The Legend of Spinoza: The Bear Who Speaks from the Heart

TallTree, Robert

ISBN 10: 0971231907 ISBN 13: 9780971231900

Publisher: Just Lucky I Guess Publishing, 2002

Synopsis

The power of love becomes personified in this wonderful story of the creation of Spinoza, the bear who speaks from the heart. Set in an Indian village in the Great North Woods, the legend revolves around the adventures of a chief's inquisitive young son, Crooked Moon, who unwittingly chews a poisonous herb and slips into a near death coma. His father, Makwa, is now launched on his own quest to save the son he loves so dearly. Led on a journey to the Spirit Tree, which stands deep in the forest on the shore of a great lake, he receives a gift which culminates in the creation of Spinoza and the recovery of Crooked Moon.

The story, delightfully written and told by Native American storyteller Robert TallTree, is about unconditional love. It is exciting and filled with hope and will touch adults as well as children. The author's simple, mythical style reflects his storytelling background and gives the sense of a story being told, not written. This beautiful legend and the rich full color illustrations will capture the imagination of readers and listeners of all ages.

About this title

About the Author:

Robert TallTree is a Native American storyteller, silversmith and flute player of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan. When he was born in 1950, his great grandmother, Emma Fisher, said he was like "a tree reaching and growing towards the skies," and so he was bestowed with the name Con-nos-sem-tig. For over thirty years, TallTree has been teaching Native American cultural programs throughout the country. Through music and stories, he shares with us an experience of inner balance and harmony that opens our minds and hearts to a natural way of life.

Review:

"...a gentle reminder that the miracle of love rests in each of us..." -- Jean Illsley Clarke, author of Self-Esteem: A Family Affair, Growing Up Again, Parenting Ourselves, Parenting Our Children, and the Help! for Parents series

"...a story that warms our hearts and gives us hope for the future." -- Gordon Regguinti, Series Editor of Lerner Publication's children's book series, We Are Still Here: Native Americans Today and author of The Sacred Harvest: Ojibway Wild Rice Gathering

"The book teaches self-respect...and respect for everything around you. I would highly recommend this book to anyone..." -- Portia Andrews, School Psychologist

About this edition

• Publisher: Just Lucky I Guess Publishing
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 0971231907
• ISBN 13: 9780971231900
• Binding: Library Binding
• Number of pages: 64