Customer Reviews

When the Shadbush Blooms

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While the beautiful illustrations may first attract you to Where the Shadbush Blooms, the words that describe the feeling of joy that children take in their families now, and took long ago--and the simple pleasures that hold families together--will hold you and any child. Kids will be fascinated by the historical differences in clothing and tools, and interested in similarities over time. They will ask you to read and reread the story, and they will love trying to pronounce the Lenni Lenape words for the seasons and the moons. (The authors wisely included a pronunciation dictionary along with the background of the tribe.) The book holds potential for family conversation, games, and challenges--not to mention those in a classroom. While it describes the Original People, it applies to all people and to the strength of families everywhere. It deserves to win the Caldecott. Susan Gilbert Beck, former Children's Librarian, Librarian and Information Specialist, Certified Teacher, Emanda, Inc.

Every culture has its own ways of celebrating the seasons. When the Shadbush Blooms shows young readers how the Lenape Indians (also known as the Delaware Indians) live according to the seasons.

The story is uniquely told from two different viewpoints. It is told by Traditional Sister and Contemporary Sister, each from her own time. These viewpoints show us how the traditions have changed, yet stay very similar. David Kanietakeron Fadden`s paintings grasp life in traditional times and current times extraordinarily. His paintings draw the reader in, and make them feel as if they were there as well.

The young reader that I shared this book with had a great time comparing the similarities between the different times. She seemed to enjoy learning about the traditions of the Lenape and following the adventures of the girls telling the story through their year.

I found this an engaging look into the lifestyles of one of the native tribes of the United States. I enjoyed the way the book was presented, and found the additional information on the Lenape in the back of the book extremely informative. This is a wonderful example of multicultural writing that shows how people live close to the land and themselves during the changing seasons.

Armchair Interviews says: Highly recommended.

I purchased this book specifically because of the Lenape Indian connection and a unit being taught in my second grade class. It also didn't hurt that my own family is from the Lenape Delaware tribe. The book had lovely illustrations and simple text. The use of Lenape vocabulary added a great touch and my students and I loved that there was a pronunciation guide in the back of the book. A definite asset to any library, especially if you are celebrating Native American Hertigage.

wonderful book for young children. the format is engaging and the story is charming. great artwork as well.