Skywoman: Legends of the Iroquois (Hardcover)

by Douglas M. George-kanentiio (Author), Douglas M. George (Author), Ka-Hon-Hes (Author, Illustrator), David Kanietakeron Fadden (Illustrator)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal
Grade 4-8?Shenandoah-Tekalihwa:khwa and George-Kanentiio retell nine traditional Iroquois tales. In a series of creation stories, readers learn how Skywoman fell from the world above, how the animals spread mud on the back of a turtle to catch her and the Earth was born, how the moon was formed, and how human beings were created. Other tales describe the origin of the dancing star constellation and of the evergreen. One selection tells "How the Bear Clan Became Healers" and another describes a sea creature in Lake Ontario. Full-color single- and double-page spreads and black-and-white pen-and-ink drawings depict the action and provide cultural details. The dignity and clarity so much a part of Native American storytelling are evident in this volume. Joseph Bruchac has included some of the stories in his Iroquois Stories (Crossing, 1985) and Native American Stories (Fulcrum, 1991). Although the selections in Skywoman subtly work in Iroquois traditions, there is no introduction explaining Iroquois history or customs and no source notes are provided. Still, the combination of solid writing and evocative artwork make this book a worthwhile purchase for libraries needing additional Native American legends.?Cheryl Cufari, Glencliff Elementary School, Niskayuna, NY
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description
When Skywoman falls from the upper world, the birds and animals living in the watery place below must catch her and create ground on which she can stand. Thus Turtle Island, the earth, is born. In this beautifully illustrated book, two Native American writers tell the ancient stories of the Iroquois Peoples. Skywoman is storytelling at its best. It will be enjoyed by young and old, by everyone who treasures the wisdom and traditions of the first Americans.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Hardcover: 108 pages
• Publisher: Clear Light Books (July 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0940666995
• ISBN-13: 978-0940666993
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 8.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #617,246 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One word: EXCELLENT!, November 10, 1999

By A Customer

This book is well-written and beautifully illustrated and long overdue. Some of the pen and ink illustrations didn't reproduce well but that is a minor point. I can't remember how many times I have purchased books for my kids and wished there were more Native American books written and illustated by REAL Native Americans! And the fact that it is about the legends of my own people makes it even more important to me. This book will take its rightful place next to GIVING THANKS by Jake Swamp. Niawenkowa to the authors and artists!

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully illustrated and meticulously recounted, November 2, 1998

By	Sandra Sunderland (Hartsdale, New York USA) - See all my reviews

Oneida, Joanne Shenandoah and Mohawk, Doug George have put together a superb selection of Iroquois stories with considerable attention given to detail, accuracy and their significance to the people from whom they came. It includes the Iroquois concept of creation and several other ancient stories.

Magnificent works of art by John and David Fadden serve to illustrate this "picture" book which is appropriate for children ages 4 to 104.

It is a perfect book for gifts as well as for classroom use in elementary schools or college courses in Native American Studies.