Susan Szabo is Illustrator of Children's Book: "A Beautiful Hawaiian Day" by Henry Kapono WINNER OF 3 AWARDS: The 2001 Ka Palapala Po‘okela Awards: (Annual Hawaii Book Publishers Assoc. Awards) Children's Hawaiian Culture: Winner Children's Illustrative or Photographic Book: Honorable Mention Technical Category, Illustration (All Books): Honorable Mention
			With rave reviews, a new book for children was published in October, 2000 called "A Beautiful Hawaiian Day". Written by renowned recording artist and song writer, Henry Kapono, it is the first book to be illustrated with Susan's paintings. Kapono teamed up with Susan to create a children's book that is sure to win the hearts of both kama'aina and visitors alike.
	Here's a summary of the story: Follow Kaleo, a young Hawaiian girl, as she takes a journey back in time and meets a handsome boy who turns out to be none other than the great King Kamehameha himself! Together they explore the beautiful, unspoiled land of old Hawaii, and Kaleo learns an important lesson about love and respect for the land, the ocean, the sky and the people of Hawaii.
	Kapono's touching story is perfectly complemented by Susan's beautiful, soothing paintings. Together, they make a children's book that is destined to be a favorite for years to come.
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		Henry Kapono About the Author HENRY KAPONO KA'AIHUE (Henry Kapono) is of pure Hawaiian decent. He was born and raised on the island of Oahu in the small town of Kapahulu, located just outside Waikiki. Christened KAPONO by his mother, it is the Hawaiian word for righteous. His family surroundings provided the early musicial influence that directed him into his present career. He started singing in the choir. The first instrument he learned to play was the ukulele, followed by the acoustic guitar. His natural athletic abilities earned him full scholarships to the highly regarded Punahou Academy in Honolulu and later the University of Hawaii. Henry Kapono is a humanitarian, a prolific award winning songwriter, an accomplished actor and has produced numerous albums, video works and concerts. He collaborated for eight years with Cecilio Rodriguez, forming the duo of CECILIO & KAPONO. "C&K" recorded eight albums together. Continually evolving, Kapono returned to his solo career, creating an incredibly broad range of musical expressions through eleven solo albums to date. His music is a unique blend of aloha with soul set to island rhythms and is exclusively Kapono's. Henry Kapono Ka'aihue, the man and the artist, embodies the spirit of aloha and his music is infused with his love for Hawaii and all people. Kapono's music transcends his Hawaiian heritage which he loves so much. "A Beautiful Hawaiian Day" is his first published children's book. Visit Henry Kapono's Website: HenryKapono.com
	Published Review:
			November 23, 2000
		"Beautiful Hawaiian Day" Musician Henry Kapono Turns Author by Edie Anderson When last we met Henry Kapono, he and his group of talented musicians were starring under the stars at Maunaloa's 1998 Christmas Festival of Lights. What one of Hawaii's favorite entertainers (songwriter, musician and actor) did not tell us back then (perhaps he didn't know it himself?), was that he was about to launch a whole new career - that as an author. Now, two short years later, we find ourselves reviewing his brand new children's book - one ready just in time for Christmas 2000. We suggest you run - don't walk - to your nearest bookstore as this keiki special is bound to be a sell-out. Before one even opens the 32-page book, one feels the spirit of Hawaii. The vibrant colors shine and the bold watercolor designs stand out as if to say - this is lush Hawaii. Credit for the art goes to noted local artist Susan Szabo. You may remember her for her equally striking tropical phone book covers. Here she teams with Kapono to make his simple, but touching, story of a young Hawaiian girl's journey back in time come alive. The story itself is intriguing and captivating, as are the illustrations that accompany it. Not to spoil the tale, which combines history with subtle and insightful messages dealing with love of the land, but be prepared to meet Kamehameha himself. Together the young pair explore their aina and learn to appreciate that each precious day in Hawaii is a beautiful day. Readers and listeners too young to read will recognize many scenes - beaches and mountains as they were then as well as modern day setting much as they appear today, complete with high-rise buildings and reminders of some of the not so nice aspects of contemporary life. Yes, a poignant and touching story line - not unlike Kapono's own musical compositions. In fact, reading this children's book will make you want to play one of his 11 records or perhaps catch him in person at an upcoming performance. You might also like to keep the artist in mind and watch for her next exhibit or one of her featured paintings showcased by Hawaiian Airlines who continues to honor her as their artist in residence. All in all we can't say enough about this beautiful little volume that shouts loud and clear that Hawaii is glowing, its nature is flashy, and its people are sensitive and caring. One thing we are sure of - you won't forget a beautiful day spent reading "A Beautiful Hawaiian Day".
Copyright © 2001-2008, Susan Szabo Art. All Rights Reserved.