Call me Nanook. 

Right now, the temperature is 18 degrees F. That’s warm if you’re a polar bear. But for someone from Hawai’i, it’s serious iceberg weather. That’s why I’m so glad I have SUN AND RAIN: EXPLORING THE SEASONS IN HAWAI’I, to keep me warm. I can’t remember when I’ve enjoyed a nonfiction picture book so much.

For starters, I’ve always assumed Hawai’i was “seasonless.” The average year round temperature is about 74 degrees, meaning no dramatic changes like autumn leaves or snowstorms. But there are subtle changes — details about plant and animal life, human activity, and yes, weather patterns, that up until now, I had failed to appreciate. 

SUN AND RAIN defines the dry season (May through October), and the wet season (November through April), through simple, engaging descriptions accompanied by gorgeous photographs.

For example:

You can tell it’s the dry season when the ocean on the north shores of the islands is flat or the waves are small. People swim, kayak, and snorkel in the calm water. 

You can tell it’s the wet season when you see surfers riding big waves on the north shores of the islands. 

The book continues contrasting dry and wet, citing trees blooming, what people are wearing and eating, what the landscape looks like, when fruits become available. It’s a blend of science, culture, and an invitation to stop long enough to observe and experience. 

Younger children will delight in the vibrant and interesting photos. Older children will benefit from the end notes explaining why seasons exist, particularly the factors contributing to Hawai’i’s climatic changes. There’s even a page for teachers and librarians about how to best share the book with children.

Dr. Stephanie Feeney is Professor of Education Emerita at the University of Hawai’i, Manoa. She has written extensively about early childhood education and has also written these books, among others:

You may order them directly from the publisher, at a 20% discount during the month of January, or from your favorite online bookseller. Especially great choices for school libraries and homeschoolers!