Summer's in full swing and two new titles — one on surfing, one on a visit to Hawai'i — fit right in with the vacation vibe.

"A STORY OF SURFING" BY CARLA GOLEMBE; BESS PRESS, AGES 5 AND UP, $16.95

Author and illustrator Carla Golembe's latest picture book, which explores a young girl's interest in surfing, is a standout. The story is layered with meaning yet simple without being simplistic. Go-lembe mixes in bits of surfing history, beginning with ancient customs and taking us through modern times. A well-executed dream sequence offers the child an opportunity to time travel.

On the first stop in Keana's dream, she meets a young ali'i who explains:

"Before he makes a board, the shaper

turns and faces toward the sea

and gives thanks for the wood he'll use

by burying a fish beneath a tree."

The father of modern surfing, Duke Kahanamoku, the Hau Tree Boys of Waikiki Beach and other surf greats make appearances. (My favorite addition is champion surfer Rell Sunn, organizer of the Women's Professional Surfing Association.)

On an accompanying CD, the book is read by Noelani Mahoe, with her nurturing voice and nostalgic music. The book includes a glossary of Hawaiian words, surf lingo and historic facts explaining who's who.

Golembe's "The Story of Hula" won the 2004 Publishers Marketing Association Benjamin Franklin Award.

"JUNIE B., FIRST-GRADER, ALOHA-HA-HA!" BY BARBARA PARK, DENISE BRUNKUS ILLUSTRATOR; RANDOM HOUSE, AGES 7-10, $11.95

Sooner or later it had to happen — Junie B. Jones visits the islands. A Hawaiian vacation marks the 26th book in the powerhouse series that has a combined total 35 million books in print. For young readers venturing into their first chapter books, Junie B. can't be beat.

Author Barbara Park can channel a 7-year-old like nobody's business. Junie B. is funny, very funny. One of her trademarks is an odd use of grammar, which can irritate some adult readers.

The story begins with Junie discovering the family is about to visit Hawai'i. Junie jumps up to share the news with her class, but it is journal time, and her teacher explains show-and-tell will start shortly. Junie recounts:

"How many minutes is shortly?" I asked. "Is it one minute or eight minutes or eleven minutes? On account of if it's one minute, I can wait, probably. But eleven minutes would be out of the question."

Mr. Scary walked back to my desk. And he sat me in my chair. I glanced up at him.

"All I'm looking for is a rough estimate," I said.

Junie's trip includes grouchy passengers on the plane, an embarrassing inner-tube incident at the hotel pool, a snorkeling mishap and a run-in with a bird during a nature hike. Smashing black-and-white pencil drawings throughout add to the comedy.

Expect to be entertained, but don't expect to learn anything new about Hawai'i.