Thirteen Moons on Turtle's Back (Paperback)

~ (Author) "Grandfather leaned over the long spruce log..." (more)
Key Phrases: Earth Elder, Little People, Old Turtle

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

To many Native Americans, the 13 cycles of the moon represent the changing seasons and the passage of time. Each moon has its own special name that, while varying among the tribal nations, is consistent with the legend that the 13 scales on Old Turtle's back hold the key to these moons. The authors present 13 poems that take readers through the year, from the "Moon of Popping Trees"--when the "cottonwoods crack with frost"--to the "Big Moon" of the Abenakis. The book's effective design consists of verses in vertical columns at the left of each spread, with the remainder occupied by Locker's ( Family Farm ; Catskill Eagle ) typically lush artwork. His oil paintings are eye-catching in their depth of color reflecting dramatic seasonal changes. Trees, skies and woodland creatures are rendered in vivid hues that combine to produce an enthralling vision. This unusual and intelligent book is an exemplary introduction to Native American culture with its emphasis on the importance of nature. All ages.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 4-- The book opens with an Abenaki storyteller explaining to his grandson that just as there are always 13 scales on ``Old Turtle's back,'' there are 13 moons in a year, each of which has a name and a story. The poetic tales and corresponding paintings that follow represent myths or legends of different Native American tribes. Although the language of these poems is not particularly memorable or childlike, it does evoke images and passes on some of the traditions of the native people and their closeness to the natural world. The cadence is that of an adult explaining things to a child. Both text and illustrations have a distancing effect on readers. Locker's large, dark paintings stand parallel to or in tandem with the poems but are not integral to them. They create a mood and capture portions of the text, encouraging viewers to look ``at'' rather than ``into'' these images. There is a sense of vastness in these paintings, and sometimes a harshness, but little of the lushness or the warmth of the land. Although the cover illustration of the turtle is inviting and the large format attractive, these are poems that will probably not entice most youngsters on their own. They can be appreciated, however, when presented by an adult and will be a welcome addition to units on Native American cultures. --Kay E. Vandergrift, School of Communication, Information and Library Studies, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Putnam Juvenile (August 25, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0698115848
• ISBN-13: 978-0698115842
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 7.8 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #11,483 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #1 in	Books > Children's Books > Literature > Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths > Staff Favorites > Native American
  #2 in	Books > Children's Books > Authors & Illustrators, A-Z > ( B ) > Bruchac, Joseph
  #2 in	Books > Children's Books > Animals > Reptiles & Amphibians > Staff Favorites

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Traditional View of Seasonal meanings, June 8, 2000

By	steven h. abbott (Vermont, USA) - See all my reviews

This book is an excellent work of Native American children's literature. Joseph Bruchac is a well-known Abenaki story-teller who profiles in this book the thirteen moons of the year, and profiles for each moon what is important about that season to different Native Nations. The artwork is a beautiful compliment to the story. If you are looking for a solid and sensitive look at inter-tribal stories for children, this is a great place to start!

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Delightful, March 7, 2002

By	Kathryn P. Harper "Mindful One" (Santa Clara, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Thirteen Moons on Turtle's Back (Hardcover)

I was fortunate to hear the author speak in the early 90s in my hometown of Syracuse, NY. He is an engaging storyteller. It was then that I discovered his book. The artwork in this edition is rich and appealing. The vignettes of each moon, combined with the illustrations, make an appealing canvas for young and/or exploring minds.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lucky 13, February 18, 2008

By	Daneen Roth (Groton, CT USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Beautiful illustrations and simple prose make this a quietly poetic and aesthetically pleasing selection to read to kids three years old and up. A great introduction to the Native American concept of the seasons of the year and the close and personal relationship with all of Nature.