The Great Peskadot is set to make waves this Sunday at Ypao Beach Park. Ahead of its debut, I sit down with the book’s author – and my sister - Cabrini Cruz Palomo, to reflect on the story’s meaning and the lessons woven into its pages.

From the steady crash of waves along the shore to the gentle ripples left by fish beneath the surface, the ocean carries countless stories—waiting patiently for those who take the time to listen. For local author and artist Palomo, those stories began in the waters of Inalåhan. It was there, learning how to fish—a tradition passed down through generations of her family—that she formed not only a deep connection to the sea, but also the beginnings of her own voice as a storyteller.

“Being in the ocean, I’m reminded that I belong to something much bigger than myself, and it’s where I feel most connected to the people before me, and the people who are going to come after me," she said.

That sense of belonging is what inspired her children’s book, The Great Peskadot—the story of a young Chamoru girl who learns the importance of responsible fishing from her grandfather, Papa David. The character is rooted in real life, based on Palomo’s late grandfather, Antonio David Cruz. “This book is really written in memory of our real-life Papa David," she said.

“He passed away when we were very young–ironically, he passed away doing what he loved most–he was a great peskadot. But there was an accident, and he drowned, and again, he passed away when we were really young. As I got older, naturally, I noticed that I started to forget. I love that idea that books can kind of keep memories and people alive forever. So, he is just someone I hope I never forget.”

Through its pages, The Great Peskadot becomes more than a story—it becomes a vessel for memory, love, and lessons of island wisdom. Chief among them: take only what you need. It’s a message palomo hopes will stay with children as they grow into the island's future caretakers.

“Living on an island, and I’m sure other island communities can relate–learn early on that our resources are not endless. It’s especially important for children to learn this lesson because it not only applies to fishing but to everyday life: it teaches responsibility, gratitude, self-control, and thinking beyond yourself," she said.

“It’s especially important for kids to understand now, especially with everything we have up against us–like the deep sea mining. We need these kids to really take this message to heart and grow up being our protectors.”

Palomo also emphasizing the importance of indigenous people seeing themselves reflected—not just in stories, but in the art that brings those stories to life. The great peskadot is illustrated by local artist Veronica Cruz, and Palomo says that visibility carries a powerful responsibility.

She said, “Being an indigenous artist of any sort, there’s a responsibility to create from a place of truth, and also understanding that when you create, it’s going to have a meaning that goes beyond just you–and that’s going to last for generations.”

The Great Peskadot launches Sunday, January 11, at the main pavilion at Ypao Beach Park at 2pm. The event is free and open to the public.

The book is available at www.uogpress.com and at local bookstores.