Kona and His Hard Shell book

Kona is a young crab growing up in the warm waters off the Big Island of Hawai‘i. One day a terrifying hurricane rocks the ocean, frightening Kona and hurting his shell! Even after the storm leaves his home, he is reminded of that scary time. With Kona’s loving mother teaching and guiding him, he learns how to overcome his fears and keep a strong heart inside and out. Kona and His Hard Shell demonstrates the importance of understanding, coping and healing after a traumatic event.

Kona and His Hard Shell is a story for young readers that teaches the concept of trauma and resilience in a way that is easy to understand. Through the story, children will learn a grounding technique to help them overcome anxiety and manage their emotions. Author Crissy Miyake is originally from Kauai, and has lived through Hurricanes Iwa and Iniki. Understanding how trauma affects children, she now works as a clinical child psychologist with at-risk children. She hopes that Kona and His Hard Shell will help children “discover that they are not just able to survive a hardship, but thrive.”

Pua's Sweet Day

Pua is a young pua'a pig growing up on the beautiful island of Kaua'i. Most of the time, Pua enjoys her sweet life, especially eating the tropical fruits in her valley. But sometimes, Pua gets mad. So mad that her thoughts and feelings get all “kapakahi” or mixed up and she has tantrums. One day, her wise Uncle Pono teaches her a mindful meditation to calm down, clear her mind, and manage her feelings and body. Through this simple exercise, Pua is reminded that she is connected to nature and the 'aina all around her. A skill that will last a lifetime.

Pu'ulei and The Everyday Rainbow

Pu'ulei is a young pueo (Hawaiian owl) growing up on the island of O'ahu near the Diamond Head crater with her daddy pueo. One day while Pu'ulei and her dad are getting ready for the day she realizes her dad always is busy and rushing. Pu'ulei on her way to school with her dad shows her dad to pay attention to the positive surroundings around them that create a unique everyday rainbow. Pu'ulei and The Everyday Rainbow demonstrates the importance of seeing the unique beauty in our lives, just the way it is. Pu'ulei and The Everyday Rainbow is a story for young readers that teaches the concept of mindful appreciation, or mindful gratitude. Through the story, children will learn to appreciate everyday life while bringing focus, awareness to our immediate environment and challenges us to see every day in a new way. Author Crissy Miyake hopes that Pu'ulei and The Everyday Rainbow will teach children to look for and pay attention to, the positiveness that exists in their everyday lives, not the negative.

About the Author

Crissy Miyake is lucky enough to be from a small and beautiful island known for its chickens and aloha spirit. She developed her love of nature growing up foraging for mountain plums, shooting down slippery slides, searching for shells, and sitting into the night waiting for a fish to bite. Crissy is a licensed psychologist who has practiced in the East Coast, and now overseas, dedicated to working with at-risk and diverse populations. A self-proclaimed "Kauai girl", Crissy enjoys writing stories that teach young readers about the magic and beauty of Hawaii while also addressing mental health and wellness topics (e.g. emotional regulation, coping skills, mindfulness). Crissy's books include Kona and His Hard Shell, Pu'ulei and the Everyday Rainbow, and Pua's Sweet Day.