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Title details for Tala Learns to Siva by Kealani Netane - Available

Tala Learns to Siva

by Kealani Netane
Dung Ho
ebook
1 of 1 copy available
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1 of 1 copy available
A lovingly empowering story about finding courage and strength in your family, history, and community through a traditional and cherished Samoan dance, taualuga. Written by debut author, Kealani Netane, and illustrated by New York Times bestselling illustrator, Dung Ho.

Tala wishes that she could dance the traditional Samoan dance, the taualuga, just like her Aunty Sina. But Tala's legs are too bouncy, her arms are too stiff, and she doesn't have Aunty's 'glow' when she dances. When Tala prepares to perform at her Grandma's birthday, she freezes on the stage. Will she find the strength and inspiration to help her dance?

Newcomer Kealani Netane crafts a heartwarming story about finding your inner strength through the love and guidance of your family. New York Times bestselling illustrator Dung Ho's cheerful colors and sweet characters bring this loving story to life, making this the perfect gift for little ones who are learning how to follow their hearts and make their own paths.

  • Creators

  • Publisher

  • Release date

    May 7, 2024

  • Formats

    • Kindle Book

    • OverDrive Read

      • ISBN: 9781338859324
    Kindle restrictions

  • Languages

    • English

  • Reviews

    • Publisher's Weekly

      March 18, 2024
      Netane’s debut celebrates individual perseverance and connection to Samoan culture as a girl, Tala, learns to siva from her heart. Against an ocean backdrop, Tala watches in awe as Aunty Sina performs the taualuga, her hands dancing like rolling waves. When Aunty shows her the moves, Tala’s “legs wobbled... wrists stiffened,” and she cries in frustration. Acknowledging her own early struggles with the dance, Aunty advises, “Dance from your heart. The motions will come.” Incorporating movements into her everyday activities, Tala makes progress but realizes that something’s still missing: a glowing face, honoring both Samoa and the child’s ancestors. Employing a tropical palette and repeating stylized motifs, Ho’s digital illustrations embody Tala’s enthusiasm as the child practices for her stuffed animals, and eventually, her family, carrying tradition forward for future generations. A glossary and author’s note conclude. Ages 4–8.

    • Booklist

      May 1, 2024
      Grades K-3 Tala, fascinated by the taualuga (traditional Samoan dance), convinces her aunt to teach her to siva (dance). Sina gladly complies, although at first Tala's legs wobble, her wrists stiffen, and her knees buckle. Still, Tala practices at the playground, in class, while waiting for her parents, and for an audience of her toys. When her grandparents visit Hawai'i from Samoa, Tala performs the dance for Grandma's birthday party. Netane, who has both Samoan and Hawaiian roots, writes with authority about this traditional dance, usually performed by a chief's daughter. Ho's cartoon-style digital illustrations convey a good sense of contemporary South Pacific culture as well as specifics of the taualuga and the regalia worn during performances. Rich pastel hues (particularly pinks and greens) complement the story's ebullient tone, and Ho takes care to detail Tala's tuiga (headdress) and 'ula nifo (necklace made from whale teeth) worn during this dance. With an author's note and glossary, this makes a good introduction to an underrepresented culture.

      COPYRIGHT(2024) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Formats

  • Kindle Book
  • OverDrive Read
Kindle restrictions

subjects

Languages

  • English

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