The Papago Indians of the American Southwest say butterflies were created to gladden the hearts of children and chase away thoughts of aging and death.
How the Butterflies Came to Be is one of twenty-four Native American tales included in
Native American Animal Stories. The stories, coming from Mohawk, Hopi, Yaqui, Haida and other cultures, demonstrate the power of animals in Native American traditions.

Parents, teachers and children will delight in lovingly told stories about our relations, the animals. The stories come to life through magical illustrations by Mohawk artists John Kahionhes Fadden and David Fadden.

The stories in this book present some of the basic perspectives that Native North American parents, aunts and uncles use to teach the young. They are phrased in terms that modern youngsters can understand and appreciate … They enable us to understand that while birds and animals appear to be similar in thought processes to humans, that is simply the way we represent them in our stories. But other creatures do have thought processes, emotions, personal relationships…We must carefully ccord these other creatures the respect that they deserve and the right to live without unnecessary harm. Wanton killings of different animals by some hunters and sportsmen are completely outside the traditional way that native people have treated other species, and if these stories can help develop in young people a strong sense of the wonder of other forms of life, this sharing of Native North American knowledge will certainly have been worth the effort. —excerpt from the forward by Vine Deloria, Jr.

These stories first appeared in
Keepers of the Animals: Native American Stories and Wildlife Activities for Children by Michael J. Caduto and Joseph Bruchac

From School Library Journal
Grade 1-5– Twenty-four stories, organized by theme, excerpted from Bruchac and Michael Caduto s Keepers of the Animals (Fulcrum, 1991). Excellent introductions by Bruchac and Vine Deloria, Jr., set the proper tone; they will be of particular use to those planning read-alouds, and are important for understanding the messages of the tales. The pieces come from tribes across North America, each illustrated with a full-page line drawing and appropriate border designs. Bonuses are the superb glossary of words and names and the descriptions of tribal nations. Providing an insider s knowledge and insight, Bruchac gives information about the people today and cites sources for additional versions of the stories. There are many similar collections and retellings available, some by well-meaning people who do not truly understand the tales importance. Storytellers can feel secure in knowing that these selections will not cause offense to listeners with Bruchac s work, which presents the stories with respect for readers of all ages. Public, school, and tribal libraries should purchase this one. –Lisa Mitten, University of Pittsburgh, PA
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Review

Offers wonderful read-aloud material for parents who want to teach their children to revere the Earth. —Los Angeles Times Book Review

24 myths from 19 peoples [show] Bruchac s tribute to nature, to his Native American heritage, and to his powerful gift of communication. —BookPage

The tales have a directness and rhythm that s great for reading aloud and storytelling. —Booklist

A rich collection of uplifting Native American stories. —Joseph Cornell, author of
Sharing Nature with Children, Listening to Nature and
Sharing the Joy of Nature

About the Author

Joseph Bruchac, coauthor of The Keepers of the Earth series, is a nationally acclaimed Native American storyteller, songwriter, poet and writer who has authored more than 70 books of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry for adults and children. His work draws on his Abenaki, English and Slovak ancestry. A respect for ancestral roots parallels his bel

EAN: 9781555911270