Native American Books

I love the art of Bev Doolittle. This is just a great book to add to my collection.

When I first looked at this book, I rolled my eyes. The Earth is My Mother? But when I opened the book, and I began to read, something made me want to cry, and make a difference. I understand Sarah's love for nature, and the inspiring tale of her makes me want to stand up and save the world. The way all her snapshots oddly made one picture of a mother, HER mother, OUR Mother, it just made me so happy. This book looked so..well..stupid, and right now, I can hardly believe my previous thoughts about it. I practically hugged this book. The next day, when I almost littered, I stopped myself, because I remembered this book. A life changing tale about a girl who makes a difference...all for her dead mother, and though she didn't know it, for herself...to protect Magic Canyon.

Another "earth" book I love for the illustrations is:
Dear Children of the Earth.
I also love a novel about how hope can work miracles, that is an all-time FAVORITE of mine:
The Secret Garden

This is a beautifully written adventure story set in the Southwest which my son and daughter, ages 10 and 11, both loved. It made a terrific family 'read aloud' for all of us. Like most kids today, they are conservationists and lovers of nature and Native American lore. The author artfully sets forth an important environmental issue, destruction of habitat, in an adventure-story format. The 11 year old heroine, Sarah, is brave and delightful, wrestling not only with saving the earth but family difficulties my kids empathized with. The illustrations by Bev Doolittle -- 'camoflague' art the kids loved to piece together -- are gorgeous. We loved it! I'm ordering a few copies for friends -- it's a great summer read for kids.

THE EARTH IS MY MOTHER is the tale of a girl named "Star" -- a spunky 11-year and a true heroine. EMM has been beautifully illustrated by Bev Doolittle--known for her "camouflage" Native American and wildlife artwork. Since millions of dollars from the proceeds of Ms. Doolittle's works have gone to support the National Wildlife Federation, you can imagine the major theme of this book is the preservation of the wilderness. The storyline is based on Ms. Doolittle's concept but the text was actually written by Elise Maclay, author of two books of poetry, "Approaching Autumn" and "Green Winter." EMM is a feast for the ear and the eye.

I cannot praise this book enough as it reflects all my core beliefs--that girls can be strong, brave, and caring individuals, that traditional cultures have much to teach us, that we are all part of the great circle of life, and that we are made from stardust and the earth is our mother.

As a childhood fan of Laura Ingalls Wilder's stories, Thorton Burgess' "Old Mother West Wind" tales, and fan of American Indian traditions and lore as well as a lover of the great outdoors, I was pleased to discover a book I could hand to my granddaughters with these words, "You want to know what life is about? read this book."

If you and your children love nature and the outdoors, give yourself a treat and read this book together. I read this with my 10 year olds, and all three of us loved it. There is enough adventure to spark a child's imagination, and the tale provides opportunities for teaching one's children about important conservation issues. The artwork is wonderful, and we had the poster which is included with the book matted and framed. My girls love to look at the poster, and discuss again the details of the story that are depicted in this wonderful artwork by Bev Doolittle. This is a book that your children will remember and return to again and again.

This book is very educational in a family style for all who love anything that is culinary. Tex-mex and mexican foods and methods are not the same in true new mexico's food history. I love learning and unlearning. This book will do both for the home chefs that love new and exciting changes in their menus.

I'm a native New Mexican and when I lived in Albuquerque back in 1998, I found "Las Recetas de Nuestra Abuela - Our Grandmother's Recipes" in a small
resale shop. It was 23 pages thick and I thought it was a charming book! The stories about Grandma Flora reminded me so much of my own grandmother - I had to buy this recipe book! I have used her method of making red chile pod chile sauce so much so that I have abandoned my old method of using red chile powder. If this new recipe book has 127 pages, well then I know I will truly experience heaven on earth!
Muchisimas Gracias y Feliz Navidad Regina!!!

