BESS PRESS AND PREL RELEASE ALPHABET BOOKS IN PACIFIC LANGUAGES

One of the greatest challenges for education in the central and western Pacific is the scarcity of teaching materials in Pacific languages. In response to this need, Pacific Resources for Education and Learning (PREL) has partnered with Bess Press to publish Island Alphabet Books in nine Pacific languages and in English. Both companies are based in Honolulu .

The series is illustrated with art created by children in the U.S.-affiliated Pacific. Each hardcover book contains the complete alphabet for the language, four or five examples for each letter, and a word list with English translations. The Pacific languages are Carolinian, Chamorro, Chuukese, Hawaiian, Kosraean, Marsha llese, Palauan, Pohnpeian, and Samoan.

The Island Alphabet Books series is available at local book outlets for $4.95 each. The books can also be ordered from the Bess Press website at www.besspress.com .

Bess Press , celebrating 25 years of independent publishing is located in Honolulu , Hawai'i and publishes trade titles about Pacific-related topics in the following categories: children's literature, cookbooks, humor, sports, languages, reference books, and guidebooks.

PREL is a non-profit corporation that works collaboratively with school systems to enhance education in Hawaii , the Pacific, the Asia Pacific region, and beyond.

Review copies and digital images are available from Bess Press: info@besspress.com , (808) 734-7159, ext. 21.