The Wave of the Sea-Wolf [Hardcover]

David Wisniewski (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 17, 1994 | Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up

Intricate cut-paper illustrations incorporating Pacific Northwest motifs accompany this original story of the Tlingit princess Kchokeen, who is rescued from drowning by a guardian spirit that later enables her to summon a great wave and save her people from hostile strangers.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Drawing on myths of the Tlingit people of the Pacific Northwest, Wisniewski's (Sundiata: Lion King of Mali) dramatic tale combines folklore with history, describing the Tlingit respect for the earth and the people's first encounters with European explorers. After Kchokeen, a princess, is blessed with a vision of the mighty Sea-Wolf, she has the ability to predict the terrible ocean storms that have claimed so many lives in the past. For a time, her village lives safely, trading with newly arrived foreigners, but war breaks out when the outsiders turn greedy. Kchokeen must turn the power of Sea-Wolf against them in order to save her own people. Vivid storytelling is complemented by textured cut-paper illustrations that paint the forest landscape in lacy layers. Their intricacy captures the strength and dangerous beauty of the ocean, while slender silhouettes of trees against the moon are calmly awe-inspiring. Wisniewski's ability to convey both high drama and simple emotion lends a sense of authenticity to this original tale. A wise and appealing picture book. Ages 5-9.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-6-How did a war canoe come to rest high in a cedar tree? This mystery leads into the story of the Tlingit princess Kchokeen who, courting danger, has a vision of the mighty spirit Gonakadet (the Sea-Wolf), maker of huge waves. Learning that a bear's howl precedes the wave, she predicts periods of risk, and so her people prosper. One day, however, white traders appear and destroy the village. Kchokeen appeals to the Sea-Wolf, and then lures the traders' ship into the frothing wave that engulfs it. Her own canoe is carried high into a tree. Kchokeen has saved her people this time, but the foreigners continue to invade, and she resolves to carry on the old ways until this new danger also passes. Wisniewski's original story is based on a Tlingit legend, and his art, too, combines the original and the traditional. The illustrations are elaborate cut-paperwork, and their intricacy (especially in leaf and wave forms) contributes to an impressive 3-dimensional effect. Ethnic representation of the characters is convincing, but most remarkable of all is the use of native Northwest design motifs. Not only expected objects-canoes, paddles, boxes, and garments-are adorned with adapted but authentic-looking decoration, but also the text on each page is surmounted with a border of varying design. A lengthy endnote discusses the history and legend-and the contemporary message-behind Wisniewski's entertaining and instructive creation.
Patricia (Dooley) Lothrop Green, St. George's School, Newport, RI
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Clarion Books (October 17, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0395664780
• ISBN-13: 978-0395664780
• Product Dimensions: 11.4 x 9.6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,209,321 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Children's story with a serious message., April 17, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Wave of the Sea-Wolf (Paperback)

The illustrations are all from cut out paper -- very intricate and visually interesting. The story includes danger (readers should be ready to deal with drowning, and attack on a village by cannons from a ship). Has a message about grieving the loss of a good, native, natural life to the influx of crass europeans. Beautiful imagery about a brave and wise young woman. Has a suggestion of hope and holding on through hard times for a better future for us all.

5.0 out of 5 stars Incredible artwork!, June 3, 2009

By 

Jane Eagle "Let the beauty you love be what y... - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Wave of the Sea-Wolf Book & Cassette (Paperback)

After seeing the incredibly intricate and lovely paper cut out artwork, I ordered every book I could find by this author/artist. If you didn't even read the story, the book would be worth it for the art! But the story: wonderful! I also really liked the last page, in which the author describes in minute detail any variation from the original legend, so there is good historical info there, too. I highly recommend all these books! The only negative was that I expected to receive a cassette tape with it, but there was none. Buy it anyway! You will be delighted.