Coyote and the Magic Words - Hardcover

Root, Phyllis

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 068810309X ISBN 13: 9780688103095

Publisher: Lothrop Lee & Shepard, 1993

Synopsis

After the Maker-of-all-things uses words to create the world, she allows others to use her magic words until Coyote tries her patience with his mischief.

About this title

From Kirkus Reviews

Drawing on legends of southwestern Native Americans, Root formulates a new tale of the creation and the genesis of story: ``The Maker-of-all-things spoke the world into being''-- `` `Earth' ''; `` `Moon'...'Stars' ''; `` `Sage'...'Juniper, cedar, pine' ''; `` `...jack rabbit, coyote' ''; last, she makes ``us.'' Then comes a time when words are magic and need only be spoken to be true, and when most creatures are content. Only Coyote is bored; mischievously, he incites a man to say ``rain'' while a woman says ``sun,'' and another pair to proclaim, at once, ``night'' and ``day.'' In consequence, the Maker-of-all- things declares words no longer magic but then relents a bit: While it's told, a story's words are magic still. Root's Coyote is appropriately childlike; her lively narration is well-honed and agreeably informal, just right for oral sharing. In freely rendered, luminous art, Speidel revels in the Southwest's sunset colors while peopling the tale with deftly sketched pueblo dwellers, a stately Maker/Mother, and the slinky, insinuating Coyote. A sensible afterword distinguishes inspiration from invention. (Picture book. 4-8) -- Copyright ©1993, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

From School Library Journal

Grade 2-4-Coyote makes mischief in this original story set in the American Southwest and illustrated in striking, softly shaded pastel colors. A Maker-of-all-things, modeled after a Pueblo tale of Thinking Woman, brings all creation into being, from the earth and sun to animals and humankind, by speaking their names. As she rests, her creatures have only to use her magic words to satisfy their wants. Coyote is soon bored, however, and goes about causing dissension in this perfect world. When the Maker awakens, she angrily takes away the magic, leaving the people to toil on their own, except when Coyote tells stories. While the character and illustrations of coyote are of particular interest here, what may surprise readers is the depiction of a female Creator. Since the tale illustrates the power of storytelling, it will make a suitable addition to a teller's repertoire as well as an appealing selection for independent reading.
Yvonne Frey, Peoria Public Schools, IL
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Lothrop Lee & Shepard
• Publication date: 1993
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 068810309X
• ISBN 13: 9780688103095
• Binding: Hardcover
• Illustrator: Speidel Sandra
• Number of pages: 1