Watakame's Journey: The Story of the Great Flood and the New World [Hardcover]

Hallie Love (Author), Bonnie Larson (Author, Narrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up

This title is intended for ages 9 years and over. The flood and the creation myth of the Huichol Indian people of Mexico is told through the brilliantly coloured yarn paintings of shaman Gaudalupe Barajas de la Cruz and other Huichol artists. This remarkable art form, with its clear, colourful figures and traditional symbols and motifs, has strong visual appeal for both young people and adults. In this story, a Huichol boy plays a role similar to Noah's - though Watakame's odyssey is more complex and magical. He been selected by Nakawe, the creator of all growing things, to escape the coming flood and begin human life again in the new world. Nakawe tells him to build a small boat and to bring him fire, the seeds of squash, beans, and corn, and one companion - a small dog When the flood waters recede, Watakame witnesses the recreation of the sun and all living things. Nakawe helps Watakame find a wife and instructs him in planting, harvesting, and making offerings to the gods. The Huichol are his descendants and he instructs them in the proper way of living and teaches them joyful songs, prayers, and dances to please the gods and celebrate the beautiful new world that is their home. The story, which has been carefully researched, offers a view into the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of an indigenous group that has only recently become known outside its traditional homelands.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

This meandering yet accessible retelling of a Huichol Indian creation myth is gloriously illustrated with traditional yarn art by Huichol artists. Reminiscent of Noah's Ark, the story centers on Watakame, a boy living among the animal people who have long neglected the gods. Angered by their disrespect, Nakawe, the goddess of living things, tells Watakame of an impending flood and instructs him to build a boat to escape. Though all other life is destroyed, Nakawe shepherds the boy through his journey. Watakame witnesses the re-creation of plants and animals and learns many lessons from the gods. He in turn, as the first shaman, teaches his descendants--the Huichol--the sacred rituals, ceremonies and skills needed to prosper along with the earth. In a palette of electric colors, the yarn pictures, which continue to be made by Huichol artists in central-western Mexico in the Sierra Madre Mountains, nearly vibrate off of the page. Unfortunately, the reproductions are often somewhat blurry; still, the images retain the tactile quality of the yarn. Youngsters will appreciate these intricate motifs (a glossary of symbols is provided) and stunning colors. Ages 9-12. (Oct.)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

Grade 2-6-This Great Flood variant comes from the mythology of the Huichol Indians (Mexico). It concerns the mission of Wat kame, a boy who was selected by Nakaw?, the goddess of all growing things, to build a boat, gather corn seeds and fire, and journey with her during the flood that will destroy the creatures who have no respect for the sacred. The story unfolds in 12 chapters, and readers familiar with Noah will recognize common elements: the protagonist's loneliness at his separation from the rest of humanity, his shock at the violence of the storm that wipes out the world, his responsibilities as the link between the old world and the new, and the beauty of the fresh creation. The vibrant yarn paintings, done by 11 Huichol artists, create immediate interest. Brightly colored strands of wool provide bold outlines for the contrasting interior patterns. These fanciful flowers and spirits pulse with movement against the solid-colored, but still highly textured backgrounds. The book is handsomely designed, using plenty of white space to frame the text, isolated figures, and full scenes. Dialogue, poetic descriptions, and dramatic events propel the longer-than-usual legend. An iconography and a note about the Huichols are appended. This title could be used to initiate a discussion about the importance of living in balance with one's environment, a comparison of flood stories, a celebration of the harvest, or it could provide a literary component to the study of the culture. After encountering it, children will be begging for yarn to tell their own stories.
Wendy Lukehart, Dauphin County Library, Harrisburg, PA
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Hardcover: 86 pages
• Publisher: Clear Light Books (May 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 157416029X
• ISBN-13: 978-1574160291
• Product Dimensions: 10.4 x 8.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #539,812 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Watakame's Journey, September 24, 2000

By 

Christopher Boehm (Santa Fe, nm USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Watakame's Journey: The Story of the Great Flood and the New World (Hardcover)

As a cultural anthropologist, I must give this book a rave review. It is lucidly written, totally available for the age group for which it is intended, and there is a perfect mesh between the clear prose and the gorgeous Huichol yarn paintings that illustrate it. While this book is perfectly accessible to children, it also provides an excellent read for the adult who is reading it to them! It also has the advantage of being anthropologically authentic. --- Christopher Boehm, Director, the Jane Goodall Research Center, University of Southern California.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars watakames journey the story of the great flood and the new w, September 29, 2000

By 

Rita Lambros (Salt Lake City, UT USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Watakame's Journey: The Story of the Great Flood and the New World (Hardcover)

I found this book in preparation for teaching a yarn painting project to my elementary and middle-school art students. The story is a wonderful creation myth, and beautifully illustrated with photos of the yarn paintings that were designed for it. In addition to being a great story, the book gives insight into the cultural and spiritual traditions of the Huichol Indians in Western Mexico.