Ginger Kamisugi, a teacher’s aide at Our Lady of Good Counsel School in Pearl City, reads to students her new book, “Something Different, Something New,” Dec. 4. (HCH photo | Darlene Dela Cruz)
A new children’s book written by a teacher’s aide at Our Lady of Good Counsel School in Pearl City aims to show kids that being grateful for what you have is far stronger than the allure of attaining the latest things.
Ginger Kamisugi’s “Something Different, Something New,” a colorful 28-page storybook, has just hit local bookshelves. Kamisugi will be signing her book at the Costco store in Hawaii Kai, noon-2 p.m., Dec. 22.
“Something Different, Something New” follows the tale of young Makana, who is dissatisfied with everything. He wants new food instead of the tasty breakfasts his tutu (grandmother) makes, and refuses to wear the clean clothes already in his closet when he sees others with fancier fashions.
By the end of the story, however, Makana learns that the value of something doesn’t lie in its newness.
“It’s just something that we all experience,” Kamisugi said. “All children, it’s in their nature. When you go to the store, you’re lucky if you walk out of that store without them asking for something.”
Kamisugi, who assists the Our Lady of Good Counsel third grade class, wrote the story in March, 2011. She said it started out simply as an idea for a tale her children — son Cole, 14, and daughter Jasmine, 16 — would be able to read to their kids someday.
“Even though there weren’t any pictures, at least it was a story that I had written that they could share and say, ‘Oh, your grandmother wrote this,’” Kamisugi said.
Kamisugi, a first-time author, initially didn’t plan to submit her story to publishing houses. Last March, however, she sent a manuscript of “Something Different, Something New” to Island Heritage, a company specializing in Hawaiian music, gifts and literature. Her work received positive reviews from Island Heritage representatives and others outside the organization.
On Feb. 14, 2013, Kamisugi received a call from Island Heritage president Dale Madden, who offered her a book contract. The first bound copies of “Something Different, Something New” arrived in the company’s warehouse Nov. 26.
“I didn’t say anything to my family until a year-and-a-half after I wrote the story and it was getting the reviews,” Kamisugi said. “That was the hardest part — just waiting and not knowing.”
Kamisugi, who lives in Pearl City, put much thought into “Something Different, Something New.” The story is based on experiences she has had with her family, and she honors her loved ones in the tale in subtle ways. Character names — such as Makana, Pua and Nani — pay homage to her children and her late mother.
“I made sure the names … could be said easily and made the story relatable,” she said.
The book’s writing style and theme are relatable for different ages as well.
“It is a children’s book, so somebody can read it to them if they’re young,” Kamisugi said. “Older ones can relate because they know how it feels, and they’re close to their tutus. An adult appreciates it because it’s a lesson that the child can learn.”
Artist Don Robinson provided cute, vibrant illustrations that kids and grown-ups will also enjoy.
Kamisugi shared the book with the students and teachers of Our Lady of Good Counsel during readings at the school Dec. 4. Surprised by her unexpected success with “Something Different, Something New,” she said she is thankful for all the support the school ohana has provided. She also encouraged students to try their own hand at composing stories.
“I’ve had so many kids come up to me since reading it, saying ‘You know Mrs. Kamisugi, I’m thinking about writing a story,’” she said. “It’s so nice to hear that.”
“Something Different, Something New” is available on Oahu at Bookends, A Summer Place, Little People Hawaii and Growing Keiki in Kailua. Copies are also available at Barnes and Noble in Ala Moana, or can be purchased by calling Island Heritage at 564-8800.
Kamisugi will be doing a reading at Shriners Hospital, Dec. 28.