Being from Mannhattan NY. I am unfamiliar with south western style cooking as it is really supposed to be. I was recently given this book by a friend as a CHRISTMAS GIFT. I was'nt sure if I could achieve success in the kitchen with this book as I am adept at making matzaballs and corned beef and potatoes being of New York Jewish descent and all. After trying some of the recipies like Chile Colorado and Tortillas I felt like a pro. A regular Latina Kitchen sensation. The recipies are easy to follow and well written. The south western familiy history told by the author actually makes me feel like I am part of the culture as I read the tales that Mrs. Romero weaves about her heritage. Excellent book you'll love it.

I am a native of New Mexico and have loved the cooking of this region all my life. Having moved to Arizona as a young child, it was hard to find mexican food that tastes like "New Mexican" food. There is a difference and reading this book and using the recipes have allowed me to taste the original flavors in my own home. Not only are the recipes original and delicious, but the story of this family is especially interesting and in itself "flavorfull". Great book!

What a great book! Ms. Romero has included some fantastic, authentic dishes that are tasty and easy to prepare. I'm a guy and not all that gifted in the kitchen, but her book makes me look like a hero with all of my family and friends. I told my wife that my recipes are family recipes--I just didn't tell her whose family.

The family history in the book is extremely interesting, too.

You should buy this book and get cooking.

Regardless who you are or what you read, you can't be anything but 100 percent into this Native American story. I wish I had a "ghost in the rainbow." We should all be so blessed by our "ancestors".

I am neither a Native American nor anyone who has suffered from substance abuse but I am an animal lover and I LOVED this book. I loved the characters, the story, and the way it was written. I had a hard time putting this book down. I think this story would make a good made-for-TV movie.

This is a thrilling story of one woman's determination to learn the truth behind the murder of a young child. Her search for truth plunges her not only into the world of a psychotic killer but into her own inner world where she must confront personal relationships, alcoholism and her desperate search for spiritual peace. This is also a story of the bond between a woman and her dog that transcends both time and bounderies of this physical world. Myra Whitehawk is one of the most compelling characters in my reading experience, and Ghost In The Rainbow is a book you won't want to miss. I'm glad I didn't!

Ghost in the Rainbow is a compulsive read. I couldn't put it down. Because of my own battles with alcoholism and substance abuse, the path the heroine takes touched me deeply and even helped me to confront some of my own demons. That I should be so spiritually and psychologically helped by a book of crime fiction illiustrates how deeply real is Ms. Woodruff's understanding of life. After the vapid musings of many of the current bestsellers, Ghost in the Rainbow explores the extremes of human emotion with courage, humor and the rare sensibility of a Native American worldview. Without a doubt, one of the best novels of the year.

What a fabulous read! Woodruff deftly intertwines her thrilling search for a serial killer with the internal journey of Native American writer Myra Whitehawk as her life disintegrates around her. The book never loses momentum and provides us with moments of genuine feeling and insight. I highly recommend it!

Growing up nurtured in the many faces and realities of nature - and the beauties & dangers therein - provided a school of knowledge for Archie Fire Lame Deer. Along side of this, were the brutalities and horrors of another type of school; this school sought to shame, beat, and abuse the native spirit out of him. This place was one of the many much written about Christian Indian Schools. Within both settings were men who set examples for Archie of humans who realized they had to do nothing else but provide him with acceptance and kindness: his grandfather and a priest at the Indian School. Archie was sent to this school by his Grandfather for the knowledge to be gained there. Grandfather was a Shaman;he knew that Archie would be one someday,too. I think the real reason he sent him to that school was to expose him - first hand - to the ugliest parts of human nature that he knew about. Archie going to Indian School was tantamount to hurricane Katrina being stopped by the frivolous levy systems in New Orleans. Despite all this violence, Archie was able to learn...the kindly Priest at the school was there, right on time, to provide support when Archie needed it most. After freeing himself from this place, his journey was soaked by alcohol. It accompanied Archie everywhere: with lots of women; in lots of fights; in just as many jail cells. It then took him to Hollywood where he became a stuntman. Under all of this was his calling as a healer and a Shaman: this is a terrifying calling. The physical and emotional demands are overwhelming. Here are the facts: only someone willing to throw away, time and again, friends, relatives, jobs, and opportunites is fit for such a job. It seems that such a person would be a narcissist; on the contrary, this kind of person walks with death and loss every day. They have no ego; they have no feelings. We have called them sociopaths. The difference between a sociopath and someone who grabs THE GIFT OF POWER is simple; the former dies or goes insane, while the latter somehow recognizes the destruction in him/herself - and in the wake they cast - as only another possession to be tossed aside. Then that empty hole is filled with the GIFT OF POWER. Archie's natural Father died. In this dying he passed the gift on to his son. Archie was born and raised in the Badlands; but other lands were just as bad. There is beauty in the Badlands...you just have to recognize it. This book should be on all required reading lists.

