Lāʻau Superhero Series Keiki Books and Teaching Resources
Join Pōpolo on an adventure that tells of the very beginnings of Lāʻau Lapaʻau in Hawaiʻi and the superpowers of the main lāʻau character of the story, Pōpolo himself.
This story is based on the kaʻao of Lonopūhā as told in Ka Nupepa Kuokoa in 1869.
This story is retold through the eyes of Pōpolo to appeal to young keiki and ʻohana. Our intention of sharing lāʻau related kaʻao is to help us remember the importance of these lāʻau (plant medicines) that grow around us. Although they are often seen as "weeds", Pōpolo, like many other plants, has powerful medicinal properties that can help our ʻohanas stay healthy and heal when we are not well. Learn some of Pōpoloʻs superpowers as well as the beginning story of lāʻau lapaʻau in the first book of this Lāʻau Superhero Series, Pōpolo.
Did you know that there are 5 plants with the name Pōpolo in Hawaiʻi? Learn about the different types of Pōpolo, which ones are used for lāʻau, and which ones are toxic. Information is presented for makua and kumu to use to introduce keiki to Pōpolo and his magical superpowers as well as engage keiki in interactive activities with Pōpolo. Activities range from coloring pages, labeling parts of the plant (Hawaiian vocabulary), to making oil infusions, salves, and tinctures. Activities are generalized for elementary age students with ideas on how to reach older and younger learners. This resource book is a companion guide for the Lāʻau Superhero Series book, Pōpolo. We hope you will join us in remembering the medicine plants that have the power to heal us and aloha and honor Pōpolo by teaching your keiki who he is and what his superpowers are. Ola e Pōpolo!
