TALA LEARNS TO SIVA, by Kealani Netane and Dung Ho, Orchard Books, May 7, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)
A girl dreams of performing a traditional Samoan dance, taualuga, like her aunt in Tala Learns to Siva, by Kealani Netane and 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? —Synopsis provided by Orchard Books
Tala Learns to Siva is a heartwarming story inspired by author Kealani Netane’s own childhood experience of falling in love with the dance. That love is evidence in Netane’s warm and inviting text that celebrates tradition, finding your own strength and family. Illustrator Dung Ho’s bright artwork is full of movement and joy. This is a picture book that young readers will immediately be drawn to.
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