Eighteen traditional tales of the Wabanaki tribe from the eastern woodland include “Glooscap, the Great Chief,” “The Year Summer Was Stolen, ” and “Tomik and the Magic Mat.”
Folklore and Fairy Tales
Skeleton Woman
A fisherman accidentally hooks the skeleton of Annuk, a young Aleutian girl who had drowned, on his line, and the fisherman’s compassion for the girl brings her magically back to life, in an Aleutian folktale about the power of love and compassion.
The Fire Stealer
This is the story of Nanabozho and how he brought fire to the Indians. Nanabozho transformed himself into a rabbit, tricked his way into a warrior’s wigwam and stole a torch of fire enabling his people to warm themselves in winter and cook their food. So that he would always be remembered for what he had done, Nananbozho worked his magic on the trees and every fall we still see the flaming colors of fire in their leaves.
Glooscap And His Magic
Short children’s stories about Glooscap, a mythical Wabanaki hero. In each of the short stories, Glooscap conducts some form of intervention. Often this occurs while in disguise so that the moral or ethical character of his ‘subject’ can be determined and either rewarded or punished.
How Glooskap Outwits The Ice Giants: And Other Tales Of The Maritime Indians
Six tales featuring the mythical giant who roamed the coast to New England and Canada, created the Indian peoples to keep him company, and fought battles to protect them ever after.
The Loon’s Necklace
According to Canadian Indian legend, when an old man’s sight was restored by a Loon he gave the bird his precious shell necklace as a reward. That is why the loon has a white collar and speckles on its back. Elizabeth Cleaver’s rich and beautiful style of picture-making gives new visual excitement to the splendors of the British Columbia landscape, and to the magic of this Indian legend.
The Enchanted Caribou
Three brave young hunters befriend a maiden who is then changed into a white caribou. Includes instructions for performing the story as a shadow play.
Berry Woman’s Children
According to Eskimo myth, Berry Woman was asked by Raven to look after the animals and birds. Superb woodcuts illustrate the Eskimo legends that Grandmother tells to her rapt audience, four children clinging to her “on the bedplace.”
How Summer Came To Canada
When the giant Winter came down from the North to live in eastern Canada the land became frozen and white. Glooskap, mythical lord and creator of the Micmac Indians, saves his people from endless cold when he brings a beautiful Queen to his country. Her name is Summer and she persuades Winter to relax his icy grip every Spring while she awakens the land from its deep sleep and bestows life on everything that grows.
Anansi the Spider: A Tale From the Ashanti (An Owlet Book)
Anansi the Spider is one of the great folk heroes of the world. He is a rogue, a mischief-maker, and a wise, lovable creature who triumphs over larger foes. In this traditional Ashanti tale, Anansi sets out on a long, difficult journey. Threatened by Fish and Falcon, he is saved from terrible fates by his sons. But which of his sons should Anansi reward? Calling upon Nyame, the God of All Things, Anansi solves his predicament in a touching and highly resourceful fashion. In adapting this popular folktale, Gerald McDermott merges the old with the new, combining bold, rich color with traditional African design motifs and authentic Ashanti language rhythms.