How Chipmunk Got Tiny Feet: Native American Animal Origin Stories

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

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.

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.

Gr. 3^-5, younger for reading aloud. Seven animal origin tales from the Navajo, Koasati Creek, and Tsimshian traditions are succinctly retold in this nicely designed picture book. In vigorous retellings with action-oriented plots, Hausman explains "How Coyote Got Yellow Eyes," "How Horse Got Fast," and other mysteries of nature. With their culturally evocative borders, Wolff's illustrations (linoleum block prints painted with watercolors) enliven the tales. The large type, generous white space, and attractive artwork will make the collection an easy sell to transitional readers wanting something to read alone and to parents and teachers seeking a read-aloud that is not too intimidating. No specific sources are given. Janice Del Negro