We are an independent children’s publishing company founded by author and illustrator Amelia Nelson on the island of Maui, Hawaiʻi.

The name Homelani is a combination of the English word home—spoken with Hawaiian pronunciation—and the Hawaiian word lani, meaning heaven, sky, or heavenly. Together, the name expresses the idea of a heavenly home.

At Homelani Press, we believe that the love of stories begins at home. It is around bedtime books, family traditions, and shared moments of imagination that children first discover the joy of reading. Those early experiences help shape a lifelong love of learning, creativity, and wonder.

Homelani Press was created with the mission of publishing beautiful, timeless children’s books that celebrate imagination, the arts, and the magic of childhood. Every book is lovingly written and illustrated by Amelia, drawing on her years as a ballet teacher, artist, and storyteller.

Our first publication, The Nutcracker, is a beautifully illustrated retelling of the beloved holiday ballet. Inspired by the annual performances of the Alexander Academy of Performing Arts and Amelia’s own daughter, Freya, this keepsake edition invites young readers to experience the music, magic, and wonder of one of the world’s most cherished Christmas traditions.

This is only the beginning. As Homelani Press grows, we hope to create a collection of stories that families will read together, treasure on their bookshelves, and pass down from one generation to the next.

Thank you for being part of the very first chapter of our story.