Books by Ilima Loomis

By Ilima Loomis
with illustrations by Kenard Pak
Holiday House (2020)

"An incredible book to share with every member of your ‘ohana."— Kirkus, starred review

"Loomis writes in a gentle rhyme that undulates like the elements she describes so that readers will soon be murmuring along in sync."—Booklist, starred review

Join the family, or 'ohana, as they farm taro for poi to prepare for a traditional luau celebration with a poetic text in the style of The House That Jack Built. "This is the land that's never been sold, where work the hands, so wise and old, that reach through the water, clear and cold, into the mud to pick the taro to make the poi for our ohana's luau." Acclaimed illustrator and animator Kenard Pak's light-filled, dramatic illustrations pair exquisitely with Ilima Loomis' text to celebrate Hawaiian land and culture.

*A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year
*A New York Public Library Best Book of the Year
*A Bank Street Best Childrens Book of the Year!
*A Booklist Editor's Choice

Order 'Ohana Means Family today!

Downloadable 'Ohana Means Family Lesson Plan

Downloadable Activity Sheet for Teachers and Families

By Ilima Loomis
with Photography by Amanda Cowan
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (2019)

"Stellar science teamwork in an unusual spotlight." — Kirkus, starred review

"The awe and wonder of scientific research shine. An excellent addition to the 'Scientists in the Field' series." —School Library Journal

For solar physicist Shadia Habbal, the Great American Eclipse of Aug. 21, 2017, is the chance of a lifetime. Shadia uses solar eclipses to study the sun’s corona, or atmosphere. Now she’s assembled her biggest team ever in the hopes of making a breakthrough discovery. Follow along as Shadia counts down to totality, when she’ll have only two minutes and three seconds to make history. Order Eclipse Chaser today!

Downloadable Activity and Discussion Guide for Educators

by Ilima Loomis
with illustrations by Don Robinson
Island Heritage (2008)

Join Ka’imi on his quest to be a real paniolo (cowboy) as he sets out on his first round-up with his papa and other cowboys. Through the experience, Ka’imi finds that being a cowboy is much more challenging than he expected.

by Ilima Loomis

Island Heritage (2006)

Paniolo have ridden the misty mountain jungles, high plains and rugged volcanic slopes of remote Hawaii for more than 175 years, adapting the craft of western cowboys to the unique conditions of the islands – from swimming cattle to boats for shipment, to dodging lava tubes. Coming from a rainbow of ethnic groups that made Hawaii their home, these brave men of the islands challenged wild bulls, wild horses, and wild lands in pursuit of success and adventure.

 

Winner of the Hawaii Literary Arts Council’s 2006 Elliot Cades Award for Literature.