, Ohia.

Each page is filled with hidden creatures nestling in the trunks and under leaves that you will come to know fondly as you return to this book time and again. Readers will be left inspired and awe-struck by our incredible ʻōhiʻa tree and the miracle of the remaining native species that thrive around them—especially our remaining native forest birds.

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Author & Illustrator Born and raised on Oʻahu, Erzsi Palko draws inspiration from moments making vivid contact with nature—from meeting ʻelepaio who fly down to low branches to say “hi” to visiting with giant, old native trees. Her work is informed by studies in botany and ethnobotany, a semester of painting at E.N.S.A.D. in Paris, years of teaching science and performing arts, and adventures with her dog, Ohia..

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hardcover   |   48 pages   |   10" x 10"   |   color