Coyote in Love [Hardcover]

Mindy Dwyer (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up

This version of a Northwest creation legend of Oregon's Crater Lake, accompanied by vivid watercolor illustrations, tells of trickster Coyote and his love for a little blue star.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 3. An "old tale of love and the way things came to be." When a child asks for a bedtime story, Mama tells about Coyote, who falls in love with a beautiful blue star and serenades her nightly. When the star laughs off Coyote's offer of marriage, he becomes desperate and grabs her from the tip of a mountain. She scolds him and pulls him through the sky, declares him a fool, and finally releases the frightened animal. He crashes into the top of a mountain, leaving a gaping hole, and cries enough tears to fill it, creating Crater Lake. An author's note explains the tale is based on one told by a Coquelle Indian storyteller. Readers will smile at Coyote's arrogance and the star's sassy rebuff. The illustrations are painted in vibrant purples, turquoises, and blues, offset by soft greens and yellows. Coyote's stylized figure reflects the pointed shape of his beloved star. The text, on the facing page, is surrounded by geometric borders of a similar palette, and important words are emphasized with color. With an interesting layout and typography supporting an appealing tale, this is a worthy addition to collections.?Lisa S. Murphy, formerly at Dauphin County Library System, Harrisburg, PA
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

Coyote is a popular character in Native American mythology. Coyote, who is usually the mischievous hero, falls in love with a Blue Star. Children also learn from this tale, how Oregon's Crater Lake formed from the tears of Coyote. It is my opinion that this type of love story is beyond a young child's comprehension. The rudeness and rejection from the Star might be considered inappropriate behavior to show a child, although many myths are harsh. If the reader is old enough to disassociate from Coyote's rejection and hurt and you can get past the name calling, the book is worth reading. The shiny illustrations and colorful bold text are attractive and inviting. Dwyer retells this story, hoping to keep it alive and to encourage children to learn of Native American culture. She tells the story elegantly, allowing the reader to see and feel Coyote's every word and action. This can motivate children to explore Native American books, such as Coyote in Love. -- From Independent Publisher

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 31 pages
• Publisher: Alaska Northwest Books (May 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0882404857
• ISBN-13: 978-0882404851
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 8.7 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,052,979 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It portrays the legend of Crater Lake beautifully!!!!!, November 7, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Coyote in Love (Hardcover)

Coyote in Love has to be one of the best books! It has the most colorful, vibrant, beautiful pictures! The Indian legend of Crater Lake is so interesting because not only is Crater Lake the most beautiful place on the earth, but it is the most mysterious and legendary area! This is a must for any person even interested in Crater Lake or Indians legneds!