When Grandma Ann, a medicine woman, takes Dustin and Rosie for a walk in the woods, she promises to help them find the Great Mystery. Just what--and where--could it be? Grandma Ann shows the children rocks, trees, a hummingbird, butterflies and as they begin to see these things through her eyes, they discover the Great Mystery. Full-color acrylic and gouache illustrations.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
In this eco-consciousness-raiser, Dustin and Rosie set out with Grandma Ann to solve a "great mystery." Under the Cherokee medicine woman's tutelage, they study a sacred spiral carved naturally in a stone, sniff the essence of a tree ("It smells just like vanilla!") and stand motionless before a hovering hummingbird. As the three proceed with respect, nature's artifacts and its living things offer up glimpses into the mystery-the spirit "where all of life's powers come from." Some may think Grandma Ann's techniques odd-hugging trees (really), becoming one with a boulder-as Stroud (Doesn't Fall Off His Horse) gently but firmly focuses on the awe-inspiring power of nature. In her glowing acrylic and gouache paintings, the blues, teals and purples of the characters' clothing both contrast and handsomely blend with the luxuriant greens and browns of the woods. Except for round fuchsia spots that indicate cheekbones, the faces here are essentially featureless-a stylized rendering that reflects the individuality of Stroud's vision. Ages 5-up.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 3?Dustin and Rosie know that Grandma Ann, a medicine woman, is not like other people. "'Some things you feel, and can't see; some things you see, and no one believes you,' she liked to say." She takes them into the woods near her home, and there they examine stones and reflect on their origins; learn about some of the treasures in the woman's medicine tool sack; greet a ponderosa pine, hug it, smell its "center"; find out what butterflies symbolize; and lie down on a large boulder together holding hands and become one with it. Through these experiences and Grandma Ann's explanations, Dustin and Rosie begin to understand what she means by the Great Mystery. Describing one's spiritual "way" without straying off into vagueness or sentimentality isn't easy, but Stroud succeeds. Her words are forthright and evoke a childlike eagerness to discover the wonders of nature; this woodland walk is almost like a trip to fairyland. (Indeed, Grandma Ann calls her place Fairy Ranch.) The paintings, rendered in acrylic and gouache paints and ink, are rich in vibrant greens, turquoise, and wildflower tones. The stylized people are doll-like, rosy cheeked, and have black dots for eyes?no noses or mouths. Although the story is quiet and the revelations are subtle, the book is infused with a spirit of adventure as well as with reverence for the Earth.?Vanessa Elder, School Library Journal
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A really beautifully illustrated book.,
By Wild NDN (varies) - See all my reviews
This review is from: A Walk to the Great Mystery: A Cherokee Tale (Hardcover)
Got this book primarily because I'm a huge fan of her artwork. The illustrations do not disappoint, and the story is straightforward with a clear message of respect for nature and life. I definitely look forward to reading this to my nieces and nephews, and passing it along as a cherished book when they get older.
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