Echoes of the Elders: The Stories and Paintings of Chief Lelooska with CD [Hardcover]

Lelooska (Author, Illustrator), Christine Normandin (Editor)

Book Description

Age Level: 6 and up

This collection of five tales represents the first written record of Chief Lelooska's tellings of the ancient myths and legends that have been a part of the oral tradition of the Northwest Coast Indians for centuries. These often humorous, sometimes frightening stories teach us that we should treat the oceans, the land, and its creatures with the utmost respect and reverence. The stories here are written as they were recounted by Chief Lelooska, and one can even read along as he retells the tales on a CD that is packaged in an envelope inside the front cover. The background sounds of traditional chants accompanied by native drums and rattles enhance the effect of sitting right there beside Chief Lelooska. He brings to life in his powerful voice a harsh natural world of loons and ravens with supernatural powers, and awe-inspiring beings such as Poogweese, Owl Witch, and the fierce Tsonoqua. During his life, Lelooska spread interest and knowledge about the Kwakiutl people through his live performances of their ancient legends and his beautiful woodcarvings of their traditional masks and totem poles. For nearly 40 years, Lelooska and his family of four generations of artists performed in their cedar-plank house with a central firepit the age-old myths, dances, and music, wearing the wooden masks and robes of their adopted tribe. Lelooska was a master at the craft of oral literature, weaving enchanting tales of magic and mystery for audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

A famous Northwest Indian storyteller and his artistic contributions are immortalized in this beautiful collection of tribal folk stories. As a result, the package is as much a tribute to the late Chief Lelooska, who was adopted into the Northwest Kwakiutl Nation tribe, as it is a book for young children. (There's even a CD featuring Chief Lelooska's voice reading the stories.) Entering the book can be a bit slow-going, since it's overloaded with dedications and introductions. Skip them, and aim straight for "The Old Owl Witch," a fingernail-chewing tale that speaks to the tragic fate of a clan of insistently naughty children. Or open up to "The Boy and the Loon," a tale that rewards a sickly boy for his compassion when he meets an ailing loon. In fact, any story can be a starting point, since they are all rich with fablelike morals and tribal symbolism. Although the red, black, and ochre illustrations are stunning, the book's design seems overburdened with the addition of tiny tribal images randomly printed into the text. But children won't care. And besides, the extraneous touches are no doubt a result of the enthusiasm that the publisher felt for the words and images of Chief Lelooska, a beloved elder who devoted most of his life to reviving and preserving the culture of the Northwest Coast Indians. Those who enjoy this book will want to investigate Spirit of the Cedar People, an equally memorable collection of Lelooska's stories and artwork. (Ages 7 and older) --Gail Hudson

From School Library Journal

Grade 1 Up. This oversized collection of five tales is both a stunning example of bookmaking and a tribute to the spirit of its creator?a carver, painter, and master storyteller. In the first selection, the village children are warned not to taunt the Old Owl Witch for she bothers no one. However, the curiosity and mean-spiritedness of a few lead the youngsters to her hut, where they are turned into mice. There is no sugarcoating here. The witch declares: "Your parents must learn that children must obey." Another story, in a more humorous vein, tells of trickster Raven, who uses his wiles to reclaim daylight from greedy Seagull. The final entry describes how the brave and resourceful "Beaver Face," despite being teased by the other children for her cleft lip, saves their lives when they are all kidnapped by Tsonoqua, the Timber Giant. All of the stories reveal the Kwakiutls' respect for the natural world, their close connection to animals, and the role of the supernatural in everyday life. Lelooska's paintings command as much attention as his words. The images, rendered in the flat colors and bold patterns familiar from coastal masks and totem poles, are placed for maximum impact. A black-and-white woodcut map shows the animals and tribes of the Northwest. A CD featuring Lelooska's animated tellings accompanies the book. A celebration of centuries of culture that will delight and give pause for generations to come.?Wendy Lukehart, Dauphin County Library, Harrisburg, PA
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 6 and up
  
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: DK Ink Callaway; 1st edition (September 17, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 078942455X
• ISBN-13: 978-0789424556
• Product Dimensions: 13.7 x 11.1 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #867,828 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #72 in Books > Children's Books > Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths > United States

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a truly exceptional book., December 17, 1998

By 

Charles C. Fuller (Colfax, WI USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Echoes of the Elders: The Stories and Paintings of Chief Lelooska with CD (Hardcover)

This is one of the most remarkable books of fables that I have read. The stories are told in a riveting style, the illustrations are tremendous, and the added bonus of the author himself reading the tales puts this over the top, and into the realm of "outstanding"!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars traditional Northwestern indian lore in its best style., October 1, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Echoes of the Elders: The Stories and Paintings of Chief Lelooska with CD (Hardcover)

This book was a complete joy for our whole family. It has good pictures, beautiful typography, and tells the traditional Northwestern indian lore in its best style: humourous, frightening, and full of character. A wonderful bonus is a CD with cheif Lelooska himself telling the stories in the book.

5.0 out of 5 stars My 4 1/2 Year Old Is Transfixed, July 31, 2003

By 

Sunisurekick "sunisurekick" (Buenos Aires, Argentina) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Echoes of the Elders: The Stories and Paintings of Chief Lelooska with CD (Hardcover)

I thought the book would be a little beyond my son's abilities, but he loved the book from the cover. We have a different edition from the one pictured here - the one we have has two large birds on the cover. I read the stories aloud to him and they held his attention through most of the text - I skipped through some parts. I would definitely recommend this book for reading aloud and/or when the child is able to read himself or herself.