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News & Specials

2013 Ancient Hawaiian Fishing & Farming Calendar Now Available at Basically Books

The 2013 Ancient Hawaiian Moon Calendar Related to Fishing & Farming is now available at Basically Books! Part of the proceeds from this ever–popular annual calendar go to fund the Prince Kuhio Hawaiian Civic Club's scholarship programs. Be sure to stop by and pick up your calendar today. They also make great Christmas gifts!

$14.95
Petroglyph Press Celebrates 50 Years — And Gets a Write–up in the Newspaper

Petroglyph Press's 50th Anniversary celebration made it into the Hawaii Tribune Herald this week! Click here for the full story!

Be sure to check back for updates on Petroglyph Press's 50th Anniversary party on November 2nd!
Basically Books Voted Best Book Store of East Hawaii!

Each year, readers of the Hawaii Tribune Herald vote for the best businesses, restaurants, and attractions in East Hawaii. For the second year in a row, Basically Books has been awarded the Best Book Store in East Hawaii! Mahalo to everyone who voted, for your enthusiasm and support. We hope to continue providing excellent service and products to the Hawaii Island community for many years to come.
"Journey through the Universe" in Hilo March 1–9, 2012

Journey through the Universe is coming to Hilo! Developed by the National Center for Earth and Space Science Education (NCESSE), Journey through the Universe is a national science education initiative that engages entire communities—students, teachers, families, and the public—using educational programs in the Earth and space sciences and space exploration to inspire and educate. The initiative supports sustained Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education in local schools, and is a celebration of exploration and the joy of learning.

Our own hometown of Hilo is one of 10 communities around the nation that are designated Journey through the Universe sites. There will be events throughout the week of March 1–9 at 'Imiloa Astronomy Center, the University of Hawaii at Hilo, Hilo High School, and other participating schools. To find out more about Journey through the Universe events, please visit www.gemini.edu/journey.

Basically Books is proud to partner with Journey through the Universe by providing books and door prizes for several of these events. We encourage you to join us in taking advantage of the exciting opportunities in Hilo during Journey through the Universe week!
Join Us in Celebrating World Book Night on April 23rd!

We are pleased to announce that Basically Books has been selected as a book pick–up site for World Book Night 2012! World Book Night is an annual celebration designed to spread a love of reading and books. On the evening of April 23rd, 50,000 people around the world will give out 20 free copies of their favorite book to light– or non–readers in their community, with the goal of sharing the joy of reading. Basically Books is proud to serve as pick–up point for the World Book Night special editions to be distributed by Big Island WBN givers.

Stay tuned for more information on this fantastic event and on Basically Book's celebration of World Book Night! To find out more about this international event, or learn how to be a WBN giver, please visit www.us.worldbooknight.org.
Updated UH Press Map of the Big Island Now in Stock at Basically Books!

The wait is over! Basically Books has finally received the new, updated map of the Big Island from UH Press! This classic reference map, a favorite for locals and visitors alike, features a road map of the whole island, as well as details of major towns, in an easy–to–read and useful full–color topographic format. The new Eighth Edition map includes new roads and details. This is one of our most popular Big Island maps, and we are extremely pleased to have it back in stock. If you've been searching for a great map of the Big Island, this may be the map for you!
Coming Soon from Petroglyph Press: Pele and Hi'iaka: A Tale of Two Sisters by Dietrich Varez

Petroglyph Press, our parent company, is proud to announce its latest project: Pele and Hi'iaka: A Tale of Two Sisters! This new book from local author and artist Dietrich Varez tells the famous story of Pele, goddess of Hawaii's volcanoes, who was driven out of her homeland after a quarrel with her older sister Namakaokaha'i. Namaka was a sea goddess who resented Pele's fiery nature. Pele readied her great double–hulled voyaging canoe Honuaiakea and left Kahiki enroute to Hawaii. She was accompanied by a number of relatives including a shark–god brother who navigated and her youngest sister, Hi'iaka, the heroine of our story.

Arriving at Hawaii, Pele tested all the islands in turn to find a suitable place to settle. She dug with her legendary digging stick, paoa, to find the fire she required. None of the islands seemed to suit her until she reached Hawaii, the largest island. There in the upland region of Kilauea, she found exactly what she longed for. This would be her home. Pele settled into the fiery lava pit of Kilauea, where Hi'iaka's story begins.

Deitrich's retelling of this ancient legend includes 40 new images in the artist's distinct block print style. This will be the second Dietrich Varez book published by Petroglyph Press. (The first is Hina: The Goddess — for a complete listing of Petroglyph Press books, please visit www.petroglyphpress.com/books.html.)

