How Chipmunk Got Tiny Feet: Native American Animal Origin Stories - Hardcover

Hausman, Gerald

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0060229063 ISBN 13: 9780060229061

Publisher: Harpercollins Childrens Books, 1995

Synopsis

Seven animal origin stories describe how such animals as the possum, coyote, and chipmunk became the animals we know today with the help of Mother Earth

About this title

From Publishers Weekly

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.

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.

Edition details

• Publisher: Harpercollins Childrens Books
• Publication date: 1995
• ISBN 10: 0060229063
• ISBN 13: 9780060229061
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 41
• Illustrator: Wolff Ashley