Stepping Off the Edge: Learning & Living Spiritual Practice
Archie Fire Lame Deer is the son of John Fire Lame Deer and succeeded him as head of his spiritual lineage upon his father's death. A "modern" medicine man with an incredible life story. He's funny, charming, impactful, tells the truth. If I were making a list of "must meet" holy men, he'd be on it.

This book was totally amazing. Written in Archie Lame Deer's own words. Archie really takes us deep into the Lakota culture and brings us into the world of American Indian life. The style in which Archie teaches instills in the reader the importance of laughter to the American Indian people as a way of dealing with the horror dealt by the government and settlers throughout history.

This is a first-person account of the life of a "medicine man," or Native-American shaman. The style is personal and engaging. This is a good introduction to the topic for the novice.

If you like me, before I read this book, are naive to what true American Indian culture is all about (or maybe you won't realize how naive you are until you read the book), then this biography of Archie Fire Lame Deer, a Lakota Indian is definitely an excellent crash course to bring you up to date! Much of American Indian culture, especially their religion and intense beliefs about people, animals and our earth make a lot of sense to me. So many suppressed or simply not understood parts of this culture are clearly explained and described in fascinating detail. Though I don't plan to change my personal Christian beliefs, I'm moved by the depth and intensity of this culture; Archie Fire's descriptions moved me to intense shame regarding the many horrible things that were, and are still being done in the name of Christianity to this culturally rich, intelligent, colorful and generally peaceful people (Archie Fire Lame Deer, somewhat similarly, also expresses his shame of so many false medicine men promoting Indian religion & culture). And we claim to be a free country guaranteeing freedom of religion? As has become apparent to me, so many things that we believe to be a part of our white North American cultures are actually rooted in American Indian tradition. I say thanks very much to Archie Fire for recording this valuable, enlightening information for we, the unindoctrinated. I wish him and the American Indian people the realization of all of the wonderful dreams described here (as I wish to share in them also).

My grandmother gave me this book in nineteen-seventy-something and I have hung onto it until now. The original copy is still with me, I cherish it and I read it to my two older children who are ages six and four. Lovely story, fascinating, nice illustrations... Thumbs up!

This is a very funny story about a goat that tells the story of how her fur becomes a Navajo rug. If you look close enough at the front cover, you'll notice the book is written by the goat herself. It's a wonderful book for all ages, especially Navajo children.

When I was little (a long time ago at this point!) I had this book and was utterly fascinated by it. I remember trying to dye yarn myself after reading it... (well, that didn't work out so well as I recall-- since this is NOT a how-to book, just an engaging story-- but it was fun all the same.) Now that I'm an adult, I would definately recommend this book to anyone with "creative" children who love to make things.

I was raised on this book and it has always been a favorite of mine. The pictures are delightful and the story has stayed with me through the years. I love how Geraldine decides to eat all the yummy plants they were going to use to dye the wool. OOPS! Now I find it is on the school reading list and being used in the classroom! I highly recommend this book as a favorite for children and parents alike.

