• The story follows the flow of lava as it snakes across the island and empties into the sea, highlighting Pele’s past and her journey to the island of Hawai'i.
• The illustrations depict the awesome power of Pele, the Fire Goddess. Asleep in her volcanic home, she awakens and bursts in a fountain of fire.
• This book is a child's introduction to the Goddess and her journey to the Hawaiian Islands. It is a children's picture book with 31 pages, 448 words and a glossary. It contains brightly colored, collage illustrations and is primarily aimed at children under 8 years old; however, it can be enjoyed by anyone who has an interest in Pele and volcanoes.
• Because Pele is often violent, Michael found it challenging to create a children's book based on her actions, and the story has seen many unexpected turns and changes. The book was begun in the mid 90's and met a few delays along the way, but perseverance finally paid off.
• Many people have been involved in the process and completion of this work. Its publication is due to them. This finalized version represents the beliefs, ideas, and compromises of many involved.
• Special thanks to the following: the project editor, Reve Shapard for her unwavering support, Buddy Bess, Carol Colbath, for the text layout, Cara Fradelos for putting together the book tour, Randal Meyers for this web site, and the folks at the Hawai'i Natural History Association and Volcanoes National Park.

Pele is perhaps the most revered and worshipped deity in Hawaiian mythology. She is primarily known as the Fire Goddess, although she may also be called the Volcano Goddess. In this version, she is referred to as the Goddess of Volcanic Fire. Whatever her title, she is a goddess of awesome power and has inspired many legends and stories.

The presence of Pele happened simultaneously with the arrival of the first people to inhabit the Hawaiian Islands. From Hawaii's Vengeful Goddess, a video produced by the History Channel, it is said that the first Hawaiian's worshipped some 40,000 deities, and scientists believe that Kilauea, the home of Pele, was at its most active shortly after the first settlers arrived.

There are accounts of people who have actually seen Pele in person. They say she can be either old or young and is often wearing a red dress and travels with a white dog. If you see Pele, it is advised to do as she asks.

Pele has seven brothers, and six sisters. She first lived in Kahiki, now known as Tahiti. She traveled to the Hawaiian islands in hopes of getting away from her sister, Na-maka-o-kaha'i, who is now revered as the Goddess of the Sea.

When the volcanoes of Hawai'i erupt violently, and destructively, it is thought that Pele is angry.

I wanted to create a book that was considerate of Pele and the importance she plays in the cultural context of the Hawaiian people. A further aim was to create a book with universal presence, one that would appeal to both children and adults. I think this is possible because Pele has such global power. She is undeniably Hawaiian, yet she is revered by all.

To me, Pele is the most visible and important figure in Hawaiian mythology. She remains visibly alive and tangible. She challenges the static principles of science. Along with the cultural aspects of her story, I am struck by the absence of women in much of the world’s mythological heritage. If I can achieve anything as an author and illustrator, it would be to help preserve the world’s cultural heritage, by keeping alive the strong female legends for younger generations.

Pele is one of the most powerful of myths. She deserves her place in the great mythology of humanity.

Michael Nordenstrom