Description

This is a little book about a big family making the point that family is who you choose and there’s always room for more at Sunday dinner, even if it’s on a Saturday night. Or Wednesday night. Or whenever. In a time when families don’t fit traditional definitions, Ordinary ‘Ohana assures readers that a diverse family is a normal family.

Cleverly written by Lee Cataluna and illustrated by Hawaii artist Cheyne Gallarde, the book shares images of a contemporary Hawaii family both familiar and unique. The story is told through experiences collected by a young boy named Kainoa. He has a pretty ordinary family life, according to him. But when he starts to introduce the various members of his ‘ohana, he reveals a complicated but very sturdy and loving family structure that has been built, rebuilt, and reinforced over time.

Kainoa describes generations-old Hawaii family traditions blended with a modern, open sensibility. He talks about the people he loves in a matter-of-fact voice with witty observations that every reader will enjoy. Family is who you choose!