Hausman's (Turtle Island ABC) retelling of seven Navajo, Koasati Creek and Tsimshian tales is a standout in an increasingly crowded genre. His tone is casual and unpretentious, his rhythm and pacing impeccable. Because the stories all feature animals that in each tribe "are thought of as people," they offer many subtle lessons about human behavior. In "How Horse Got Fast," slow-footed Horse kindly waits for a poky caterpillar to cross his path. The caterpillar, who then changes into a butterfly, rewards Horse with swiftness rivaling his own. Most stories include a visit by beneficent Mother Earth, who rights wrongs and fosters harmony. Using her customary linoleum block prints painted with watercolors, Wolff (A Year of Beasts; A Year of Birds) strikingly combines detailed Native American borders with her almost classical, storybook-style illustrations-a fitting blend, given the book's artfully achieved relevance to two very different cultures. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 4?Hausman has retold seven short pourquoi stories from the Navajo, Koasati Creek, and Tsimshian peoples and presented them in picture-book format. Each tale teaches a gentle lesson in smoothly flowing language that is ideal for storytelling as well as for reading aloud. Not as profound as Joseph Bruchac's collections, this title's appeal lies in its light approach, humorous tone, and authentic style. Sources are given for each selection. Wolff's vibrant, full-page linoleum block-prints painted with watercolors boldly bring the stories to life, and stunning borders indicative of tribal origins frame the pages of text. A delightful, readable volume that's a worthwhile purchase for story hours and the folktale shelves.?Beth Tegart, Oneida City Schools, NY
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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