Stuff we like

Alphabet Books (book)

Our four-year-old reviewer loves the Island Alphabet Book series. So do her parents. Published by Bess Press and Pacific Resources for Education and Learning (PREL) the books feature the languages of the U.S. affiliated Pacific. So in the Marshallese Alphabet book, A is for awa (clock), addi-lep (toe), at (hat) and aolok (jellyfish), rather than the baffling aardvark or antelope quite alien to most Pacific Island children. The books are beautifully and vividly illustrated with pictures by children from the region. Our favorite paintings are the iia (rainbow) and ukelele. The reviewer's only complaint? Where is the Fijian, I-Kiribati and tok pisin versions? The Island Alphabet Books come in Carolinian, Chuukese, English, Hawaiian, Kosraean, Marshallese, Palauan, Pohnpeian and Samoan. Each has a list of English translations. www.prel.org/www.besspress.com

Virtual Tongan Party (web)

Click and open Planet Tonga's homepage and be overwhelmed by words. The site, created in 1998, boasts itself as being "the largest online community for the Tongan people." One can spend an entire day surfing the site; there are so many options to choose from. Noteworthy is the community spotlight where various talented Tongans, many of whom no longer live in Tonga, are nominated and their accomplishments posted for all to see. "PT" regulars can check their email, share a family recipe, and even find out the weather in FuaAmotu. The forums on romantic relationships and genealogies, photo galleries full of wedding and graduation photos, and ads featuring the latest in Tongan music offer a vibrant, active cyber world for Tongans everywhere. www.planet-tonga.com

Fiji's Best (cd)

George Veikoso or Fiji as he is more widely known, has been successful in Hawaii and the greater Pacific music scene. His newest release Best of Fiji is a testament to his popularity and staying power. Best of Fiji, Veikoso's fifth album, came out in 2003, almost 10 years after his first, Evolution. Fiji's fresh, soulful island sound that mixes reggae, Pacific beats, and R&B remains distinct. The "best" includes the hits "Chant of the Islands," "Smokin' Session," "Lia," and a new track entitled "Irresistable Woman." Still, Veikoso's Best cannot compare to seeing him live in concert. Fiji is truly at his best on stage. US$16.99

Rugby Mania (book)

Anyone who has been in Fiji for more than seven consecutive days knows that rugby is that country's second religion, and on major match days, perhaps the first. Anything and everything to do with rugby is big news. That's why Rakavi 2004, a new (and slick) annual on all things rugby in Fiji, is a guaranteed hit. The 164-page book is published by Sports Communications (Fiji) Ltd., the same group that does the outstanding rugby magazine, Teivovo. Indeed, the co-authors of this stunning annual are Jeremy Duxbury, Teivovo's editor, and Vela Naucukidi, Teivovo's senior writer and one of the few women reporting regularly on what is a male-dominated sport. Rakavi 2004 has everything - statistics, photos, stories, profiles and, oh yes, did we mention statistics? Duxbury promises that Rakavi will be an annual publication. That's good news, as the last time Fiji had a rugby almanac was 30 some years ago. We commend Duxbury and Naucukidi for a job well done. This is a publication that should be on the shelf of any sports fan in the Pacific, no matter whether rugby is your game of choice. Fortunately, it costs only US$9.50 (plus postage and handling), and can be ordered at Teivovo's popular Web site, www.teivovo.com. We are betting that Rakavi 2004 will be one of the best sellers in Fiji this year.