Florence Toyofuku, garbed in one of her special princess outfits, is going to be a scientist when she grows up, said her grandmother, Isobel Storch, while settling down at one of the socially-distanced tables in the food court at Kukui Grove Center.
“She’s got two books already,” said Storch, who also works with the Friends of the Kapa‘a Public Library. “And, besides a scientist, what else are you going to be?”
The young princess who accompanied grandma to work Saturday mulled the question while leafing through her newly-acquired books.
“Ah, a veterinarian,” Toyofuku blurted out before rushing off to see the birthday cake being unpacked on a table ahead of the stage that was reassembled for the center’s Aloha Friday performances.
Toyofuku and Storch, both arriving after Storch’s weekly appearance at the Puhi Park Produce and still within the time confines of Read Across America, were among the hundreds of keiki and families who scored reading material during Read Across America, a literary promotion that celebrates the birthday of well-known author Dr. Seuss.
Toyofuku’s free books were registered ahead of time, and her dressing as a princess earned her more books for the effort.
“Everything filled up the day we announced it,” said Gretchen Pascual of Hawai‘iUSA Federal Credit Union, which sponsored the 117 free books — one for each year of Seuss’s 117 years — that were given away. “Everyone came when they signed up for so there wasn’t any jamming.”
For those missing the opportunity for the pre-registration, Read Across America leaders had other options that included the Kaua‘i Family and Community Education table near the Imagination Station selfie backdrop that offered books and other activities, and the book sale benefiting Kumu’s Cupboard by USBorne Books and More by Sheila Bradley.
Another option is the Spring Reading Challenge that was announced by Hawai‘iUSA Federal Credit Union’s Taylor Shigemoto and Morgan Lopez.
Under this program, a keiki could earn a free book if they read (and record on the log) eight or more books during the state Department of Education spring break that runs Monday through Friday, March 15 to 19. Applications are available at the Hawai‘iUSA Federal Credit Union outreach office near Kaua‘i Bakery.
Tugging for attention of the book hunters Saturday was Pokemon Day, celebrated with its collection of pop-up vendors offering collectibles, and the entry day for the Kaua‘i Society of Artists 2021 Spring Show that opens Friday, March 5, at the KSA gallery at KGC.
“We heard the piano and wondered what was happening,” said Kimberly Hope, violinist and music instructor. “I performed for Read Across America last year. I couldn’t do it this year because of the COVID-19.”
It was Hank Curtis at the keyboard. “They wanted me to perform so the music wouldn’t attract crowds,” Curtis said. “They wanted music from the books, so a lot of the music is from the movies that were created from book titles.”
Curtis closed the hours-long celebration of reading and literacy with his unique rendering of “Happy Birthday” to Dr. Seuss, triggering the Hawai‘iUSA FCU team into action cutting and distributing the special Jea Laganina creation from Kaua‘i Bakery.
“It’s such a wonderful feeling to see so many happy families enjoying themselves,” said Melissa McFerrin-Warrack, KGC special-events coordinator.
“It’s been so long since we have been dealing with the pandemic and all of the restrictions. But the families are so resilient, and it’s so good to see them having fun and enjoying themselves while heeding the social distancing, face masks and other health and safety guidelines,” she said.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