This is a gentle book, both the words and illustrations, which guides the reader through the process of making a traditional Navajo rug. Told from the goat's perspective, humor is interwoven with facts. My 5 year old wants to add that the goat ate up some of the flowers the weaver had collected when she wasn't looking.

The last page states: "This is a true story of a weaver and her goat who lived in the Navajo Nation at Window Rock, Arizona." The end plates have pictures of items used in making the rug, including local plants and which parts of them are used for certain dye colors (ex. juniper branches used for brown dye).

My mother lived on a Navajo reservation as a child and so I've purchased this for her childrens book collection so that she can read it to the grandkids when they visit.

The writer dares to go where others fear! I am very familiar with the writing process and the issues that this writer must have faced with the story he told. A monumental task to say the least. His words flow and tell a wonderful story of love, traditon and life without the rose colored glasses. It is a great book and deserves six stars.

Mr. Little Eagle has done something that very few writers have ever done. Taken me to the inside of a place I would never have had the opportunity to visit. What is amazing is that he does it with such ease and understanding. The places I went included the real world Native America, the deep and personal emotions of dealing with a serious illness and the lost of a loved one, his wife. The pace was easy, short chapters made the reading a gentle process. However, I found myself not taking a break. The next chapter lead to the next event which lead to the next enlightment.

Little Eagle's relationships and friends along the way are fasinating and unforgetable. Steve Old Coyote played a signifcant role in the first part of the book as well as Arvol Looking Horse and the Kitchen Boss. The second part of the book dealt with the remarkable events surrounding the death of his wife, Tammy. He also returns to Greengrass and other Rezervation loation and meets more people like Tom Calfrobe the Cloud Watcher, Marie Not-Help-Him and the dynamic Pete Catches. His love and dedication to his wife is so evident and he willing shares those emotions. The third part he once again returns to Greengrass and encounters the mystery of life. Of special note is the connection between Little Eagle and the Kitchen Boss.

Throughout the entire book you witness powerful and magical ceremonies and rituals. Sweatlodges, Sundance and Yuwipis. Aother standout in the story is the ledgendary Pipe Bag of Crazy Horse. So much stuff. I am looking forward to future books by Little Eagle.

Do not pass this book by. You will truly miss out on wonderful story and life.
Phil

Greengrass Pipe Dancers is both a story of pain and death and a search for healing and transformation. The first focus is on the history, safekeeping and restoration of a holy pipe bag, perhaps once belonging to Crazy Horse. The underlying text is the author's experience of healing and acceptance in mourning the passing of his beloved young wife Tammy through witnessing the rite of the Sun Dance and pipe dancers with the Lakota of Greengrass, South Dakota. Lionel Little Eagle sees his own totem animal and receives his sacred message from the experience. Straight from the heart, Greengrass Pipe Dancers is the author's testament to the power and beauty of Lakota spirituality, and the miraculous healing essence of the beautiful pipe bag he is given to carry and protect until a sacred resting place is found.

The true story of the pipe bag is recounted according to Lionel Little Eagle's wife Tamara and other traditional sources. The pipe bag was originally given by a Lakota chief to Dr. H. A. Brown (Tamara Brown's grandfather) in 1895 after he saved his son from pneumonia. This tale has been told in another book, Warriors of the Rainbow, written by Dr. Brown's son, Vinson. In Greengrass Pipe Dancers, Lionel Little Eagle, a Micmac Native American, continues the sacred obligation of being the pipe bag bearer while presenting its history and his wife's story. The wonderful thing about the pipe bag history is it is directly connected to the founding of Naturegraph, a publishing house founded by Vinson Brown to publish Warriors of the Rainbow. Naturegraph continues to publish works on Native American history, spirituality and culture, thus fulfilling the dreams of both the original Oglala chieftain pipe bag bearer and Dr. Brown.

