The Legend of Mackinac Island [Hardcover]

Kathy-jo Wargin (Author), Gijsbert van Frankenhuyzen (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 6 and up | Grade Level: 1 and up | Series: Legend (Sleeping Bear)

A beautiful tale of the painted turtle Makinauk, his animal friends, and their discovery of new lands and long-lasting friendship.

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

Legend and folklore of the Great Lakes region tell us that long ago, there was a large great turtle who floated quietly and gently upon a world made only of water. His name was Makinauk. One day a great spirit told him that he must lend his back for the creation of a brand new world- a place that has since become known as Mackinac Island.

Since the release of the widely- successful children's book "The Legend of Sleeping Bear," author Kathy-jo Wargin and painter Gijsbet van Frankenhuyzen have been collaborating on this triumphant story about friendship and loyalty. With intense dedication to the realism of the characters and the magic of the island, their work celebrates this tale in jubilant fashion, capturing the essence of a story that has inspired young and old throughout the generations.

About the Author

Kathy-jo Wargin is the author of more than 30 books for children, including The Legend of Sleeping Bear. Her many awards include an IRA Children's Choice Award for The Legend of the Loon and an IRA Teacher's Choice Award for Win One for the Gipper. Kathy-jo lives in Minnetonka, Minnesota.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 6 and up
  
• Hardcover: 48 pages
• Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press; 1 edition (April 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1886947120
• ISBN-13: 978-1886947122
• Product Dimensions: 11.4 x 9.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #409,983 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Kathy-jo Wargin is the bestselling author of more than 45 books such as the children's classic The Legend of Sleeping Bear, 2001 IRA Children's Choice Award Winner The Legend of the Loon, IRA Teacher's Choice Award Winner Win One for the Gipper, Bank Street College of Education Best Book Listee The Voyageur's Paddle, and newly released Alfred Nobel, The Man Behind the Peace Prize. She has also written two widely successful coffee table books titled Michigan, The Spirit of the Land and The Great Lakes Cottage Book, working in collaboration with her husband, Great Lakes photographer Ed Wargin.

Kathy-jo Wargin was born and raised on the iron range of northern Minnesota, and studied music composition at the University of Minnesota-Duluth. She has been writing professionally for more than twenty years, and is dedicated to the creation and promotion of quality literature for children. She is a frequent guest speaker at reading conferences throughout the nation such as IRA, MAME, MRA and more. In addition, she regularly visits school systems to perform large and small group presentations and teacher in-service programs, as well as frequent book signing tours and promotional events. Kathy-jo Wargin and family reside in Minnetonka, Minnesota.

Her newest book is titled Moose on the Loose. Here's what School Library Journal has to say: PreS-Gr 1-This rhyming text begins by asking: "What/would you do/with a moose/on the loose?/Would you chase him,/or race him,/or stand up to face him?" As the book continues, the creature becomes more daring, and children will delight in the antics of both the moose and its young human companion. Bold, bright, cartoonlike illustrations capture the action in a humorous style, inviting readers to look closely at all the details. The large boldfaced type complements the illustrations and action. Colorful spreads and simple rhymes will make this whimsical story a hit.-Margaret R. Tassia, Millersville University, PA

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Legend of Mackinac Island, March 11, 2003

By 

Ben (Michigan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Legend of Mackinac Island (Hardcover)

This book is based on the Native American legend of how Mackinac island was formed. It says that long ago, when the waters covered the Earth, and the animals lived happily on the water. The wisest, oldest, and largest painted turtle of them all was Makinauk. one day he came and told the other animals that the Great Spirit of the Sky wanted land to be made, so one of the animals had to go to the bottom of the Ocean, bring back a handful of sand, and place it on Makinauk's back. Can the animals do it? Read this wonderful story written by Kathy-jo Wargin and illustrated by Gijsbert van Frankenhuyzen to find out!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is a work of Art in both ways!, September 7, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Legend of Mackinac Island (Hardcover)

I was very surprised when I picked up this book. The writer did a very good job of telling her version of how Mackinac Island was made. I loved the illustrator, too. The story of the Great Turtle to many children is very fasinating. My grandchildren love me to read it to them over and over again! The Legend of Sleeping Bear Dunes was not as good as this book.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Charming Legend Lovingly Told, September 3, 2000

By 

Robert J. Cardinal (Harbor Springs, MI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Legend of Mackinac Island (Hardcover)

This book with Kathy-jo's warming and loving way of telling a legend and the fantastic illustrations is truly a treasure. This is a return to the kind of quality children's books we used to have. It is challenging but readable for young children. It manages to teach loyalty and love while entertaining.