Byajperkinsio

Nov 17, 2022

Mahalo Does Not Mean Trash

 Author's Profile + Interview + Book Profile / by ajperkinsio / 136 views

Mahalo means “Thank you”. Or does it?

When Hiwa and Keao meet their cousin visiting from California for the first time, they learn what he thinks “Mahalo” means and although not correct, it does make you think…

Pupu gets an opportunity to teach her mo’opuna (grandchildren) the meaning of Mahalo as well as the kaona (deeper meaning) of one of Hawaii’s most precious words.

  • Listing ID: 12233
  • Author's Name: Paki Perkins
  • Your Email Address: perkins@perkspublishing.com
  • About the Author: AJ Paki Perkins is a renewable energy and sustainability CEO – turned award-winning author who best known for his work teaching Hawaiian Values through story. He and his children (HIwalani – 17, Puniaikeao – 15 and Alapaki – 13) wrote the award-winning children’s book: Mahalo Does Not Mean Trash, fun story about gratitude and the true meaning of this treasured Hawaiian value taught by pupu (grandma) to her mo'opuna (grandchildren) that makes you take pause for the truly important things in life.

    Paki is a semi-finalist on the new TV show: America’s Next Great Author. He just finished his learning course called “Visit Hawaii Like A Hawaiian” to help first time visitors to his home in Hawaii. He is also finishing his first business book which is a parable on how the values of MAHALOHANA can change your life, family, community and business.
  • URL of the book's purchase link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BMPJJ1W2?ref_=pe_3052080_276849420
  • Genre: Children's Illustrated
  • Titles of All Books: Mahalo Does Not Mean Trash
  • 1. Did you love reading books when you were little? Why or why not?: I liked when others read to me, but I didn't read a lot when I was young. I grew up in Hawaii and it was always more fun to be out and about in the real world rather than a book's world.
  • 2. At what age did you start reading books? What were your best memories of that time?: It wasn't until I ready my first business book at 21 that I became a voracious reader. I would read 5-7 books a month and many times I would read the same book over and over, multiple times. I remember it was Rich Dad, Poor Dad and I read that book 6 times in 4 months.

    I only read business and self help books and then one day my wife made me read a "fun" book to our children. Harry Potter got me hooked and now I read all genres.
  • 3. What was the first book you loved reading? Why?: Rich Dad, Poor Dad was the first book that made me fall in love with reading. Harry Potter helped me expand my reading and the DaVinci Code series pulled me in. I just love the excitement and suspense. It's addicting.
  • 4. When did you first think about writing your first book? Why?: When I was 26 and building one of my companies. One of my partners was a contributor to The Secret. This allowed me to speak on stage with members of The Secret and be a part of the luminaries' world. I could see how my words could transform people from stage, if I had a book(s), I could probably transform more lives.
  • 5. What was the greatest obstacle you've encountered when you were writing your book? What made you overcome it?: I have always run multiple companies, so time was always my biggest obstacle. I always have higher priorities.
    I have overcome these obstacles, but just setting aside a little time every day to write and eventually there will be something that can be used to have other people edit and create something useful.
  • 6. What pieces of advice can you give aspiring authors? What worked for you?: Don't tell people you are an author.

    When people ask what you do, phrase it in a way that shows how you benefit others with your book as a tool. For instance:

    "I help leaders build inspiring leadership brands and I do it through speaking, coaching and writing books."

    Lead with the benefits first and then the services that I offer.
  • 7. Who are the authors or what are the books that had the greatest influence in your own writing? Why?: The stories from Chicken Soup for the Soul has helped me see how important creating an emotional connection with your audience is when trying to sell books.
  • 8. What are your current or future writing plans? What can readers further expect from you?: We have 2 more children's books coming out to add to our Mahalo (gratitude) book. The next book will be on Aloha (love) and to follow that will be on Ohana (family). This is the children's series for MAHALOHANA.

    I am finishing up a business parable book on these 3 Hawaiian values and how they can change your life, your family and your business.
  • Awards, reviews, press releases, and other relevant information: Lee Brower from The Secret (Gratitude Rock) has written the foreword for our children's book: Mahalo Does Not Mean Trash.

    We have been nominated for 5 book awards before we have been published.

    Here are some of the reviews we have for our book"

    Marci McPhee Writer, Editor, "The Law of Love" by Steve Young
    “You don’t need to be Hawaiian — or even a child — to love the inspiring message and powerful link to ancestors and culture in this book. The charming text and inviting illustrations deliver a wonderful message of connection to the infinite and the divine — and you might even learn a Hawaiian word or two!”

    Tiffany Odekirk, Mother of Four, Author of "Love Unscripted" and "Love on Pointe"
    "Mahalo Does Not Mean Trash, is a heartwarming picture book that will quickly become a treasured favorite of both parents and children. Told with heart and humor, this story reinforces the core Hawaiian values of Aloha and Mahalo. As a mother of four, I'm so grateful to have found a book that is both educational and entertaining. I highly recommend this book!"

    Matthew Corry Editor, Kamehameha Schools Publishing
    "A Hawaiian message with universal appeal. This timeless story shows that gratitude is more than a word. It is a deeply felt expression that unites families, bridges generations, and puts us in the presence of the divine. Mahalo to the Perkins 'ohana—especially Pupu—for teaching us about . . . mahalo!"

    Eric Keawekane, Educator
    "At a time in which cultural awareness has become increasingly important to so many, “Mahalo Does Not Mean Trash” provides timely clarity in a fun and educational way. Readers will find the book to be light enough for youngsters while at the same time offering valuable sentimental and cultural lessons."

    Mary J Insley, Mamaw (Southern for Grandma) To Three Grandchildren
    “Mahalo Doesn’t Mean Trash is beautifully written with love shown on every page. Not only is there the learning experience of Thank You…but also of respect and patience for others. We may not always understand what someone is trying to say until we sit and actually listen.”
Contact details

1 MCGWIRE RD APT 20892694 Show Phone Number ***** http://www.mahalobooks.com