The Legend of Sleeping Bear [Hardcover]

Kathy-Jo Wargin (Author), Gijsbert Van Frankenhuyzen (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 19, 1998 | Age Level: 6 and up | Grade Level: 1 and up

The first in Sleeping Bear Press' Legend series preserves the Ojibwe's story of Sleeping Bear and her cubs. Selected as the "State of Michigan's Official Children's Book."

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

It is believed that the Ojibwe of Michigan were the first to tell the story of Sleeping Bear and her cubs, a legend that has since become known as "The Legend of Sleeping Bear."

The tale originated as a way to explain the sandy area that we know today as the Sleeping Bear Dune. In this story, Mother Bear and her two cubs must escape a forest fire in Wisconsin. As they struggle to make the journey across Lake Michigan, the loyalty and dedication they show for one another is powerful and heartwarming.

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: 43 pages
• Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press; 1st edition (October 19, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 188694735X
• ISBN-13: 978-1886947351
• Product Dimensions: 11.4 x 9.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #145,691 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #26 in Books > Children's Books > Social Situations > Multiculturalism
  • #57 in Books > Children's Books > Travel & Cultures > Multicultural Stories > Native North & South Americans

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

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must for children and adults alike, February 10, 2000

By 

Cheryl L Braford (Schoolcraft, Michigan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Legend of Sleeping Bear (Hardcover)

Text and illustrations combine to create a touching and heart-breaking story about that most timeless of relationships - a mother's dedication to her children. "The Legend of Sleeping Bear" should be included in every family's literature collection, for it teaches us about loyalty and commitment, life and death. I would urge caution, however, with younger readers. While beautiful and poignant, "The Legend of Sleeping Bear" may confuse or scare toddlers/pre-schoolers. This book should be used to initiate thoughtful discussions with older children.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars TRUE BEAUTY IS..., April 8, 2004

By 

NotATameLion (Michigan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Legend of Sleeping Bear (Hardcover)

...the dance of shadow and warn red light on the sand and water or Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore at sunset.

Last year Sleeping Bear, through the wonder of camping, became my home away from home. It has earned a place within my heart. I long to return.

"The Legend of" books by Kathy-Jo Wargin and Gijsbert Van Frankenhuyzen are consistent in their excellence. The artwork and prose sings. Each volume provides a glimpse of a world that has moved on, but which still puts forth rippling echoes.

The Legend of Sleeping Bear and The Legend of Leelanau are the high points in this most meritorious series. Of the two, I prefer the one reviewed here. Its text is not quite as lengthy. Therefore, it is more likely to keep the attention of young readers/listeners.

The Legend of Sleeping Bear captures the tender majesty of the Sleeping Bear region while painting a fantastic picture of the legend surrounding its origin. One cannot help being moved by this story of love.

Governor Granholm gave out copies of it at her inauguration.

I give this book a very high recommendation. If you can, visit the region. It is a truly beautiful place.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars AWESOME!, June 22, 2000

By 

Frank Murphy - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Legend of Sleeping Bear (Hardcover)

Sleeping Bear Press creates some pretty amazing picture books! Their signature picture book is The Legend Of The Sleeping Bear. Wow! What a superb book! The illustrations make this legend even more powerful. Gijsbert Van Frankenhuyzen's paintings are truly that - paintings. The book has the feel of an art museum...such high quality paintings of wildlife and bears and landscapes.My second graders were captivated by this picture book...it was much sought after, after I read it aloud.Buy this book!