Spirits, Fairies, and Merpeople: Native Stories of Other Worlds
on Goodreads (34)
What’s inside...
From the heartbreaking Mi’kmaq story of Minnow, a mermaid in the Atlantic who must choose between two worlds to that of Water Lily and her five brothers, told by the Coos in British Columbia, creatures that inhabit fantastic realms appear in many First Nation stories. C. J. Taylor draws from those stories and from her own Mohawk heritage in this collection of haunting tales about some of the powerful spirits who touch the lives of human folk. The spirits of heaven and earth from the Ute help bring an understanding of the stars in the sky. The Cree story, 'Souls in the Fog,' presents the battle between the good and the evil-minded. The Ojibwa 'Fairy Village' is a unique and touching love story. Illustrated with her own powerful oil paintings, this is a collection to read and an excellent story-teller’s resource.
Age
7-9
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the spirits represent in the stories?
How do the characters in the book solve their problems? Can you think of a time when you solved a problem in a similar way?
What is your favorite magical creature from the book and why?
How do you think the stories would change if they happened in today’s world?
Which story would you like to be a part of and what role would you play?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine their own magical world, perhaps drawing elements from the stories. Ask them to describe or draw this place.
While discussing the book, relate the moral lessons to real-life situations your child might encounter, making the content more relevant and impactful.
Share your own interpretations of the stories or magical creatures and ask for your child’s opinion, fostering a two-way conversation.
Create a family storytelling night where everyone tells a short story inspired by the themes from the book, helping to deepen understanding and appreciation for storytelling.
Ask your child to pick their favorite part of the book and act it out. This helps in comprehending the story better and remembering it.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature
Explanation: The stories in 'Spirits, Fairies, and Merpeople' are rich with themes that stress the importance of respecting and preserving the natural world, which is a central belief in many Native cultures.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by engaging in activities that protect the environment, such as recycling, conserving water, or participating in local clean-up days.
Example Lesson: Cultural Appreciation
Explanation: Through enchanting tales featuring various creatures and spirits, the book introduces young readers to diverse traditions and stories from Native cultures, fostering a sense of appreciation and respect for different cultural backgrounds.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be curious and respectful about cultures different from their own, promoting inclusivity and diversity in their interactions with peers from diverse backgrounds.
Example Lesson: The Power of Storytelling
Explanation: The book highlights how stories can serve as a powerful tool for education and entertainment, preserving history and imparting important moral values.
Real-World Application: Children learn to value storytelling by sharing their own stories or those from their cultures during school presentations, family gatherings, or community events, enhancing their communication skills and emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Importance of Bravery and Courage
Explanation: Many tales in 'Spirits, Fairies, and Merpeople' feature characters who face fears or overcome challenges, teaching the importance of bravery and courage in difficult situations.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to face their own fears, whether it's trying out for a sports team, standing up to a bully, or coping with challenging life changes.
Example Lesson: Consequences of Actions
Explanation: Several stories in the book deal with the consequences of the characters' choices, conveying the importance of making thoughtful decisions.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that their choices have impacts, teaching them to think about the outcomes of their actions in school, at home, and in their communities.