Night is more than just a period of time between sunset and sunrise. It is another world, fascinating and mysterious to children curious about the night and its nocturnal inhabitants. In Native cultures mighttime is a crucial part of the Great Circle and balance in the universe, and Keepers of the Night features Native wisdom to help young people learn valuable lessons about the natural world.
In the tradition of the best-selling Keepers of the Earth and Keepers of the Animals, this book offers eight carefully selected Native North American stories. Field-tested, hands-on activities include nighttime observational activities and walks to teach sensory awareness, puppet shows to teach understanding of how nocturnal animals live, stargazing to understand constellations and the myths and legends surrounding them, campfire talks that relate a sense of being a part of the Great Circle, and traditional dances—such as one to celebrate the bear, a symbol of courage—to enjoy and learn their significance.
Perfect for anyone teaching children about nature and the outdoors, Keepers of the Night offers unique ideas about understanding the natural world—by looking at night.
Joseph Bruchac, coauthor of The Keepers of the Earth series, is a nationally acclaimed Native American storyteller and writer who has authored more than 70 books of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry for adults and children. He lives in upstate New York. Michael J. Caduto is an award-winning and internationally known author, master storyteller, poet, musician, educator, and ecologist. He has received numerous awards, including the New York State Outdoor Education Association's Art and Literary Award, New England's Regional Award for Excellence in Environmental Education, the American Booksellers' "Pick of the List" Award, and the Association of Children's Booksellers' Choice Award, among others. He travels widely presenting environmental and cultural performances, speeches and workshops for children and adults. His recent books include Earth Tales from Around the World and The Crimson Elf: Italian Tales of Wisdom. He lives in Vermont.
Joseph Bruchac, coauthor of The Keepers of the Earth series, is a nationally acclaimed Native American storyteller and writer who has authored more than 70 books of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry for adults and children. As a professional teller of the traditional tales of the Adirondacks and the Native peoples of the Northeastern Woodlands, Joe Bruchac has performed widely in Europe and throughout the United States from Florida to Hawaii and has been featured at such events as the British Storytelling Festival and the National Storytelling Festival in Jonesboro, Tennessee. He has been a storyteller-in-residence for Native American organizations and schools throughout the continent, including the Institute of Alaska Native Arts and the Onondaga Nation School. He discusses Native culture and his books and does storytelling programs at dozens of elementary and secondary schools each year as a visiting author. He lives in upstate New York.
Michael J. Caduto is an award-winning author, master storyteller, poet, musician, educator, and ecologist. He has received numerous awards, including the New York State Outdoor Education Association's Art and Literary Award, New England's Regional Award for Excellence in Environmental Education, the American Booksellers' "Pick of the List" Award, and the Association of Children's Booksellers' Choice Award, among others.