The author introduces the main elements of the story simply. They are Tammy, the Healing, the People, the Pipe Bag, and the Dance. Each element is key, but it is their interplay, the dance of words, visions, and songs that emblazons the heart of the book. Greengrass Pipe Dancers is voiced from the essence of sacred enlightenment, which includes death, pain, and deep celebration of life. Partly because of its simple, unassuming style, Greengrass Pipe Dancers may be read as a sort of personal journal of seeking spiritual enlightenment. The subtext is clear and undeniable, a brilliant witnessing of light and healing.

Nancy Lorraine, Reviewer

"Greengrass Pipe Dancers" starts out with an intriguing story of how the author came to be the caretaker of Crazy Horse's pipe bag, and continues with a powerful story of Lionel Little Eagle's journey to return the pipe bag and to seek spiritual guidance dealing with his wife's cancer. The reader will join Little Eagle in Native American ceremonies both fascinating and uplifting. A sense of family and belonging in a community is strong throughout this book. Many emotions surface as Little Eagle searches for the next caretakers of the holy pipe bag while separating the pain of losing his wife from the realization that she also is to return to her spiritual beginning, just as the pipe bag must. Ultimately, the wonderful cycle of life vividly described here leaves you wishing Little Eagle will write again soon.

This book tells a WONDERFUL story of a white medical doctor caring for an indian child with pneumonia. When the child began his recovery; the boy's father tried to pay the doctor, and Dr. Brown refused payment because of the way the indians had been cheated and mistreated by the government that made treaties and habitually broke them, and white settlers.

The boy's father was stunned by the doctors kindness, and insisted on giving him a pipe bag with bead and quill work. (A pipe bag is traditionaly made from leather with two segments or pockets if you prefer. Traditionaly; the pipe bowl, and stem are kept separate, and are only put together when you pray with the pipe.). This book tells the story of this pipe bag (allegedly belonging to Crazy Horse), and the story of the three people that cared for this pipe bag before returning it the Sioux.

This book also tells the story of Lionel Little Eagle (the third keeper of the pipe bag), and his beloved wife "Tammy" that was dying of cancer.

This book takes you on a roller coaster of emotions. In some places you will laugh hystericaly (as in 'Hey You' on page 37, 'Old Coyote's encounter with the kitchen boss' on page 46 and others. In other places prepare to find tears welling up in your eyes where Mr. Little Eagle relates the story of his wife's passing. and teaching "Trapper" (the son of Mr. Little Eagle, and Tammy" why they use the pipe (like making a telephone call to God), and Trapper picks up the pipe and puts it to his ear like a phone and wants to talk to his mom.

There are many nice illustrations.

On pages 59-62; Mr. Little Eagle relates one of the best versions I have seen of the White Buffalo Woman legend that I have seen.

In my humble opinion; if this book does not reach you; you do not have an open mind and heart.

However; with the platitudes mentioned above; I am disappointed with some portions of this book.

1. On page 47-48 Mr. Little Eagle relates the words of an elder that states in olden times the pipe was much larger about the size of a child's head, and his anger about non indians having the pipe. Mr. Little Eagle does not seem to share the attitudes of the elder because on page 9; he refers to himself as "a simple member of the human race" which is quite similar to mine "A human being; doing the best I can."

a. I know a gentlman that mines the sacred stone in the pipestone quarries (He sent me a photocopy of his permit to mine the stone). According to my acquaintance; it is extremely unusual to find veins of pipestone (Catlinite) more than 3 inches thick, and in order to get the sacred stone; they sometimes have to go through veins of quartzite up to 8 feet thick to reach the three inch vein.

b. Attitudes of anger and bigotry as expressed by the elder is making the problem worse not better. I want to see Nick Black Elk's vision of the flowering tree, and people living together in peace and harmony come to pass. People (indian or not, elder or not that have anger and hatred for non indians carrying the pipe in a sacred manner is causing disharmony. Evelyn Eaton the author of "I Send A Voice" relates her encounter with Native American anger and bigotry that was directed toward her because she carried a pipe. I have received many vitriolic comments from alleged indians after reading some of my reviews.

