Earth Magic, Sky Magic: North American Indian Tales
on Goodreads (11)
What’s inside...
For this collection of folk tales, Rosalind Kerven has chosen traditional stories from twelve different North American Indian peoples, centered around themes of celestial bodies, fantastical journeys, and cultural heroes like Spider Woman and Coyote. Her retellings capture the mystical essence of the original tales and highlight the Native Americans' deep connection with nature. An informative introduction provides insight into the traditional role of storytelling and the cultural history of North American Indians.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-11
Length
79 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think is the most important lesson from one of the tales in this book?
How do you think the characters felt during their adventures?
Which story was your favorite and why?
How do the stories in this book show respect for nature?
If you could meet one of the characters, who would it be and what would you ask them?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the settings of the tales, asking them how they would feel and react in similar situations. Highlight the cultural significance and the moral of each story, discussing how these lessons can apply to their own life. Use descriptive imagery from the book to help your child visualize the scenes and characters. After reading, ask your child to draw their favorite scene or character, then discuss their artwork together. Celebrate the rich cultural heritage the book represents, perhaps exploring more about North American Indian culture together online or in other books.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature
Explanation: The tales in 'Earth Magic, Sky Magic' often center around the theme of respecting and living harmoniously with nature, showcasing how various creatures and elements play a pivotal role in the world.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and care for the environment around them, understanding the importance of preserving natural resources and wildlife.
Example Lesson: Importance of Courage and Bravery
Explanation: Characters in the stories frequently face challenges and adversities that require bravery to overcome, demonstrating the value of courage in difficult times.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to face their own challenges with courage, whether it's trying something new or standing up for what's right.
Example Lesson: Value of Wisdom and Knowledge
Explanation: Elders and wise characters often provide guidance to younger characters, highlighting how wisdom and knowledge are respected and crucial for making informed decisions.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to seek knowledge and listen to the guidance of those more experienced, which can help them make better decisions in life.
Example Lesson: The Strength in Cooperation and Unity
Explanation: Many tales depict characters working together to solve problems or defeat adversaries, underscoring the importance of teamwork and collective effort.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of collaborating with others and valuing different perspectives to achieve common goals.
Example Lesson: Consequences of Actions
Explanation: Several stories feature characters facing the outcomes of their choices, whether good or bad, teaching the principle of cause and effect.
Real-World Application: Children learn to think about the potential outcomes of their actions and understand the responsibility that comes with decision-making.