Recounts how Maui uses his magical powers to slow the path of the sun across the sky, thus allowing crops more time to grow, fishermen more time to fish, and children more time to play.
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From Publishers Weekly
Based on traditional Hawaiian sources, this relates the tale of Maui, a boy who has magical powers. He is disturbed that the days are too short and wonders, "Why does the sun cross the sky so quickly?" He meets fishermen and farmers who complain that the days are too short for work. His mother complains that there is no time to dry tapa cloths. Maui determinedly lassoes the sun and confronts him: "Promise that you will cross the sky more slowly." The sun refuses and Maui breaks one of his legs (rays) with a war club. This confrontation continues until the sun finally relents. From that day on, one half of the year has longer days for work and play. Attractive and inexpensive, this has well-placed watercolors that enhance the accessible text. For mainland readers or islanders, Tune and Burningham present an interesting piece of Polynesian myth. Ages 5-8.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 3-- When demigod Maui was still a child, the sun raced across the sky, making the day too short for him to fly his kite, for fishermen to catch fish, or for farmers to grow crops. When his mother sends him to best the sun, he hides in the mountain with his lasso until the sun rises. As it does, he ropes the sun's legs (rays) and asks it to promise to slow down. When it won't, he breaks its legs, one at a time, until it has no choice but to go slower for at least half the year. In Vivian Thompson's version, "Maui Traps Sun," in Hawaiian Myths of Earth, Sea & Sky (Holiday, 1966; o.p.), he breaks only one leg, but other versions vary. If this seems violent, remember "Hansel & Gretel," "Bluebeard," and "Ali Baba." Tales of Maui the child, the trickster, and the hero are at the heart of Polynesian lore. Bright watercolors with ink line outlines capture Hawaii's sun and tell the tale of Maui's strength. Good second- and third-grade readers may read this for themselves, and it has always been a tale for tellers. The second story tells of a time when Hawaii was young and no one saw or heard the birds except the demigod Maui. When a stranger from a faraway island comes to Hawaii and brags about how much more beautiful his island is than Hawaii, Maui beats his drum, and the sound of birds fluttering is heard. He beats it again and they sing. Finally, he beats it once more and they appear. The stranger agrees that there is no more beautiful place than Hawaii. This is a lovely tale of Hawaii's most famous mythical hero, unavailable elsewhere. Vivid ink outline watercolors with ornithologically correct birds bring Hawaii to readers and listeners. This is large enough to read aloud to young groups, who might stumble over the bird names on their own, and quite a nice introduction to Hawaiian folklore. --Helen Gregory, Grosse Pointe Public Library, Mich.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Awesome !!!,
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This review is from: How Maui Slowed the Sun (Kolowalu Books) (Hardcover)
This book is such a cute story for any child. I loved it when I was in school and I bought it for my children.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Maui, the Hawaiian Super Man,
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: How Maui Slowed the Sun (Kolowalu Books) (Hardcover)
I grew up in Hawaii and on the stories of Maui. So when I left home, I bought this and donated it to the local library.
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