Weave Little Stars Into My Sleep: Native American Lullabies [Hardcover]

Neil Philip (Editor), Edward S. Curtis (Photographer)

Book Description

Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up

These beautiful and tender lullabies combine Native American themes with universal concerns of parenthood. Collected from the Native American peoples of the Northeast (Ojibwa), the Plains (Arapaho, Kiowa, Pawnee, Crow), the Southwest (Hopi, Acoma, Yuma), the Northwest (Kwakiutl, Haida, Tsimshian), and the Arctic (Inuit), the lullabies are illustrated with the gorgeous photographs of Edward S. Curtis, printed in duotone. Simply expressed yet deeply felt, these brief poems offer an intimate look at Native American family life.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

K Up-A short picture book, charming in its presentation. Eleven full-page, black-and-white photographs provide gorgeous accompaniment to the poetry. "Free renderings" of literal translations of native songs, the selections have been "reworked" for English-speakers' ears. Taken from more than 12 arctic and north- and southwest tribes, the lullabies are just what lullabies are the world over-quiet little ways to convince children to sleep. These poem/songs offer a beautiful way to remind students of the daily lives and common humanity of some of this country's natives. The title is from an Ojibwa song. Poems and photos on each spread are from the same locale (while not necessarily the same tribe). There are two pages of notes and a detailed list of sources, which includes material collected from 1844 to 1993. Unfortunately, there is no information offered about the renowned photographer, who spent 30 years among Native Americans in the early part of the 20th century.

Cris Riedel, Ellis B. Hyde Elementary School, Dansville, NY

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 2-4, younger for reading aloud. Philip, who has showcased Native American poetry and myths in previous books, adds to his body of work with a short book of 15 lullabies, selected, adapted, and, in some cases, reworked from original Native American material. Striking, carefully chosen photographs, originally published in the early 1900s, portray the spirit of the words. As might be expected in a book of lullabies, there are several lovely photos of mothers and their children. The sepia-tone printing gives the photographs an authentic and classic look that could not have been achieved with full color printing. Background information on Native American lullabies is located at the end, and the lengthy acknowledgment of source texts will provide older children with ideas for further reading and research. Little ones will enjoy listening to the soothing words before bed. Lauren Peterson
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Clarion Books; 1st ed edition (August 17, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0618088563
• ISBN-13: 978-0618088560
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 7.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #599,389 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Precious book, November 26, 2010

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Teri Ciocco "rckwmn8" (Grand Junction, CO) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Weave Little Stars Into My Sleep: Native American Lullabies (Hardcover)

An enjoyable book for both children and adults. The pictures are beautiful and the poems are deep. A wonderful book for Natives and Non-natives who see the beauty of life here on this earth. The book isn't big, wordy or long, just short, sweet and endearing.