Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #733401 in Books
• Published on: 1998-07
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 108 pages

From School Library Journal
Grade 4-8?Shenandoah-Tekalihwa:khwa and George-Kanentiio retell nine traditional Iroquois tales. In a series of creation stories, readers learn how Skywoman fell from the world above, how the animals spread mud on the back of a turtle to catch her and the Earth was born, how the moon was formed, and how human beings were created. Other tales describe the origin of the dancing star constellation and of the evergreen. One selection tells "How the Bear Clan Became Healers" and another describes a sea creature in Lake Ontario. Full-color single- and double-page spreads and black-and-white pen-and-ink drawings depict the action and provide cultural details. The dignity and clarity so much a part of Native American storytelling are evident in this volume. Joseph Bruchac has included some of the stories in his Iroquois Stories (Crossing, 1985) and Native American Stories (Fulcrum, 1991). Although the selections in Skywoman subtly work in Iroquois traditions, there is no introduction explaining Iroquois history or customs and no source notes are provided. Still, the combination of solid writing and evocative artwork make this book a worthwhile purchase for libraries needing additional Native American legends.?Cheryl Cufari, Glencliff Elementary School, Niskayuna, NY
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Customer Reviews

One word: EXCELLENT!
This book is well-written and beautifully illustrated and long overdue. Some of the pen and ink illustrations didn't reproduce well but that is a minor point. I can't remember how many times I have purchased books for my kids and wished there were more Native American books written and illustated by REAL Native Americans! And the fact that it is about the legends of my own people makes it even more important to me. This book will take its rightful place next to GIVING THANKS by Jake Swamp. Niawenkowa to the authors and artists!

Beautifully illustrated and meticulously recounted
Oneida, Joanne Shenandoah and Mohawk, Doug George have put together a superb selection of Iroquois stories with considerable attention given to detail, accuracy and their significance to the people from whom they came. It includes the Iroquois concept of creation and several other ancient stories.

Magnificent works of art by John and David Fadden serve to illustrate this "picture" book which is appropriate for children ages 4 to 104.

It is a perfect book for gifts as well as for classroom use in elementary schools or college courses in Native American Studies.