Customer Reviews

Coyote Speaks: Wonders of the Native American World

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Rich traditions, stories and artifacts are ways in which we learn about the history and culture various Native American tribes. A beautifully designed book co-authored by Ari Berk and Carolyn Dunn, "Coyote Speaks Wonders Of The Native American World", provides an overview of nearly fifty known tribes drawn from all regions of North America. As the authors simply state, stories carry traditions. However, traditions are not always simple and they are what defined each tribe as its own distinct people. Artfully designed with beautiful pictures, "Coyote Speaks" will show readers the meaning and role of certain animals and symbols, what shamans and medicine people do, and how the animal world, natural world and spirit world interact. This book encourages better understanding of Native American cultures in presenting through word and image some of the life ways and story-paths of America's first people. Rich in design and ease of text, as well as profusely illustrated throughout, "Coyote Speaks Wonders Of The Native American World" is for young readers to adults and is very highly recommended for school and community library Native American reference collections and supplemental reading lists.

This book may or may not be written for children; that will depend on the child. It is definitely not for primary age, picture-book readers, although the pictures are fabulous. It is not "A Child's First Book of Amerindian Mythology". It is clearly for older children, the smart kids who are drawn to myth and legend of all sorts, who are perhaps just beginning to discover that there's more to myth and folklore than the ancient Greeks and Romans. Prof. Berk and Ms Dunn have done an extraordinary job of collecting and presenting ancient objects and amazing journeys from the tribes of Native America.
That includes:
* Medicine people
* Word magic
* Creation stories
* Charming a stone
* Hunters, heroes, and travelers
* Tricksters
And more, including a reminder that the storytelling has never stopped!

In retelling the old tales, the text captures the rhythms and diction of Native American storytelling and song. The narrative prose that discusses and introduces each element is simple but not simple-minded, and grown-ups unfamiliar with this material should not find it too precious or too self-consciously "mythic". No one who's ready to read this book should have any trouble following Coyote's track.

The illustrations are remarkably clear photographs of authentic artifacts as well as contemporary artwork. Each one is identified by tribal source and meaning--literal and spiritual--along with its place in ritual or tradition. The informational text is clearly differentiated from the interpolated stories. Terms are defined, and there is a good general index plus a list of all the tribes and nations mentioned in the text. It is also beautifully printed and bound. It will be a part of my library for a very long time.

This book sings of the deep melodic voice in which Berk tells his tales. The photos are stunning and relevant to the text. I can name a few children who would appreciate this book and felt it honored the tone of the culture.