Local publishers are offering a marvelous variety of new picture books for the holidays.

FOR JUST PLAIN FUN

"THE ORIGINAL POI CATS ON O'AHU" BY GENEVIEVE A. SUZUKI, ILLUSTRATED BY JON J. MURAKAMI; MUTUAL PUBLISHING, $13.95, AGES 6-10

Local Poi Cats Minky Chan and Mew-lani have an unknown guest, a mouse named Machida-san, who lives near their bookcase and reads so much, he's a "walking encyclopedia." When Minky Chan and Mew-lani circle the island of O'ahu playing tourists for the day, Machida-san goes along to tell us what he knows about each spot, including Sunset Beach, Chinaman's Hat, Diamond Head and Hale'iwa. The well-executed (illustrator Murakami does those greeting cards at Longs) simple story, is an enjoyable choice for local kids and visitors. An activity book with games and stickers is also available.

"LET'S CALL HIM LAU-WILIWILI-HUMUHUMU-NUKUNUKU-NUKUNUKU-APUA'A-'OI-'OI" BY TIM MYERS, ILLUSTRATED BY DARYL ARAKAKI; BESS PRESS, $16.95, AGES 3-8

This jaunty tale about two species of fish overly proud of their old Hawaiian names has staying power. When the triggerfish falls in love and weds the long-snouted butterfly fish, what will they name the baby? First published in 1993, "Let's Call" was reissued for the holiday season, and includes a dynamite new CD with a playful audio performance by island favorite Billy Sage.

"NO SLIPPERS!" BY MARY BRAFFET, ILLUSTRATED BY HOLLY MCINTOSH; MUTUAL PUBLISHING, $10.95, AGES 5-8

Rose has a new pair of bright, springy, purple slippers. Rose likes her slippers, but she tends to remove them before playing and to forget where she left them. The story is based on a simple premise that anyone who has lived in Hawai'i can relate to, especially kids.

NEW AND INNOVATIVE

"HOW SIX LITTLE IPU GOT THEIR NAMES" BY DEBI BRIMMER AND JULIE COLESON, ILLUSTRATED BY JULIE COLESON; BESS PRESS, $16.95, AGES 8 AND UP

Refreshingly original tale of six small gourds destined to become cherished hula implements. Brimmer and Coleson are good storytellers, and rich-voiced Kahale Richardson-Naki gives a fine performance on the audio CD version that comes with the book.

FABLES AND LEGENDS

"FABLES BENEATH THE RAINBOW" BY LESLIE ANN HAYASHI; ILLUSTRATED BY KATHLEEN WONG BISHOP; MUTUAL PUBLISHING, $14.95, AGES 8 AND UP

Ten short fables, in lyrical prose, focus on Hawai'i plants and animals. Adults looking for children's stories that entertain and teach will find much to appreciate here: A goat has to choose between feeding his hunger and saving a rare plant, a bat discovers the importance of studying, and a goose learns the meaning of procrastination. A bold watercolor illustration complements each story. Includes a thorough section of notes and background on the stories' local birds, fish, mammals, plants and insects.

"PELE AND POLI'AHU: A TALE OF FIRE AND ICE" RETOLD BY MALIA COLLIN; ILLUSTRATED BY KATHLEEN PETERSON; BEACHHOUSE PUBLISHING, $14.95, AGES 6 AND UP

In this classic Big Island legend, Pele, goddess of fire, and Poli'ahu, goddess of snow, compete after Pele decides to "create some mischief." Adeptly retold in a clean, well-paced text, the story gives insight into the island of contrasts.

"THE HUNGRY PUA'A AND THE SWEET SWEET POTATO" BY LEONARD J. VILLANUEVA; BEACHHOUSE PUBLISHING, $14.95, AGES 3-6

A likable little fable based on the premise that friendship grows out of generosity and kindness. Geared to a younger audience with repeating refrains that help children predict what's coming. The author also created the whimsical pastel illustrations.

"THE BRAVEST 'OPIHI: HOW TWO OF HAWAI'I'S SMALLEST SEA CREATURES SAVED THE DAY" BY JULIET S. KONO; ILLUSTRATED BY DENNIS FUJITAKE; BEACHHOUSE PUBLISHING, $14.95, AGES 4-8

The story was adapted from the song "'Opae E," which in turn was based on a Hawaiian legend. Poet and short-story writer Kono retains that old-time storyteller feel in this tale of Nani and her brother, Ikaika, who find trouble in the ocean when they ignore their mother's warning to stay close to shore. You'll be surprised at how helpful two 'opihi can be in dangerous waters.

WORTH MENTIONING

"WUZ DA NIGHT BEFO': A PIDGIN CHRISTMAS STORY IN HAWAI'I" BY MARGARET STEELE, ILLUSTRATED BY ROY CHANG; MUTUAL PUBLISHING, $10.95, AGES 4-8

Adapted from the classic Christmas tale, St. Nick visits Hawai'i on Christmas Eve, told in pidgin.

Jolie Jean Cotton is a writer and a mom. Her reviews of children's books appear on this page on the first Sunday of each month.