This volume of the six book "Discover Hawaii's" nature series introduces young readers to the very special nature of Hawaii's forests. Readers learn how a forest arises from what was once barren lava rock, how life arrived here by wind, wings, and waves and gradually evolved into certain species that are found nowhere else in the world. Readers are introduced to the structure of a forest and the many kinds of forest that exist in Hawaii, from sub-alpine, to rainforests, bogs, and more. Readers are also introduced to some of Hawaii's most unusual native forest inhabitants, such as carnivorous caterpillars and happy-face spiders, as well as some of the most invasive alien species that threaten the natural diversity of forest life. Text and colorful illustrations are equally balanced throughout the book. The book concludes as readers are encouraged to care for Hawai'i's forests; a list of "Do"s and "Don't"s suggests what we can each do to help.
About the AuthorOrr, Katherine: - Katherine Orr is a naturalist and an educator at heart. Her love of the natural world led her to become a marine biologist and a cruising sailor, and she uses her writing and illustrating skills to help educate and inspire young readers about the natural world. She holds a graduate degree from the University of Connecticut in marine biology, and a certification from eCornell in plant-based nutrition. She spent the mid-1970s to mid-1980s living and working in islands of the Caribbean as a marine biologist and environmental educator. She has authored and illustrated numerous books and educational materials about the natural world and aspects of healthy diet and lifestyle, including the practice of qigong. She has made Hawaii her home since 1990. Katherine invited her friend, David Boynton, to author this book of the Discover Hawaii's series because, quite simply, there was no one better qualified to write about Hawaii's forests than he.
Boynton, David: - David Boynton was called a voice for the Hawaiian wilderness, a Guardian of the Koke'e Forest, and as an educator, the window through which thousands of Hawai'i students learned about Hawaiian birds, plants, marine creatures, climate and much more. He inspired Hawaiian school children in the traditional Hawaiian values of kuleana, malama, kokua, laulima, ho'ihi, lokahi, and pono, which translate roughly as rights and responsibilities to the land, the appropriateness of serving nature, helping others, cooperation, respect, peace and unity, and duty to do what is right. David Boynton was born and raised on Oahu. He attended the University of California-Santa Barbara before returning home to Hawaii after graduation. He was a leading expert on the natural history of the Hawaiian island of Kauai, especially on the Koke'e Forest and the Alakai Swamp and its wildlife.
