Eleven stories based on the oral traditions of the Wampanoag tribe of southern Massachusetts recount the origins of the world, the ancient history of the Wampanoag, and the ways in which the spirit Maushop aided the early humans.
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Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
This inspired collection, the children's book debut of its author and illustrator, explores the cultural traditions and history of the Wampanoag, a Native American tribe from Massachusetts. Manitonquat (Medicine Story), a Wampanoag elder, spiritual leader and storyteller, narrates 11 sparkling tales, many set down in print for the first time. Rich in meaning and flashing with humor, the entries begin with "Song of Creation," in which Kishtannit, the Big Spirit, sings up time, space and movement, followed by the sun, moon and ocean. Subsequent tales measure human experience--the dilemma of death, war, the four seasons, migration--and beneath the dancing language lies a thought-provoking solemnity. Arquette, supplying full-page acrylics interspersed throughout the volume, captures her subjects--both earthly and divine--in an unusual combination of softly smudged contours and bold starkness. This mixture of natural and supernatural faithfully reflects the text. Ages 6-up.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
Grade 3-6-The Children of the Morning Light are the Wampanoag Indians of Massachusetts-the people who met the Pilgrims at Plymouth. Medicine Story, a respected elder, retells in his own voice 11 tales of his people, focusing on Kiehtan's creation of the world and on Maushop's efforts to assist the Wampanoag in the early days of the world. Some of the selections, such as "Sky Woman and the Twins," might be familiar to readers of the Iroquois story of Creation. But others are unique to the Wampanoag, and probably appear here in print for the first time. They tell how death came to the world, how the Wampanoag came to settle in the Cape Cod area, how the Creator is present in all living creatures, and how winter came to be. Reflecting their roots as a fishing people, the story "Maushop and the Porpoises," which explains why sharks avoid porpoises, is the most unusual tale in the book. Engagingly told with clarity and humor, the stories are particularly good for reading aloud. Each one has a full-color, full-page illustration by Arquette, a Mohawk artist. This warm collection deserves a place in most libraries.
Lisa Mitten, University of Pittsburgh, PA
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Lisa Mitten, University of Pittsburgh, PA
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Stories for children of all ages...,
This review is from: The Children of the Morning Light: Wampanoag Tales as Told By Manitonquat (Hardcover)
This is an outstanding collection of traditional Wampanoag stories by well-known Wampanoag Story-teller Manitonquat. Stories that explore many facets of the "Long-Ago Time" -- when the humans and animals still spoke the same language -- focused around the actions of the twin culture-heroes of the Wampanoag, these stories are a joy for children and contain important insight and information for adults.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Views of a respected Wampanoag elder,
By
This review is from: The Children of the Morning Light: Wampanoag Tales as Told By Manitonquat (Hardcover)
The negative review here is not a review of the book, but of the author, based on false information about him that has been circluated without actual knowledge of the author or his nation. Here is a view by a well known and respected Wampanoag, a teacher of Native Studies at the university of Maine from a letter to the author:
Thanks for sharing these stories---i have always enjoyed the manner and style You share these Visions of the Heart. So, Netomp, You have my greatest affection and support. i will offer this as a supportive statement: Manitonqat's unique and wondrous manner of sharing ancient and contemporary stories of the Wampanoag follows in the profoundly valued tradition of the Pauwau. Especially applied to the Indigenous Nations and Peoples of the Northeast, maintaining a People's History is both a fine art and an evocative response to the incoherence, tyranny, and cynicism of modernity. Manitonqat is one of the Wampanoag Nation's leading national treasures. As this is offered in the deepest respect for You as a person and Your wonderfully inspiring style. gk gkisedtanamoogk
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
One of the best kids books of all time.,
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This review is from: The Children of the Morning Light: Wampanoag Tales as Told By Manitonquat (Hardcover)
We are a mixed-tribe family and we love this book. One of my favorites. I memorized the stories so I could tell them without the book!
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