Native American animal stories

Gr. 5-8. In a fine companion to their Native American Stories [BKL Je 15 91], Abenaki writer Bruchac and Mohawk illustrator Fadden have collected animal stories from native American tribes across North America. The tales have a directness and rhythm that's great for reading aloud and storytelling, as in the lyrical Cherokee tale "The Lake of the Wounded," the dramatic Apache tale "The Boy and the Rattle Snake," or the Zuni story "Eagle Boy," which is both soaring and pragmatic. The extensive descriptive notes at the back on tribal nations are an added bonus, as is the foreword by Deloria about the unobtrusive teaching role of these stories in many native cultures. The design is clear and attractive, with black-and-white drawings that capture the mystery as well as the physicalness of these tales of "feathers and fur, scales and skin." ~--Hazel Rochman

Gr 1-5-- Twenty-four stories, organized by theme, excerpted from Bruchac and Michael Caduto's Keepers of the Animals (Fulcrum, 1991). Excellent introductions by Bruchac and Vine Deloria, Jr., set the proper tone; they will be of particular use to those planning read-alouds, and are important for understanding the messages of the tales. The pieces come from tribes across North America, each illustrated with a full-page line drawing and appropriate border designs. Bonuses are the superb glossary of words and names and the descriptions of tribal nations. Providing an insider's knowledge and insight, Bruchac gives information about the people today and cites sources for additional versions of the stories. There are many similar collections and retellings available, some by well-meaning people who do not truly understand the tales' importance. Storytellers can feel secure in knowing that these selections will not cause offense to listeners with Bruchac's work, which presents the stories with respect for readers of all ages. Public, school, and tribal libraries should purchase this one. --Lisa Mitten, University of Pittsburgh, PA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

"So it is to this day. Thought they dance as they fly, the butterflies are silent. But still, when the children see them, brightly dancing in the wind, their hearts are glad. That is how Elder Brother meant it to be." "Their eyes are not our eyes yet we can see ourselves in them." --from the poem Seeing the Animals by Joseph Bruchac. Excerpted from Native American Animal Stories by Joseph Bruchac, Joseph Bruchac III All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.