All the Stars in the Sky: Native Stories from the Heavens
on Goodreads (26)
What’s inside...
The heavens — the sun, the stars, and the moon — have inspired, intrigued, and mystified us from the beginning of time. Mohawk artist and author C. J. Taylor presents a collection of stories inspired by these celestial bodies, drawn from First Nations legends across North America. The legends, including those from Salish, Onondaga, Blackfoot, Netsilik (Inuit), Wasco, Ojibwa, and Cherokee cultures, explore themes that are funny, beautiful, tragic, and frightening, each infused with a sense of awe. Stories range from the Ojibwa tale of White Hawk, a great hunter in love with an unattainable maiden, to the Salish story of a magical lake threatened by human greed, and the Cherokee legend of Grandmother Spider who brought light to the world. Enhanced by Taylor's beautiful paintings, this collection offers a rich exploration of indigenous cultural stories and their deep connections to the natural world.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
29 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the stars represent in the stories?
How do the characters in the book feel about the stars and the sky?
Which story was your favorite and why?
How do the stories in the book show the importance of nature and the heavens?
Can you think of a story where we could use the stars in a different way?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about each story by asking them to describe their favorite parts.
Discuss the cultural significance of the stars and skies in different cultures, as presented in the book, to broaden their understanding.
Connect the stories to real-life stargazing experiences, possibly planning a family night under the stars to bring the stories to life.
Ask your child to create their own star story, using their imagination to explore themes of nature and the universe.
Use the illustrations in the book as a starting point to discuss the artistic interpretation of each story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Respect for cultural heritage
Explanation: The book uses Native stories to explore the significance of the stars in various indigenous cultures, demonstrating the importance of respecting and preserving cultural narratives.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and value diverse cultural backgrounds, promoting inclusivity and respect in their interactions with others.
Example Lesson: Understanding natural phenomena
Explanation: Through captivating folklore, the book illustrates how ancient cultures used storytelling to explain natural occurrences in the sky, like constellations and celestial events.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be curious about the natural world and seek scientific explanations behind observable phenomena.
Example Lesson: The power of storytelling
Explanation: Native stories in the book highlight how stories can be used to pass knowledge and wisdom from one generation to another, showcasing storytelling as a vital educational tool.
Real-World Application: Children can develop their own storytelling skills, which aids in enhancing their communication abilities and creative thinking.
Example Lesson: Moral values
Explanation: The tales in the book often conclude with moral lessons about bravery, honesty, and perseverance, ingrained within the narratives.
Real-World Application: These stories help children understand the importance of good values and encourage them to embody these virtues in their daily activities.
Example Lesson: Connection to nature
Explanation: The stories depict a deep bond between humans and the cosmos, emphasizing respect for nature and the environment.
Real-World Application: This can foster a sense of environmental responsibility in children, encouraging them to engage in activities that protect and preserve nature.