Totem Tale (PAWS IV) [Paperback]

Deb Vanasse (Author), Erik Brooks (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 7, 2006 | Age Level: 3 and up | Grade Level: P and up | Series: PAWS IV

On a full-moon night in Alaska, a traditional native totem pole magically comes to life. The Grizzly, Beaver, Frog, and Raven all stretch and scratch and voice their relief at being free at last. But then the first dawn light appears on the horizon, and the totems have to reassemble themselves in the proper order before morning. Who should be on top of whom? Can wise Raven reason with these contentious creatures? Deb Vanasse’s enchanting text and Erik Brooks’s lively illustrations make this a memorable modern folktale.

Editorial Reviews

Review

For Practically Perfect Pajamas by Erik Brooks: "The fast-paced humorous text teaches an important lesson without being preachy, while the illustrations impart personality to the protagonists-Aurora and Percy as well as to the supporting players." - B

About the Author

Deb Vanasse is also the author of Under Alaska's Midnight Sun and Alaska Animal Babies. She lives in Fairbanks, AK. Erik Brooks is known for incorporating Native American art styles in his illustrations. He lives in Seattle.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Sasquatch Books (February 7, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1570614393
• ISBN-13: 978-1570614392
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 0.1 x 10.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #177,967 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #80 in Books > Children's Books > Travel & Cultures > Multicultural Stories > Native North & South Americans

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An engaging picturebook account of cooperation, faithfulness, and helping out a friend in need, July 14, 2006

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Totem Tale (PAWS IV) (Paperback)

Totem Tale: A Tall Story From Alaska by Deb Vanasse combines a lively and original story with skillfully drawn illustrations by Erik Brooks to create the fun tale of a Native American totem pole which comes to life in the beauty of a moon-lit night. Children will follow the adventures of a beaver, an eagle, a bear, a wolf, a raven and a frog through a remarkable journey on one very special night. An engaging picturebook account of cooperation, faithfulness, and helping out a friend in need, Totem Tale is very highly recommended for all young readers, as well as parents and librarians searching for something entertaining and worthwhile for children ages 5 through 8 to read and enjoy.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Magical Totem Tale, January 9, 2007

By 

J. Norris (San Francisco) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Totem Tale (PAWS IV) (Paperback)

My 4 year old and I have read this book over and over. The illustrations are wonderful, the concept of a totem pole being based on a story is clear. The totem pole takes itself apart at night and my daughter tries to remember the story the pole is based on in order to put the pole together again in the right order as the sun rises.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Does not disappoint. Don't wait to order., December 29, 2008

By 

A. Aldred - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Totem Tale (PAWS IV) (Paperback)

I wanted to purchase this book a year ago, but I waited because I wanted to see if I could find it at my local bookstore. I hadn't read it and prefer to look through a book before I commit to buying it. Well, Barnes and Noble didn't have it and couldn't order it because it comes from a very small publishing company. By this time, Amazon ran out. I was kicking myself. I looked online to see if I could find it at another retailer. The only copies available were being sold for $75 because of its limited availability! I couldn't believe it. I signed up to receive an email message from Amazon when it became available again and promptly ordered it when they had a copy.

I just received my copy and I'm delighted. I am a third grade teacher in Washington and we are about to start a unit on coastal Native Americans. This book is perfect! It was worth the one year wait, but don't make the same mistake I did. Order it right away!