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ROBIN MONTGOMERY was born and grew up in Kailua, Hawaii. A former classroom teacher, she is now a stay-at-home mother of three children. Robin was inspired to write this story by her memories of collecting plumeria flowers and making leis when she was young. She lives with her husband and their three children in Centralia, Washington.


CARLA GOLEMBE was born in Boston, MA. She has illustrated many children’s books including Bebop Books’ TIME FOR TACOS, and she has received several honors for her work, among them The New York Times Best Illustrated list and the Parents’ Choice Award Honor. Carla spent time as an artist-in-residence in Hawaii, where she also studied hula. She and her husband live in Rockville, Maryland, with their two cats, Zippy and Zoe.


Guided Reading Guided reading levels were assigned by certified Reading Recovery® teachers and literacy experts using the guidelines identified in Guided Reading and Matching Books to Readers by Irene C. Fountas and Gay Su Pinnell (Heinemann).

Intervention Intervention levels were assigned by certified Reading Recovery® teachers and literacy experts and are intended for use in early intervention and one-on-one tutorial programs, including Reading Recovery® programs. These levels are not officially authorized by Reading Recovery®. Reading Recovery® is a registered servicemark of The Ohio State University.

DRA (Developmental Reading Assessment) The DRA levels were determined using information in the Developmental Reading Assessment Resource Guide by Joetta Beaver (Celebration Press).

All level placements may vary and are subject to revision. Teachers may adjust the assigned levels in accordance with their own evaluations.