Hawaii Tribune-Herald Island Beat Thursday, October 27, 2016 11 illustrator living in Oakland, Calif. Lee, who also worked for Disney Feature Animation, is currently an art director at Pixar Animation Studios. Lee had a hand in the creation of animated films such as “Mulan,” “The Incredibles,” “Cars” and “Wall-E.” As for the storyline, Yamaguchi says she has always loved the concept of paying it forward. “With all that’s going on in the world today, I just felt like kindness was a simple message for kids, but it was one that truly does make a difference,” she says. Yamaguchi already is starting to think of a follow-up book to “Cara’s Kindness.” “I have some ideas, and my kids are intimately involved as well,” she says of her daughters Keara, 13, and Emma, 10. “They’re a great audience, and they are kind of like my initial editors.” This year also marks the 20th anniversary of Yamaguchi’s Always Dream Foundation, which promotes early childhood literacy. A portion of the profits from “Cara’s Kindness” sales at the Hawaii Japanese Center will benefit early childhood literacy programs supported by the foundation. “We don’t have a program on the Big Island yet (through the Always Dream Foundation), but we are hoping to expand, and I’m pretty sure the Big Island will be the first one we go to,” she says. “Hopefully by the next school year, we will have that in place at least at one school.” The Always Dream Foundation began its strong focus on literacy programs about five years ago, explains Yamaguchi, around the time her first book was released. ADF serves 17 schools and more than 1,600 students, hoping to inspire underserved children to reach for their dreams through innovative reading programs. “I was a mom with two young kids, and reading and literacy were just so ‘top of mind,’” Yamaguchi says. “I think what it all came down to was that academic success for a child starts with their literacy skills. “We wanted to tackle something with the foundation that was grassroots and give the tools for reading at a young age. This will build that foundation for success in school and in life.” She says writing children’s books had always been in the back of her mind and she thought she’d get to it “someday.” But becoming a mother and seeing the importance of reading for her own keiki inspired her to push ahead and complete her first book. “No matter what she undertakes, Kristi Yamaguchi exemplifies determination, grace and humility — attributes that have won her legions of fans throughout the world,” says Arnold Hiura, Hawaii Japanese Center executive director. “Naturally, we are thrilled that someone of her stature would make the time and effort to add the Hawaii Japanese Center to her schedule.” The event is free and open to the public. Seating is limited. For more information, email the Hawaii Japanese Center at contact@hawaiijapanesecenter. com or call 934- 9611 during office hours from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. “We hope that people in Hilo will take advantage of this rare opportunity to meet Kristi in person, wish her well, and get their copies of her latest book autographed in person,” says Hiura. “A percentage of the sales will also benefit the Hawaii Japanese Center.” YAMAGUCHI From page 2 Courtesy photo Kristi Yamaguchi reads to students. “With all that’s going on in the world today, I just felt like kindness was a simple message for kids, but it was one that truly does make a difference.”
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