Introduce your littlest ones to some of Hawaii’s most well-known legends with the new board books, “Maui Slows the Sun” and “Hi‘iaka Battles the Wind.”

“Maui Slows the Sun” retells the story of how the young demigod Maui helped the people of Hawaii by slowing the sun’s journey across they sky so daily chores, such as pounding kapa, could be finished before dark. “Hi‘iaka Battles the Wind” retells the story of how Hi‘iaka, Pele’s sister and the patron goddess of Hawaii and hula, used her lightning skirt to save the people of Waipio Valley on Hawaii island from a destructive wind.

Both 5-by-6-inch books are 16 pages and ideal for children up to 4 years old. Written by Hawaiian author Gabrielle Ahuli‘i and illustrated by former Hawaii island resident Jing Jing Tsong, the books feature stories told with poetic language and textured illustrations that will appeal to parents and children.

The board books serve as an early introduction to Hawaii’s history of storytelling and offer children a more in-depth view of Hawaiian culture, history and the natural world. They are part of BeachHouse Publishing’s series of board books, “Hawaiian Legends for Little Ones.” The other four books in the series are “Maui Hooks the Islands,” “Pele Finds a Home,” “Hina” and “Naupaka.”

“MAUI SLOWS THE SUN”

“HI‘IAKA BATTLES THE WIND”

Written by Gabrielle Ahuli‘i, illustrated by Jing Jing Tsong

>> Cost: $7.95 each (BeachHouse Publishing)

>> Where to buy: amazon.com, mutualpublishing.com

>> Info: beachhousepublishing.com