OneTribune

Genre: Children’s Picture Book
Sub-genres: Cultural education, family storytelling, values-based fiction
Themes: Language, meaning, belonging, identity, gratitude

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How do we unlearn something we thought we knew—especially if we never learned it correctly in the first place?

Mahalo Does Not Mean Trash doesn’t just correct a mistake. It explores what that mistake reveals. Told through a family lens, the book reclaims a word central to Hawaiian culture and uses a child-friendly format to reframe what it truly means to say “thank you.” It’s not a lecture and not a guilt trip. Instead, it walks readers—young and old—through the very human process of misunderstanding, reflection, and course correction.

Rather than relying on fictional characters or talking animals, the authors place themselves at the center of the story. That choice alone shifts the tone of the book. It’s personal. It’s real. And it sends a clear message to children that their family, their words, and their stories matter—not someday, but now.

There’s something especially powerful about a family choosing to write and publish their shared experience. It turns reading into listening. In classrooms and homes where cultural references can sometimes feel abstract or tokenized, this book offers specificity without requiring prior knowledge. That accessibility helps build bridges across age, language, and background.

The writing is simple without being simplistic. And the title—playful on the surface—is doing more than catching attention. It sets the stage for a lesson in both language and values. In a time when gratitude can feel like a buzzword or hashtag, Mahalo Does Not Mean Trash returns the idea to its roots: acknowledgment, intention, and relationship.

This book will resonate with readers who want to give children a sense of cultural responsibility without weighing them down. It’s for those who want stories grounded in truth but shared with love. It might not suit readers looking for fantasy or fast-paced adventure, but for those who believe in quiet, meaningful change—it speaks volumes.

Excellence in Literature Award

The Excellence in Literature Award is a tribute to the timeless power of storytelling. We recognise works that transcend fleeting trends—books that resonate deeply and linger long after the final page. Whether bold and boundary-breaking or quietly powerful, these stories reflect true literary excellence.

This award encompasses a wide literary landscape—from genre fiction to poetic reflections, from contemporary gems to historical epics. At its heart, it celebrates writers who demonstrate mastery, originality, and the ability to connect with readers on a meaningful level.

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