When Skywoman falls from the upper world, the birds and animals living in the watery place below must catch her and create ground on which she can stand. Thus Turtle Island, the earth, is born. In this beautifully illustrated book, two Native American writers tell the ancient stories of the Iroquois Peoples. Skywoman is storytelling at its best. It will be enjoyed by young and old, by everyone who treasures the wisdom and traditions of the first Americans.
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From School Library Journal
Grade 4-8?Shenandoah-Tekalihwa:khwa and George-Kanentiio retell nine traditional Iroquois tales. In a series of creation stories, readers learn how Skywoman fell from the world above, how the animals spread mud on the back of a turtle to catch her and the Earth was born, how the moon was formed, and how human beings were created. Other tales describe the origin of the dancing star constellation and of the evergreen. One selection tells "How the Bear Clan Became Healers" and another describes a sea creature in Lake Ontario. Full-color single- and double-page spreads and black-and-white pen-and-ink drawings depict the action and provide cultural details. The dignity and clarity so much a part of Native American storytelling are evident in this volume. Joseph Bruchac has included some of the stories in his Iroquois Stories (Crossing, 1985) and Native American Stories (Fulcrum, 1991). Although the selections in Skywoman subtly work in Iroquois traditions, there is no introduction explaining Iroquois history or customs and no source notes are provided. Still, the combination of solid writing and evocative artwork make this book a worthwhile purchase for libraries needing additional Native American legends.?Cheryl Cufari, Glencliff Elementary School, Niskayuna, NY
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
About the Author
Joanne Shenandoah-Tekalihwa:Khwa, a Wolf Clan member of Iroquois Confederacy, Oneida Nation, is the most critically acclaimed Native American singer of her time. Her most recent awards include NAMMY 's 1998 and 1999 Best Female Artist of the Year, 1998 Best Children s Album, and in 1997 the Native American Record of the Year INDIE Award.
She has also been recognized by the First Americans in the Arts Foundation, for preserving traditional values in the field of contemporary music. The winner of many other awards, she has made numerous recordings in the United States and abroad of music ranging from traditional chants to contemporary ballads about Native ways. Joanne Shenandoah resides in Oneida Iroquois Territory, New York with her husband, Douglas George and their children.
Douglas M. George-Kanentiio is an award-winning freelance columnist for the Syracuse Herald Journal in Syracuse, New York, and a Native of the Akwesasne Mohawk Territory, Mohawk Nation. Nationally recognized as an authority on Iroquois politics and culture, he has served as advisor, producer, and scriptwriter for national television documentaries on Iroquois subjects.
John Kahionhes Fadden is a renowned artist and illustrator, now retired from a long career in art education. His son David Kanietakeron Fadden is a recognized artist and illustrator. Both are members of the Mohawk Nation.
She has also been recognized by the First Americans in the Arts Foundation, for preserving traditional values in the field of contemporary music. The winner of many other awards, she has made numerous recordings in the United States and abroad of music ranging from traditional chants to contemporary ballads about Native ways. Joanne Shenandoah resides in Oneida Iroquois Territory, New York with her husband, Douglas George and their children.
Douglas M. George-Kanentiio is an award-winning freelance columnist for the Syracuse Herald Journal in Syracuse, New York, and a Native of the Akwesasne Mohawk Territory, Mohawk Nation. Nationally recognized as an authority on Iroquois politics and culture, he has served as advisor, producer, and scriptwriter for national television documentaries on Iroquois subjects.
John Kahionhes Fadden is a renowned artist and illustrator, now retired from a long career in art education. His son David Kanietakeron Fadden is a recognized artist and illustrator. Both are members of the Mohawk Nation.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
21 of 23 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
One word: EXCELLENT!,
By A Customer
This review is from: Skywoman: Legends of the Iroquois (Hardcover)
This book is well-written and beautifully illustrated and long overdue. Some of the pen and ink illustrations didn't reproduce well but that is a minor point. I can't remember how many times I have purchased books for my kids and wished there were more Native American books written and illustated by REAL Native Americans! And the fact that it is about the legends of my own people makes it even more important to me. This book will take its rightful place next to GIVING THANKS by Jake Swamp. Niawenkowa to the authors and artists!
13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Beautifully illustrated and meticulously recounted,
This review is from: Skywoman: Legends of the Iroquois (Hardcover)
Oneida, Joanne Shenandoah and Mohawk, Doug George have put together a superb selection of Iroquois stories with considerable attention given to detail, accuracy and their significance to the people from whom they came. It includes the Iroquois concept of creation and several other ancient stories.Magnificent works of art by John and David Fadden serve to illustrate this "picture" book which is appropriate for children ages 4 to 104. It is a perfect book for gifts as well as for classroom use in elementary schools or college courses in Native American Studies.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Skywoman superb in authenticity, style, and illustrations.,
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This review is from: Skywoman: Legends of the Iroquois (Hardcover)
SKYWOMAN. LEGENDS OF THE IROQUOIS, by Joanne Shenandoah and Douglas M. George, is a superb collection of Mohawk versions of traditional Iroquois tales/spirituality/spiritual history. From the traditional creation story, through the spiritually powerful "Little People," through Jikonsahseh, Mother of Nations, the stories in this collection, preserving the essential traditional patterns, spring to life because of the clear, vivid narrative style--a style easily understood not only by adults, but by younger people as well. Soaringly expressive illustrations by John Kahionhes Fadden and David Kanietekeron Fadden, exemplify most appropriately the essential elements of the stories. I have shared parts of this book with my Native American Literature students, and have also sent a copy to my seven-year-old granddaughter. Thank you, Joanne, Douglas, and the Faddens for this authentic, much-needed treasure.
Dr. Charles Bachman Professor, English Specialist, Native American Literature Buffalo State College
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