We expect Pele and Hi'iaka: A Tale of Two Sisters to be ready in the Fall of 2011. Check back for details!
Congratulations to Mark Yamanaka — Winner of Four 2011 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards!

During Merrie Monarch Week, we held an event with local musician Mark Yamanaka, who had just released his first CD, Lei Pua Kenikeni. We could tell right away that this young man was destined for greatness; his musical talent and vast vocal range made every song that he sang memorable. So we were ecstatic—but not surprised—when the 2011 Na Hoku Hanohano award winners were announced, with Mark Yamanaka taking home four awards! Yamanaka won Most Promising Artist, Male Vocalist of the Year, Album of the Year, and Song of the Year for "Kaleoonalani," a touching song about his daughter that he played at our event.

The Na Hoku Hanohano Awards honor the best Hawaiian music of the year. Congratulations to Mark Yamanaka on all his accomplishments this year! We hope to welcome him back to Basically Books soon!
Congratulations to Janice Crowl & Harinani Orme — winners of the 2010 Ka Palapala Po'okela Award for Excellence in Children's Literature!

The Ka Palapala Po'okela Awards are always an exciting time for those of us in the book business. These awards honor the finest books published in Hawaii, and it is always thrilling when we see a name that we recognize on the list. This year we were especially pleased—our good friends Janice Crowl and Harinani Orme took home the Award for Excellence in Children's Literature for their wonderful book Pulelehua and Mamaki! Congratulations Janice and Harinani!

Pulelehua and Mamaki teaches keiki how closely the elements of the Hawaiian ecosystem are intertwined and how we can help preserve these natural wonders. In the lush Hawaiian rainforest, beneath a canopy of 'ohi'a trees, native flora and fauna live in harmony. As her time draws near, lovely Pulelehua discovers the mamaki that sheltered her as a child, and leaves a newborn egg on one of its leaves. Follow along as the wise mamaki nurtures baby Ke'e Li'i through his stages of life, from a tiny black caterpillar to a magnificent Kamehameha butterfly. If you have not yet read this book, be sure to stop by the store and take a look. It is both beautifully written and fabulously illustrated—you won't be disappointed!

Janice and Harinani are currently working on their next book, scheduled for release this Fall. We can't wait! For more information on Janice Crowl, Harinani Orme and their work, visit them online at http://hawaiigardening.blogspot.com and www.harinani.org.

For a list of all the 2010 Ka Palapala Po'okela Award winners, check out The Honolulu Star Bulletin or The Honolulu Advertiser. Congratulations to all the winners!
A Concise History of the Hawaiian Islands and Hilo Legends Nominated for Ka Palapala Po'okela Awards

Each year the Hawai'i Book Publishers Association honors the finest books published in Hawaii during the previous year with the Ka Palapala Po'okela Awards. These awards enhance the recognition of book publishing as an industry in Hawai'i and support local literacy. The term "Ka Palapala Po'okela" can be translated from Hawaiian to mean "excellent or exemplary manuscript."

This year two books published by Petroglyph Press, our parent company, have been nominated for Ka Palapala Po'okela Awards! A Concise History of the Hawaiian Islands has been nominated for Nonfiction, and Hilo Legends for Hawaiian Culture. Congratulations to Petroglyph Press and all the nominees! The winners will be announced on April 30^th.
Petroglyph Press Presents New Edition of A Concise History of the Hawaiian Islands

This Fall, Petroglyph Press is proud to present a new revised and expanded edition of our most popular book, A Concise History of the Hawaiian Islands! In this updated edition the reader is invited even further into Hawaii's riveting history. In addition to the information included in previous editions—from the first human landfall in Hawaii through the sovereignty movement of the late 1990's–A Concise History of the Hawaiian Islands now includes the momentous modern events that focused worldwide attention on the 50th state as it celebrated its 50th Anniversary. Most notable of these was the historic election of Hawaii–born Barack Obama to the U.S. presidency.

This colorful history, written in the informal style that students found so appealing in author Dr. Barnes' classes, comes to life through interesting anecdotes and compelling images. Always accessible and fascinating, A Concise History of the Hawaiian Islands is now even better! I remains the perfect book for anyone looking for an overview of Hawaiian history.
Petroglyph Press Presents New Edition of Hina, The Goddess by Dietrich Varez!

