The Hungry Pua’a and the Sweet Sweet Potato
Suggested Grade Level: Preschool – Grade 4
Submitted By: Dori Seatriz, School Librarian, Mililani Ike Elementary School
Book: The Hungry Pua’a and the Sweet Sweet Potato by Leonard J. Villanueva 
A hungry pua’a (pig) comes upon a sweet potato in the forest. He is so proud of his find that he can’t help but brag about it and show it off to his forest friends. Hungry pua’a later learns the importance of friendship and sharing.
Recommended Readings / Related Books:
Kaipo and the Mighty Ahi written and illustrated by Leonard J. Villanueva
Too Many Mangos: A Story About Sharing by Tammy Paikai
The Boy Who Wouldn’t Share by Mike Reiss
The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog by Mo Williams
Activity #1: Make Sweet Potato Desserts from Hawai’i
Websites to visit for delicious recipes:
- https://www.ilovehawaiianfoodrecipes.com/recipes/sweet-potato-haupia-pie/
- https://www.justapinch.com/recipes/dessert/pie/sweet-potato-haupia-pie.html
Activity #2: Character Stick Puppets to Retell the Story:
Materials:
- 5 Popsicle sticks
- Markers, crayons, and/or colored pencils
- Tape
- Scissors
- Character printout
Instructions:
- Print the attached character printouts.
- Color with markers, crayons, and or colored pencils.
- Cut around characters.
- Tape popsicle sticks to the back of characters.
- Use the puppets when reading the story aloud. Then use puppets to recall story elements (characters, setting, events, problem, and solution).
The Hungry Pua’a and the Sweet Sweet Potato
