Trickster: Native American Tales: A Graphic Collection

Wonderfully illustrated using a variety of graphic styles . . . even better is the editing process in which the book was created. Transcripts from Native American storytellers, who then chose their own illustrators from a pool. Many of the illustrators also are NA/AN. ( )

Like so many collections, pretty hit and miss. Some nifty art, though. ( )

Summary: This is a graphic novel that is set as a Native American Tale. It is an explanation of the stars. The animals of the night go to the "Great Mystery" and ask for more light during the night because it is not fair that the day time animals get so much light. The great mystery tells all of the creatures what to do and one animal that shows up late decides to rush to catch up with the others and messes up all the other animals had worked on. The animals then figure out that they cannot change things that have already happened but have accept things the way they are.
Personal Reaction: This was a good book that shows students the native american culture.
Classroom Extension: This book, if true to the Native American culture, would be really good to use in a history lesson. We could discuss different cultures and how they reason aspects of our surroundings.

lots of authors and artists tell Native American stories about tricksters. ( )

Reason for Reading: This was a Cybils '10 nominee and I hadn't read it by the time judging was due as it was not a contender by that time and I'm just now getting to it.

I have to admit I was not exactly excited about reading this book. Graphic anthologies have mostly been a miss for me in the past and though I love myths and legends, Native American tales are not exactly my favourite (tall tales don't do it for me either). So it was with some trepidation I read the first story which I found entirely entertaining, as I did the next, and the next, and the next, and so forth. The book contains a total of twenty-one tales and I only found one to be "ho-hum", the rest were funny and amusing with a few on the more serious side but still delightful. The book itself is a gorgeous work of art with thick, glossy quality paper and a firm binding that will last repeated readings. The artwork is wonderful. Each story is illustrated by someone different and the various art styles create a gorgeous book to wander through. The stories are suitable for all ages both in text and illustration. There is no indication of intended audience and I recommend it for all ages. Adults will certainly appreciate the stories on a higher level than children, but the book is easy reading for approximately grade five and up, with the stories being entirely acceptable to read aloud to much younger children. A fine book, I'm glad to own! Wish I hadn't taken so long to read it! m km ( )