Bilingual picture book developed by Hale Kuamoʻo (UH–Hilo) in which Kū provides Hawaiʻi’s first 'ulu tree and saves his people from famine.
Ku, the great Hawaiian akua (god) of the uplands, forest, and the deep sea, comes from the faraway land of Kahiki to settle in Hawaii as an ordinary mortal. After a time, he takes a wife and raises several children, while providing for them as a mahi `ai (a farmer, planter), and lives in peace, dignity and plenty. Then, the rains no longer come; the streams and springs begin to dry up, and the crops wither. Without food or water, his `ohana (family) and the people are faced with the hardship of famine. Unable to bear their suffering, Ku sacrifices himself by burrowing deep into the earth. Soon, from the spot where he descended, the sprout of a breadfruit tree appears. The first of its kind in Hawaii! Ku`s generosity and his amazing plant ulu, or breadfruit helps to save his `ohana and the people from the famine. Today, the `ulu tree continues to grow throughout Hawaii and its nourishing fruit is still treasured as a food source.
- Publisher : Islander Group Inc; Bilingual edition (July 1, 2008)
- Language : English, Hawaiian
- Hardcover : 36 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0873361555
- ISBN-13 : 978-0873361552
- Reading age : 6 - 8 years
- Grade level : 1 - 2
- Item Weight : 15.2 ounces
- Dimensions : 11 x 0.25 x 8.5 inches