Tala Learns to Siva
By (Author) Kealani Netane
Illustrated by Dung Ho
Scholastic US
Scholastic US
1st July 2024
United States
Children
Fiction
Childrens / Teenage general interest: Places and peoples
Childrens / Teenage general interest: Dance, ballet
Childrens / Teenage personal and social topics: Self-awareness and self-esteem
Hardback
32
Width 215mm, Height 279mm, Spine 10mm
Tala wishes that she could dance the traditional Samoan dance, the Taualuga, just like her Aunty Sina. But Tala's legs are too bouncy, her arms are too stiff, and she doesn't have Aunty's 'glow' when she dances. When Tala prepares to perform at her Grandma's birthday, she freezes on the stage. Will she find the strength and inspiration to help her dance Newcomer Kealani Netane crafts a heartwarming story about finding your inner strength through the love and guidance of your family. New York Times best-selling illustrator Dung Ho's cheerful colours and sweet characters bring this loving story to life, making this the perfect gift for little ones who are learning how to follow their hearts and make their own paths.
Praise for Tala Learns to Siva:
Netane's debut celebrates individual perseverance and connection to Samoan culture as a girl, Tala, learns to siva from her heart. -- Publishers Weekly
Kealani Netane is a Native Hawaiian-Samoan picture book writer living just outside of Honolulu on Oahu in Hawai'i. Kealani is an educator for Pacific Islanders and has over 20 years of experience as a Polynesian dancer herself. On top of being a mom, Kealani runs the bookstagram, Little Pasifika Readers, where she highlights #ownvoices Pasifika children's books and other API and diverse and inclusive books. Find her at @littlepasifikareaders and at @ke_a_la_ni on Twitter.
Dung (pronounced Dzung) Ho is a New York Times bestselling illustrator based in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Her work focuses on children's books. She also loves to draw interesting characters with unique personalities. In her free time, she likes to cook and watch movies.