Recently, I discovered a wonderful book company called Barefoot Books and fell in love.
"At Barefoot Books, we celebrate art and story that opens the hearts and minds of children from all walks of life, inspiring them to read deeper, search further, and explore their own creative gifts. Taking our inspiration from many different cultures, we focus on themes that encourage independence of spirit, enthusiasm for learning, and sharing of the world’s diversity."
What's not to love about that statement? And now, thanks to Rebecca Wolpinsky I have been given the opportunity to review one of the wonderful books.
Grandfather Moutain ~ Stories of Gods and Heroes from Many Cultures as retold by Burleigh Muten was very enjoyable. We read it on a fun clear day grouped in a pile outside. The warm sun on our backs, the rustling leaves, hot cocoa warming our hands and the sweet smell of rotting leaves on the air was comforting to the being and all were relaxed as I recounted the tales. By the time I was done, I had several extra little bodies surrounding us and listening quietly.
When first I opened the book, I was quickly caught by the luscious illustrations. The one that I especially love is at the beginning. It is of a beautiful leather pouch with shimmering beads depicting the shape of a crow. I found this especially appropriate since most of these stories are about creation and crows are messengers symbolizing creation. Out of this pouch flowed pictures symbolizing all of the stories known by the pouches owner, Crow and in fact you will learn more about this pouch and a storyteller in the very first tale: Grandfather Mountain.
This book begins with children asking their grandfather to tell them stories. He agrees and the children clamber onto his workbench and lap to hear the tales. There was a nice little vignette detailing the scene of grandfather, the children and a workbench complete with an ark and a few animals; one more item symbolizing creation.
This is a wonderful anthology presenting the adventures of gods and heroes taken from cultures worldwide and exploring the quests that challenge all males as they take that first hesitant step into manhood as presented by a grandfather. Our elders are the tellers of tales and share the lessons and wisdom gleaned from their own elders who have gone before them. They teach of us life and it's unfortunate that don't appreciate them until they're gone.
The contents include:
-
Grandfather Mountain
North America ~ Seneca
- Orunmila Meets Eshu on the Road
Nigeria ~ Yoruba
- The Sons of Rangi and Papa-Tu-A-Nuku
New Zealand ~ Maori
- Quetzalcoatl Creates the First People
Mexico ~ Aztec
- Asklepios: Healer of the Ancient World
Greece
- Merlin and the Giants Ring
England
- Brave-And-Swift-Impetuous-one Slays the Serpent
Japan ~ Shinto
- The War Between the Giants
Ireland ~ Celtics
While I love this book and the illustrations, I do have mixed feelings. The author meant to portray strong male role models to help our sons find their way in ever changing expectations from society. However, too many creation tales were chosen (notice I have meantioned symbols for creation twice now) and not enough hero tales actually depicting any real lessons. At times, the story jumps around resulting in a very unclear tale that leaves one dissatisfied. Merlin and the Giants was one such tale and unfortunately the banal narration left me wanting more after I had excitedly started reading what promised to be a beautiful story. A pronunciation guide for the foriegn words would have been especially helpful and I am surprised it wasn't included. Still, the small borders of richly detailed illustrations depicting pivotal moments accompanying each story and the larger full page spreads make for beautiful eye candy. That alone makes this book well worth it and I am very pleased to add it to my growing collection of Barefoot books.
Get FREE shipping in November on all orders $60 or more!
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(This runs starting November 1st through the end of the month)
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Oct. 31, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Jenny
Wildwood Cottage