A retelling of a Native American folktale, enhanced by colorful pastel illustrations, chronicles the adventures of four Abenaki men who journey to Gluskabe, helper of the Great Spirit, to have their wishes granted.
Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
Bruchac (Thirteen Moons on Turtle's Back) combines several sources in telling this traditional Native American "teaching story." After making an arduous journey to visit Gluskabe, the Great Spirit's helper, four men are each granted a wish. Gluskabe gives each man a pouch, saying that it contains his heart's desire, but warns them not to open the pouches until they return home. The poor man who wishes for many possessions opens his sack while canoeing home, and so many things pour out of it that he drowns under their weight.The vain man who wishes to be taller is turned into a gigantic pine tree, and the fearful man who wants to live forever becomes a boulder. But the fourth man, a hunter who wishes only to be able to feed his people, waits to open his pouch, and receives "great understanding" of the animals. Plainly told yet suspenseful, the story breathes an easy authenticity. First-time illustrator Shrader's atmospheric if slightly muddy paintings convey some of the drama, but the exaggerated expressions of her characters undercut the conviction of Bruchac's narrative voice. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
Grade 3-6?Bruchac is a master storyteller, and his talent is amply displayed in this retelling of an Abenaki tale. Four men travel to the island where the legendary Gluskabe has concealed himself, each hoping to have a wish granted. One hopes for fine possessions while another, already tall, wants to be even taller. The third man wants to live forever, and the fourth wants to be a better hunter so that he can provide for his people. Gluskabe promises to grant their wishes and gives each a pouch, cautioning them not to look inside until they are home. Three succumb to temptation, and their wishes are granted in unexpected ways?the first man's canoe sinks beneath the weight of the things that pour out of his pouch; the second man is transformed into a tall tree; and the third changes into a boulder. The hunter does as he is asked, and the animals reveal their secrets to him. The text is lean and elegant, without an extraneous word, and the gentle, easy cadence lends itself to reading aloud; even the source note sings. The full-and double-page, muted, misty watercolors complement the text perfectly. Shrader gives each of the nameless men individuality, hinting in their features at the outcome. A worthy addition to any collection.?Donna L. Scanlon, Lancaster County Library, PA
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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More About the Author
Joseph Bruchac is a highly acclaimed Abenaki children's book author, poet, novelist and storyteller, as well as a scholar of Native American culture. Coauthor with Michael Caduto of the bestselling Keepers of the Earth series, Bruchac's poems, articles and stories have appeared in over 500 publications, from Akwesasne Notes and American Poetry Review to National Geographic and Parabola. He has authored more than 50 books for adults and children. For more information about Joseph, please visit his website www.josephbruchac.com.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An incredible traditional tale with Caldecott like pictures.,
By A Customer
This review is from: Gluskabe and the Four Wishes (Hardcover)
This traditional Native American tale, retold by Josheph Bruchac, a hearalded Native American author and story teller, is a moral story with the theme of living for others and good things come to those who wait. Christine Nyburg Shrader's illustrations are incredible. They capture a true Native American spirit and complement Joseph Bruchac's interpretation perfectley. The book is invaluable in a classroom setting, especialy for younger grades (1-4). The story gives great insight into Native American culture and may clarify some misunderstaindings. It allows children the opportunity to think criticaly as well as teaching them a great lesson. The story should be in every classroom.
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