Dr. Gerry Ebalaroza-Tunnell

I am the new author of "Let's Live Aloha" and an upcoming memoir, "The Evolution of Aloha: Awakening the Breath of Life." This work is based on Aunty Pilahi Paki's words of wisdom: "The world will turn to Hawai'i as they search for world peace because Hawai'i has the key...And that key is Aloha!"

A.L.O.H.A. reminds us to value inquiry over settling quickly on answers. To create a cohesive community, we must value listening over being heard. To develop personal maturity, we must observe our emotional and somatic reactions to the world around us with curiosity. To avoid falling into cognitive dissonance and shutting ourselves off from others, we must remain heart-focused on how we perceive the world and the paradigms that shape them. To evolve in a world of constant change, we need to be willing to adapt to new information and acknowledge that we are all on this journey together.

Each acronym allows us to step into complex conversations that will invite the spirit of grace, empathy, responsibility, and accountability.
 

Kirkus Review:

A kindhearted, instructive tale with a Hawaiian twist.

Ebalaroza-Tunnell introduces the universal spirit of Hawaiian Aloha and its cultural and practical significance.

The narrator, Dr. G, whom we meet in a classroom, says: “Aloha is a powerful word that comes from the islands of Hawaii and has many beautiful meanings.” Dr. G has tan skin, dark brown hair, and kind eyes, and she wears a pretty yellow dress. Although “Aloha” means both “hello” and “goodbye,” it can also mean ”love,” she explains to the class. She provides a fun way of remembering the spirit of ALOHA: The letter A is for “ask,” so we can learn new ways of doing things. L is for “listen,” to really hear what others have to share. O is for “observe,” particularly the physical manifestations of our feelings. H is for “heart,” and the final A is for “adapt,” so we can change our attitudes and behaviors to grow and thrive. For each letter, Dr. G offers activities children can do, including journaling and breathing exercises. The text uses simple vocabulary and short sentences to describe relatively complex ideas, and Fadhilah’s cartoonlike illustrations of children of different races and ethnicities practicing the activities set a serene, inclusive scene.

A kindhearted, instructive tale with a Hawaiian twist. (Ages: 4-6, picture book)