2. On page 142; Mr. Little Eagle tells of his meeting Wallace Black Elk the "grandson" of Sioux Holy Man Nick Black Elk. Wallace Black Elk is NOT the grandson of Nick Black Elk. I have VERY much respect for wicasa wakan (holy man) Nick Black Elk. I have NO respect for this new age flim flam man that inflates his ancestry to make himself look better. I know a man that was named by Ben Black Elk (the son of Nick Black Elk), and I know the real family of Nick Black Elk have been confronting this myth for years. Nick, and Wallace are not even member of the same Sioux sub tribe. Ben Black Elk acted as the interpreter for the two authors (Joseph Epes Brown "The Sacred Pipe", and John G. Neihart "Black Elk Speaks" because his father spoke almost no english, and the authors did not speak the Sioux language.

3. on page 209 another bigoted elder states "The people who blindly and deliberately scar and hurt Mother Earth. who line our sacred Black Hills with black pavement. They are the enemy! That is where our fight lies. (Isn't this inciting people to riot and commit violence? In my humble opinion; the BEST way to reach harmony is to put the past behind us, and go forward into the future; there all races teach one another, and explain why things are considered sacred, and what it means to use a pipe in a sacred manner. We can only do this if we open our hearts and minds, and allow the past injustices to remain in the past. I walk the red road because this path answers my spiritual questions and works for me.

Other than these problems; the book conveys a wonderful story, and shares some Native American Philosophy.

Wah doh Ogedoda (We give thanks Great Spirit)

Every once and awhile a reader is forturnate to come by a book that might seem uninteresting but upon reading it finds it to be one of the best books ever. Such is HOLDING STONE HANDS which I bought several years back from University of Nebraska as one of their sale books. Turned out to have been one of the wiser buys of my time.

One of the very first things that struck me as I began this book was the flat out courage it would take to do what the author has done. Leave home, leave safety, walk upwards of 1500 miles, live, eat, and sleep out of doors much of the time. Another thing that quickly came to me was the interest people, mostly Cheyenne, still held for this historical happening. And they wanted to aid the author in his quest.

I have read some on this subject but things such as the Northern Cheyenne life coming to an abrupt end in December, 1876, was a surprise. Also that Lone Wolf's name was not that but 'Lone Coyote', or that Dull Knife's name was not that but 'Morning Star'. Also that both of these heroic and historic personages of the Northern Cheyenne, each in his own way, ended life mostly an outcast. Remembered today, yes, but only in a tempered way. Many still find fault with some decisions Dull Knife made. And with Lone Wolf murdering a fellow tribesman, his later life of blindness and isolation had to be very unrewarding.

No matter the reason for reading this wonderful book, a reader has struck a true classic of western history. And the main thrust of the book goes beyond history to be one of mission and people. Great reading as usual from University of Nebraska Press.

Semper Fi.

As my title states, this is a very powerful book. Mr. Boye walked the trail that the Cheyennes travelled in their tragic journey to get back home (from Oklahoma to Montana). Along the way the author meets up with two Cheyenne men who travel with him for the better part of the journey. When they leave he meets a mid-20s Japanese man who travels with him for a while. Why is this Japanese man touring the American West? Read the book to find out. Despite my praise for this book, my rating is a 4.5 out of 5. Why? I will give two examples (not that there are many more):
1 - On p. 225 he states that hundreds of Indians were killed at the Battle of the Blue Water (the number was about 86 and his own source--Utley, Frontiersmen in Blue--states 85).
2 - Following Little Wolf's capture his followers shortly after became scouts for General Miles to fight the Sioux. Boye only mentions his surrender. He should have gone on to include this important detail.

Having said that, the book is still a very good read and I really enjoyed his journey and his dramatic retelling of the Cheyennes' escape from Fort Robinson. I would like to know more about the film made by some Cheyenne's as mentioned in the book. Final verdict: Recommended.

I'm not much for history as it is taught in our schools, but this book is great. It is a perfect blend of history, present day (in the form of the author's trip), and thoughts and stories from the author's personal life.

