Ai, Si Kai!
A Story That Feels Like Home
Ai, si Kai! is inspired by a true family moment that has since become a cherished family memory. Centered on the loving relationship between a grandchild and their Papa, the story captures the warmth and humor that defines CHamoru homes. Familiar phrases, playful mishaps, and the steady presence of a grandparent’s care make this book instantly recognizable to families across Guåhan and throughout the diaspora.
About the Author
Frances Balajadia is an educator who teaches upper elementary students and is deeply committed to strengthening CHamoru language and narrative in the classroom. Her work reflects both her professional experience as a teacher and her personal experience as a daughter and granddaughter.
In Ai, si Kai!, Frances draws from her own family life, particularly the tenderness she witnessed as her parents embraced their role as grandparents. Her storytelling honors the intergenerational bonds that shape who we are and reminds readers that time with our elders is a gift.
(Left to Right) Illustrator, Maila Kaleihoohie Balajadia Salisbury, and Author, Frances Balajadia
A Family Effort
The illustrations for Ai, si Kai! were created by Maila Kaleihoohie Balajadia Salisbury, the author’s niece, making this book a true family collaboration. The artwork reflects real details from their lives, from Papa’s familiar outfit to the setting that inspired the story. Together, the words and images preserve a memory that belongs not only to one family, but to many who will see themselves in its pages.
Born of Nina’fitme Ineyak CHamoru
Ai, si Kai! was developed through the Nina’fitme Ineyak CHamoru classes at the Guam Community College. As part of the program, Frances was challenged to create an original story grounded in CHamoru narrative and lived experience.
At the time, she recognized the need for more age-appropriate CHamoru stories for her fourth and fifth grade students at Faneyåkan Sinipok. What began as a course assignment evolved into a meaningful contribution to the growing collection of CHamoru children’s literature.
This book stands as an example of how educator training, cultural reflection, and storytelling can come together to create resources that serve both classroom and community.
Join Along
We invite you to experience Ai, si Kai! through our Digital Read-Along Series below. Hear Frances Balajadia bring her story to life in her own voice and share it with your children, students, and family members.
Our stories matter. When children hear CHamoru stories told by our own authors, language becomes more than words on a page. It becomes connection, identity, and home.
This book stands as an example of how educator training, cultural reflection, and storytelling can come together to create resources that serve both classroom and community.
Ai, Si Kai!
Read-along Book