Hiiaka Battles The Wind

Gabrielle Ahulii

Boardbook, 16 pp.

The sixth title in the Hawaiian Legends for Little Ones series, Hiʻiaka Battles the Wind introduces kids ages 0-4 to one of Hawaii's legends about Hiʻiaka, Pele's sister. A vicious, destructive wind has been wreaking havoc in Waipio Valley causing the people distress. Homes are being destroyed, crops are blowing away, and the people need help. Hiʻiaka and her lightning paʻū (skirt) rushes to the valley and confronts the wind. A raging battle ensues. Hiʻiaka throws lightning bolts and rain. The wind eventually dies down and is cast into a small cave where he can be heard howling to this day. The people of Waipio Valley are once again safe and can live their lives in peace. In simple, poetic language, this origin story about day time, night time, and the seasons, gives small kids a taste of Hawaii's rich history of storytelling. The five other titles in the series are: Hina, Pele Finds a Home, Naupaka, and Maui Slows the Sun all legends that will give kids a wider view of Hawaiian culture, history, and its natural world.