I recommend this tome to anyone that likes travel stories. Especially if you dont know, or want to know more about, the Cheyenne Exodus. Expensive, but worth the money.

This is a story of heartache and strength, of hope and struggle...it is the story of a man's love of the land and a people's fight to keep their homeland. Boye is a gifted and talented writer whose words flow as he leads us from page to page, back into the past and then gently into the present. He is a writer that truly cares about his story and the people that inhabit it. He opens his heart and the words come tumbling out. A wonderful MUST READ for all nature lovers and history buffs.

This is a magical walk through a dark time in American History...Alan's own experiences are so materfully intertwined with history on this voyage, the past truly comes alive as you feel every step and face every fear. With each step, with every encounter along the way, you can feel the ghosts of the Cheyenne people walking in your own shadow. Make no mistake, HOLDING STONE HANDS is a Masterpiece...you'll feel the pain of endless walking, the anger for what the Cheyenne people were forced to endure, and the sorrow for the pointless death as they tried to make their way to the only land they would ever call home.

I am a former fifth grade instructor, a National Board Certified Teacher, and a college professor in Teacher Preparation. I highly recommend the Grandmother Stories series to elementary and early childhood instructors and parents who are homeschooling their children. The books have appropriate vocabulary and tell stories that explain nature in a creative manner. I learned several things I did not know about nature and its interactions from these books. Children love to have the books read to them and to read them to themselves. Duvall and Jacobs are a wonderful creative force as they merge their talents to produce books that will be enjoyed for generations to come.

This review by Melanie Tait appeared in the Spring, 2005 issue of the Journal of the Association for Childhood Education International: This is a delightful retelling of a Cherokee legend explaining how the rabbit lost his long, luxurious tail and how the otter learned to love swimming. It also teaches valuable lessons about pride, deceit and justice. The story is told in language simple enough for young independent readers, but would make an entertaining read aloud as well. The beautifully detailed black-and-white illustrations capture the essence of the story and set the scene for the traditional tale. Even the cover background and endpapers are intriguing. This book would be of particular interest to young people learning about or celebrating Native American cultures. Ages 6-12.

Stories abound in the Native culture about how the rabbit lost its tail, but few are so elegantly presented as this one. The dialogue and the story line keep a child's interest piqued, page after page, and the illustrations are a feast for the eyes. And of course, there is a happy ending for Ji-Stu the Rabbit. Now he can run through the woods much faster "without that troublesome tail!"

Deborah Duvall and Murv Jacob have brought the old Cherokee animal tales back to life with their How Rabbit Lost His Tail and their other titles in this series from the University of New Mexico Press. The old tales, recorded previously in mostly pedantic prose for dusty scholars to peruse, have been rewritten by Duvall in lively and very readable English for young readers and old alike, and they are lavishly illustrated by Jacob. The tales involve Ji-Stu, Rabbit, the Cherokee Trickster, who embodies all the characteristics of man: pride, arrogance, greed, deceit ("The path to the dance grounds followed the river that ran through the Cherokee lands. In some places where the river curved, the water formed deep pools that reflected the river bank above. Each time he passed such a pool, Ji-Stu stopped just long enough to look at his reflection, for he was very proud.") He even occasionally shows courage.
You can't go wrong in picking up How Rabbit Lost His Tail or any of the other beautifully illustrated books in this series, for you will enjoy them, your children will marvel at them, and you may even learn something about Cherokee culture or about human behavior from reading them. (...)

The Grandmother Stories are eloquent, beautifully illustrated tales that recapture the imagination of Native America. Debbie Duvall and Murv Jacob have done a brilliant job of revisiting the mythic world of Rabbit, Bear and Otter, and introducing them to a contemporary audience. These characters are timeless, as are their stories, and readers of all ages will delight in their antics and unique insights. - Teresa Miller, Center for Writers and Poets, OSU Tulsa

It is a great book to read, it teaches on how you can be strong and brave, it is definently a great book to read to your child,
or your brother and sister.

