Myths and Legends of the Pacific Northwest selected by Katharine Berry Judson
Each month, as the full moon rose in the sky, Eagle Walking Turtle's grandfather told a tale about Grandmother Earth and her animals. Coming in from play, the children would eat and help clean up, then settle in to listen to Grandpa Iron's tale about an animal loved and respected by the Apache people. Eagle Walking Turtle introduces each tale by describing what he and his sister, Betty, were doing: playing outside in the snow, running around the powwow grounds, attending an honor dance for the men who had served in the armed forces. The short stories are easily understood and evoke a cozy, secure world in which children receive the teachings of the elders. Information about the Apache way of life, both historical and contemporary, is unobtrusively integrated into each tale, and the colorful illustrations provide a unique view of each featured animal. A wonderful collection to share with children throughout the year, though some may want to read straight through to learn about the family and the culture. - - Karen Hutt