The Hunter's Promise: An Abenaki Tale by Joseph Bruchac & illustrated by Bill Farnsworth [Review & Giveaway]

About the book: "Promise to remember me!" was all the beautiful woman had ever said to the hunter. She had appeared from nowhere one day, when he had been lonely during the long winter hunting trip. Isolated in the vast wilderness of the northeast, he would only return to his village in the spring. Except that this year he would not be alone, because she had appeared.

The hunter had quickly fallen in love with the mysterious woman, and together they had become their own little family. But when spring arrived and it was time to return to the village, she disappeared just as suddenly as she had arrived. Would he ever see his love again? The hunter didn't know, but he was sure he would keep his promise and never forget her. That is, until one day the chief's daughter cast a spell on him!

World-renowned storyteller Joseph Bruchac retells this traditional story of love, loyalty, trust, and magic, which can be found in various forms among many of the indigenous nations of the northeast, both Iroquoian and Algonquin. Join him and award-winning illustrator Bill Farnsworth, as they recount this ancient and unique Abenaki tale of keeping a promise to one's family and of the proper relationship of humans to the natural world.

My thoughts:  This is a beautifully illustrated book that brings a retelling of a gripping folk story from the Abenaki Indians to children giving them a glimpse into what Indian life was like hundreds of years ago. The story incorporates real life and fantasy along with a touch of spiritualism.

I found it interesting with an easy flowing text. The beautiful illustrations artistically depict the seasons as a fine painting. The jealousy of the chief's daughter and trickery to have the hunter marry her is life changing. The chief's daughter used of a bird-spirit to wipe the memory of the hunter. Later the deception was revealed and the hunter proved loyal to his first promise.

I think this is an excellent introduction for children into the beliefs, cultures, and lives of Indians and into folktales of indigenous people; and it is an authentic retelling by Joseph Bruchac whose heritage is Abenaki. It is also a wonderful introduction for children to explore the fine art of Bill Farnsworth.

GIVEAWAY

Begins July 26

ENDS August 10 @ 12:01 a.m EDT

Open to USA addresses only

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DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own, I was not compensated for this review. Find the book - click here

Indian Boyhood: The True Story of a Sioux Upbringing by Charles Alexander Eastman (1858-1939) [Review & Giveaway]

Publisher: Wisdom Tales

ISBN-13: 978-1937786564

About the book: Indian Boyhood recalls Eastman’s earliest childhood memories. He was born in a buffalo hide tipi in western Minnesota, and raised in the traditional Dakota Sioux manner until he was fifteen years old. He was then transplanted into the “white man’s” world. Educated at Dartmouth College, he went on to become a medical doctor, renowned author, field secretary for the YMCA, and a spokesman for American Indians. Eastman was at Pine Ridge during the “Ghost Dance” rebellion of 1890-91, and he cared for the wounded Indians after the massacre at Wounded Knee. In 1910 he began his long association with the Boy Scouts of America, helping Ernest Thompson Seton establish the organization. A 2007 HBO film, entitled Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee, features American Indian actor Adam Beach as Eastman.

My thoughts:  This is a first-hand experience story written many years ago by a Sioux Indian, Ohiyesa (Charles Alexander Eastman, his white man's world name) recounting his boyhood as he was raised in the traditional Sioux Indian way. It is fascinating to learn how this child grew thoroughly immersed in the Indian world and then went on into adulthood and assimilated into the white man's world as a highly educated doctor and published author.Originally published in 1902 by Charles Eastman recounting his traditional Dakota Sioux childhood. Mr. Eastman lived 1859 to 1939 so he was intrinsically involved.

Indian Boyhood is the story of a disappearing culture even during this recounted childhood, and it is wonderful to see that today's publishers and editors see the value in a resurgence of this man's story and are adapting and publishing it for today's children to read and learn about original Americans.

While the book doesn't have much "girl appeal," it is certainly a valuable source of information for any child. Targeted for age four and up, the text flows easily and simply states in a very simple form what transpires as the boy grows until he leaves with his re-discovered father for the white man's world. 

The illustrations are very well done and capture the essence of the Indian life the story details. I like that the book opens with pictures of the author in traditional Indian clothes as well as his white man's world clothes. At the end of the book, there is a list of explanations that helps to understand the illustrations.

A very good book for simply learning about the young Indian boy's life. A must for school libraries.

GIVEAWAY

Begins 6/30

ENDS 7/20/2016 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only

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DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Wisdom Tales to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.