I first saw this book in my classroom library. I looked at the cover and the girl on it looks exactly like me! Then I started to read it and the girls name is the same as me! I showed it to everyone and they were all shocked! I need to know where the author got the picture. If anyone knows please post it in a review. I read the book because of the cover and I loved the book. It was very adventurous and I thought it was a real page turner.

This book is not only a great story for kids, but adults love it too. I gave it to some friends who also thought it was a good adventure and we are all waiting for the sequel! It's good to see a girl character having interesting adventures, exploring other cultures and making a difference in the world.

It is a very good book. I Am the Ice Worm is a very well written book. We think that this should win awards. This is a real survivors' story. We hope that a sequel is written to this book.

My whole family enjoyed this book - parents and children alike. The story is one of adventure and growth, woven with imagery and character development to create a memorable and thought-provoking story of substance.

Many books have 10-20% useful information, padded with verbiage. This is a heart-touching book worth reading repeatedly- with 100% useful material, really more like 150%, because it is so good that as I grow, I go back and reread it. It is easy to read, and very profound. I got a B.A. in Anthropology, and all of my useful notes together do not equal what is in this book. This book, and Tad James' first book on Huna, are all I sought getting my BA, and didn't get. We don't know what healthy community is; we know only the pathology of the average. This describes the elements of healthy human living, of a healthy community. I paid to donate this book to 3 University libraries, so that other people, seeking as I was seeking, could find this. I didn't know this kind of high level awareness could be put in print. For my interests, I've never found a book even close to being as good as this one is.

It is somewhat difficult to enter the indigenous world of immediate experience and intuitive awareness from Western culture. Teaching it is even more difficult. Putting this transition in words, so people can read about it is even more difficult. Yet he does it. This book is the best book of its type, of the over 500 I have read. It is a book I go back to as I grow, because I find new ideas when I reread it, and this is not true of many books for me. If you have an interest in indigenous cultures- even European- and in expanding awareness, or in learning how shamanic indigenous cultures lived, this is a book well worth getting. I have personally given 10 copies away to relatives and friends. This is a treasure trove, a smorgasbord of useful ideas. Dover will, in my opinion, reprint this book, in another 30 years, because it is such a classic.

This book is really neat. I learn something new every time I read it, it's like it's layered, with something for every level. I will keep my copy of it as long as I live. In many other books, one finds cool tidbits, here and there. This guy gathered a lot of cool tidbits and put them in one place, with like almost no waste.

Western society is more and more fragmented. Indigenous cultures, before contact, weren't. This book is clearly written from the perspective of someone who has spent a lot of time among indigenous peoples. Really good books are such that you can read them several times, and get new insights each time. This book is like that, and I re-read it once a year, to get new insights. It has a lot of the heart of indigenous cultures. The heart of the problem is usually a problem of the heart, and this book is very useful for getting to the heart of issues. As a community organizer, student of minimal equipment wilderness survival, and even just human being trying to improve, I have used this book a lot. I have given at least 7 copies of this book to friends. I wish there were more books like this in print. It is really, really good. This is easily among the best 10 books I've read in my life.

This book not only gives a person a fresh perspective, it goes into detail HOW to begin anew - how to re-learn and re-live a common path and lifeway we all once walked. This is not a "dyed-in-the-wool" self help or new age book. The book shelves are lined with them. Anyone asking questions, and then questioning the resultant answers about their most basic belief systems will most likely renew their spiritual enthusiasm after reading this book. If you're a Seeker by nature, a questioner, this book will rejuvinate you. If you're living a lifestyle in the mainstream, and comfortable with what you know (or think you know), this book may challenge much of what you've been taught since you were a child. Especially re-assuring is the basis for the commonality we all share. Debunks the precept that Native Culture "primitivity" is inferior to the modern, civilized way of living. Outdoor enthusiasts will be challenged to view the world they love so much in a new light of Stewardship and Appreciation.