This Spring, Petroglyph Press presents a new edition of its much–loved and (until now) out–of–print book, Hina, The Goddess! Born on a stormy night full of intrigue and mystery, Hina, The Goddess has origins almost as wondrous as the tales of Hina herself. While viewing a performance of the powerful and ancient Kahiko form of hula at the 1986 Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo, the audience had an unforgettable experience. A raging storm swept over Hilo. Thunder clapped and lightning struck, plunging the entire town of Hilo, including the festival, into utter darkness. Many wondered if it was mere coincidence that the evening's events included a compulsory chant for the wahine which spoke of Hina and the gourd calabash in which she captured three windstorms. Known for her forceful ways and power over the physical world, Hina is not to be taken lightly. One halau took this sign from the heavens so seriously that they withdrew from the competition. Dietrich Varez was so struck by this incident and the power of the chant, he was inspired to create the first of the block prints appearing in Hina, The Goddess picturing Hina with her calabash. As his interest was piqued, he went on to delve further into the mythology of Hina in her many forms. From his research, he was inspired to create a series of block prints representing the many amazing and varied tales associated with Hina.

Petroglyph Press is proud to present this culmination of experience, imagination and talent so vividly portrayed in Varez's signature style block prints and corresponding legends. We believe you too will feel the presence of the goddess Hina as you experience Hina, The Goddess for yourself.
Petroglyph Press Presents New Revised Edition of Hilo Legends!

This Spring, Petroglyph Press presents a new edition of its bestselling book, Hilo Legends! In this classic collection, the charming legends associated with landmarks around the town of Hilo on the Island of Hawaii are retold in words and pictures by author Frances Reed and illustrator Jan Moon. This new, revised edition features two new stories about King Kamehameha. "The Story of the Naha Stone," tells the legendary tale of Kamehameha's connection to the historic Hilo relic that can be visited in front of the Hilo Public Library. "The Law of the Splintered Paddle" explores a pivotal historical event on the coast south of Hilo that resulted in Kamehameha proclaiming the Hawaiian Kingdom's first written law, which become a model for the protection of human rights during times of war and upheaval.

Hilo Legends also includes all the old favorites, like "How Hilo Got Its Name," "The Story of Coconut Island" and the Maui and Hina legends centering on Rainbow Falls and Boiling Pots. These ancient stories celebrating the history and landmarks of Hilo will continue to entertain and enlighten for generations to come!

This edition of Hilo Legends also features and lovely new cover design by Jan Moon.
New Book Distributed by Petroglyph Press — Endangered Plants and Threatened Ecosystems on the Island of Hawaii

Basically Books' parent company, Petroglyph Press, is managing distribution for the fascinating new ecological book Endangered Plants and Threatened Ecosystems on the Island of Hawaii. This full color 64 page volume, printed by Hilo Bay Printing, is co–authored by UHH Geography and Environmental Studies professor James Juvik along with recent UHH Geography graduates John Delay and Kealoha Kinney. Other book co–authors include UH Manoa Botany Professor Mark Merlin, Hilo state forester Lyman Perry and Big Island ecologist Mick Castello.

This book project is the outgrowth of efforts by the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the State Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) to involve members of the Big Island's hunting community and its environmentalists in co–operative efforts to improve understanding and strengthen conservation of the island's unique and endangered native plant resources. The book includes chapters on the environmental factors controlling ecosystem distribution, current conservation efforts, endangered species laws and policies, and a field guide to selected endangered plant species, with ethno–botanical uses. Many full–photographs and maps accompany the text. Readers will also find information on access to public hiking areas on the Big Island where native ecosystems thrive.

At Basically Books and Petroglyph Press, we are excited to be a part of this important project. Stop by Basically Books and check out Endangered Plants and Threatened Ecosystems on the Island of Hawaii! For more information, please contact us.
Basically Books Wins 2007 World Heritage Festival Window Display Contest

Every year Hilo celebrates its diverse heritage with the World Heritage Festival. Held in downtown Hilo, the Festival is a showcase of all of the cultures that make our island home special. It is always an enjoyable day of music, food, dance, and other surprises.

The stores in downtown Hilo join in the celebration by participating in an exciting window display contest put on by Alice Moon & Company. The competition centers on the themes of diversity and world culture in the Hawaiian Islands.

Many stores participated in the contest this year, and the downtown area was decorated with a wide array of beautiful displays. For two weeks, a secret panel of judges examined the windows and cast their votes. In the end, the first place prize was awarded to Basically Books!

Basically Book's windows featured books, CDs, merchandise, and photographs that centered on the cultural diversity of our islands. Also included were several raised relief topographic maps of the Hawaiian Islands, a large map of King Kalakaua's trip around the world, and two globes.

Congratulations to everyone who participated in the Window Display Contest! Let's make next year even better!