Giving Thanks: A Native American Good Morning Message (Reading Rainbow Book) (Hardcover)

by Jake Swamp (Author), Erwin Printup Jr. (Illustrator) "To be a human being is an honor, and we offer thanksgiving for all the gifts of life..." (more)
Key Phrases: Mother Earth

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
The flat planes and saturated colors of Printup's highly stylized acrylic paintings form a handsome backdrop to this ancient Iroquois message of thanksgiving, adapted for children by a chief of the Mohawk nation. A salute to Mother Earth and all her beauty, the "good morning message" is traditionally delivered at the beginning of each day and at special ceremonies. Its simple, timeless language bears witness to the Native American reverence for the natural world and sense of unity with all living things ("We give thanks to green grasses that feel so good against our bare feet, for the cool beauty you bring to Mother Earth's floor"). The gifts of the earth ("good foods... our life sustainers"; "Grandfather Thunder Beings") are richly depicted in paintings of wildlife and bountiful harvests. Horizontal bands of color suggest receding landscapes, pristine skies and oceans. This eye-catching book, a debut for both author and artist, would pair well with Susan Jeffers's Brother Eagle, Sister Sky for a story-telling session. All ages.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 3?Drawing on Six Nation (Iroquois) ceremonial tradition, the text speaks concise thanks to Mother Earth, to water, grass fruits, animals, to the wind and rain, sun, moon and stars, to the Spirit Protectors of our past and present, "for showing us ways to live in peace and harmony," and to the Great Spirit, giver of all. The simplicity and familiarity of the message do not diminish the moving effect of the lengthening catalog of blessings. At first glance, the art, while colorful and very legible, seems overly conventional; closer inspection, however, reveals an interesting use of pattern in the faces of both humans and animals, variation between distant landscape and close-up still-life composition, and a satisfying buildup of momentum to the dramatic, fire-lit night scene of the final invocation to the spirits. The entire text is reproduced in Mohawk on the last page (without a pronunciation guide, alas). A brief prefatory note makes the very valuable suggestion that the giving of thanks should be a daily, rather than a rare, activity. This book is not just for the "Native American shelf": its contribution is more inspirational than ethnographic.?Patricia (Dooley) Lothrop Green, St. George's School, Newport, RI
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Hardcover: 24 pages
• Publisher: Lee & Low Books, Inc.; 1st edition (September 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1880000156
• ISBN-13: 978-1880000151
• Product Dimensions: 11.4 x 7.8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #743,646 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A long awaited book!, November 15, 1997

By A Customer

I am an early childhood teacher who wanted to read books having to do with gratitude. Believe it or not, there are very few children's books on the subject, other than anthologies of children's prayers. It is a wonderful book to read for Thanksgiving, with an ecology unit, or simply to promote wonder and thanksgiving. I am delighted to be able to incorporate this book into my classroom.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is AWESOME!, November 10, 1999

By A Customer

I was blown away by this book and was proud to add it to my bookshelf. I am glad that publishers are letting REAL Native American writers and artists tell our own stories our own way. The Thanksgiving Address is a central component of Mohawk culture and I was proud to see this in the hands of my children. This and SKYWOMAN by Joanne Shenandoah, Douglas George, John Fadden and Dave Fadden have set a new standard in the publishing of Native American culture and art. Now, if only some publisher would accept the challenge to do the same with Native American history...(hint hint!)

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Words and Illustrations to remember, February 15, 1997

By A Customer

Chief Jake Swamp and Erwin Printup Jr. combine their talents to create a book that will be an instant bedtime favorite. The traditional Mohawk thanksgiving address is translated into easy to understand words (the original address, written in Mohawk is included at the back of the book). Richly colored illustrations bring the words to life and invite more than a fleeting casual glance. Chief Jake Swamp has brilliantly captured the essence of his heritage without losing site of his target audience. Each portion of the address is simply stated, and easy to understand. "Giving Thanks" could easily have become redundant, but the words are translated in such a way that encourages children to "join" their parents in reading out loud. Erwin Printup Jr. has created illustrations that capture the eye of both young and old. While the younger set will find the pictures simple and pretty, the older set will often find a picture within a picture. The style of Mr. Printup's illustrations is perfect for this type of book, and could easily stand alone in art gallery. These two Native Americans have allowed the rest of the world to see an important part of their heritage. The pictures and words will be remembered long after the last page is turned