Cabrini Cruz Palomo, an Indigenous CHamoru from the beautiful village of Inalåhan, Guåhan, is currently leading a project to develop place-based textbooks for elementary students that highlight Micronesian histories and cultures. Outside of work, Cabrini enjoys spending time with her loved ones and her puppy, Lemmai.

Veronica Cruz

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The Great Peskadot follows Maria, a young CHamoru girl who learns how to spear fish from her grandfather, Papa David. Under his guidance, Maria begins to understand the variety of life in the ocean, responsible fishing practices, and the value of wisdom passed down from our elders.
Papa David is based on Palomo’s late grandfather, David Cruz, a peskadot from Inalåhan who passed on his teachings to his children and grandchildren, emphasizing the tradition of generational wisdom and respect for the ocean prevalent in CHamoru culture.
 
“I hope this book inspires every child to see the ocean not just as a place of adventure, but as a teacher—that shows us patience, humility, and the importance of taking only what we need” says Palomo.
 
The book also boasts a vibrant array of illustrations that pull inspiration from the people and environment on Guam, meant to create a distinct feeling of the island’s unique place and culture. “As an illustrator, I love scenes where I can add a variety of little details, especially references of Guåhan and CHamoru culture,” says Cruz, the book’s illustrator.
 
The event is open to the public and will include a talaya fishing workshop, informational booths on conservation and responsible fishing practices, an author reading and book signing, and free refreshments.
 
The Great Peskadot is available online at uogpress.com for a special pre-order price of $12 and will be $15 after the book’s official release. The book will be available in local bookstores and on Amazon following the launch.
 
For more information, please contact UOG Press Publicist Via De Fant at defantv@triton.uog.edu or (671) 735-2153.
 
About University of Guam Press
 
The University of Guam Press publishes an array of academic and literary books and journals with a specific focus on the unique history, environment, peoples, cultures, and languages of the islands that make up the Western Pacific region. Visit uogpress.com to learn more about them and browse their wide selection of local art and literature.

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