This beginner activity book introduces children to Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death (ROD) and teaches them how people can help prevent the spread of plant diseases. The central illustrated story follows Aponi, who visits Hawaiʻi Island with her volleyball team and learns about the ecological and cultural importance of ʻōhiʻa lehua and the disease affecting the trees.
The story emphasizes practical prevention behaviors, especially avoiding the movement of contaminated soil and ʻōhiʻa plant material and cleaning mud from shoes and tools before traveling to another location. The remainder of the book reinforces these ideas through coloring pages, puzzles, a maze, vocabulary activities, and a Plant Heroes Pledge.
Learn How to Help Stop the Spread of Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death
Students work through an illustrated story and supporting activities that ask them to:
