DOG-OF-THE-SEA-WAVES

While exploring the Hawaiian Islands, five Polynesian brothers are intrigued by the new and wonderful creatures and plants they find. A beached seal is first thought to be an injured dog, but this animal has flippers. Manu helps the “dog-of-the-sea-waves” regain his good health and together they swim and play. A loyal friend, the seal rescues Manu during a volcanic eruption that forces Manu (and his brothers) into a raging sea. Double-paged watercolor illustrations depict the islands before there were dogs, pigs, or coconut palms, a time more than 2,000 years ago. Occasional insets include a bug, a fish, a crab, a plant, or a bird, which are repeated on final pages that offer details regarding species of animals and plants unique to the islands and those that settlers introduced. This sequel to The Island-Below-the-Star (1998) will interest readers who enjoy the historical aspect of literary folk literature. (Picture book. 5-10)