The Hunter's Promise: An Abenaki Tale, as retold by Joseph Bruchac

Bruchac, Joseph. The Hunter’s Promise: An Abenaki Tale. Illustrated by Bill Farnsworth. Bloomington, Indiana: Wisdom Tales, 2015. ISBN 978-1-937786-43-4

Plot

“Long ago, in the forests of the northeast,” a young Abenaki man, spending his winter alone in the forest hunting, wishes for someone to share his life with. Shortly after making this wish, a young woman appears and begins caring for things around camp. When the hunter prepares to return to his village that spring, he promises that he will remember her. The hunter keeps his promise and returns to his camp the next fall, where he finds the woman and a young boy, his son, waiting for him. The following spring, the same promise is exchanged. But in the village that summer, the chief’s daughter decides she wants to marry the hunter, so her poohegan (spirit helper) clouds his memory. When the hunter and the chief’s daughter return to his camp that fall, the hunter sees his true wife and their sons waiting for him. He realizes the chief’s daughter has tricked him. His wife and two sons transform into moose and leave to travel deeper into the forest, the hunter deciding to join them.

Analysis

An author’s note at the beginning of the text gives readers a deeper look into the history and tradition of this tale, and words in the Abenaki language, such as sagamon (“chief”) and iawak mozak (“four moose”), are scattered throughout the book. Themes of trust, loyalty, and respect, both between family members and between humans and nature, are woven throughout this skillful retelling. The hunter demonstrated these qualities when he initially kept his promise to remember his wife, and again when he recognized the trickery of the chief’s daughter and left his human life behind to join his moose family at the end of the tale. Elements of mystery and magic, from the appearance of the young woman and the rapid growth of the hunter’s sons to the hunter’s magically clouded memory and ultimate transformation into a moose, give this tale the dreamy quality found in many traditional folk and fairy tales. The illustrations emphasize this quality with soft, often indistinct, oil paintings, while still clearly reflecting the heritage of this particular tale. Depictions of the hunter’s lodge and drying racks, canoe, and village will give unfamiliar readers a small glimpse into the historical lives of the Abenaki people. The illustrations also help mark the passage of time, with white, gray, and icy blue tones used for winter scenes, vibrant greens and blues used for summer, and warm reds and oranges used for fall.

Awards and Recognitions

The Hunter’s Promise has received much praise and recognition since its publication in 2015.

“The loyalty and thanks we owe our family and nature are embedded in this Native American cautionary tale. […] This fine fable brings a traditional indigenous story to a contemporary audience.”—Aimee Jodoin, Foreword Reviews

“The narrative itself is elliptical, offering literal readers a story of loyalty but founding it on a subtle exploration of the spirit world and its relation to ours. Bruchac and Farnsworth honor the Indians of the Northeast, the written versions of the tale, and the elders and Wabanaki tellers who keep this story alive.”—Kirkus Reviews

“Farnsworth’s handsome paintings depict a lush, light-infused wilderness, putting as much emphasis on the pristine setting as on the characters. The satisfying yet melancholy ending leaves a haunting impression.”—Publishers Weekly

Connections

The author’s note at the beginning of the book identifies other written retellings of this tale. In addition to reading these alternate retellings, consider reading some other retellings of Native American folklore, such as:

• Rabbit’s Snow Dance, retold by Joseph and James Bruchac and illustrated by Jeff Newman
• How Chipmunk Got His Stripes; Raccoon’s Last Race; and Turtle’s Race with Beaver, retold by Joseph and James Bruchac and illustrated by Jose Aruego and Ariane Dewey
• Tasunka: A Lakota Horse Legend, retold and illustrated by Donald F. Montileaux
• When Turtles Grew Feathers, retold by Tim Tingle and illustrated by Stacey Schuett
• The Owl and the Two Rabbits, retold by Nadia Sammurtok and illustrated by Marcus Cutler

Although The Hunter’s Promise gives readers a glimpse into the “long ago” lives of the Abenaki people, it does not give a complete picture. This book could serve as a jumping off point to learn more about Abenaki and other indigenous nations, both from a historical and a modern standpoint. The series Keepers of the Earth: Native American Stories and Environmental Activities for Children by Michael J. Caduto and Joseph Bruchac is one way to combine a love of stories and learning. Children may also enjoy acting out traditional Native stories with the help of Pushing up the Sky: Seven Native American Plays for Children by Joseph Bruchac and illustrated by Teresa Flavin.

*This review was written for a youth literature class through Texas Woman’s University.

Simms Taback's "Joseph Had a Little Overcoat"

 

Taback, Simms. Joseph Had a Little Overcoat. New York: Viking, 1999. ISBN 0-670-87855-3

Plot

A man named Joseph demonstrates resourcefulness and creativity when he takes his worn-out overcoat and turns it into something new. Each time his newly transformed item of clothing gets older and more worn-out, he is able to adapt it and keep using it, such as into the vest he wore to his nephew’s wedding. At the end of the tale, Joseph shows us that even when nothing is left, we can still create something.

Analysis

This story is based on a traditional Yiddish folk song and set in a small village in Poland, as identified by a letter with an envelope addressed to Joseph in one of the illustrations. The tale has a strong moral with themes of resourcefulness and waste not, want not running throughout. Taback’s retelling maintains the integrity of the song. His ending, showing Joseph creating this book and demonstrating "you can always make something out of nothing," adds a satisfying resolution. Although there is no rhyme scheme or strong rhythm, the repetition of key phrases (e.g. “it got old and worn”) and other elements makes this a fun tale to read aloud. The mixed media illustrations of watercolor, gouache, pencil, ink, and collage demonstrate the same resourcefulness and creativity that Joseph himself shows and give the images a patchwork feel that mimics Joseph’s old and worn overcoat. Die-cut pages expertly show the transformation of each clothing item.

Adults will appreciate the intricate details and clever references to other well-known Jewish stories and authors, such as an illustration of a man playing a fiddle on the roof of a house and a book on a desk by I. L. Peretz. Other cultural markers are apparent, from head coverings and hairstyles to letters and newspaper articles written in Hebrew. Children unfamiliar with the story or folk song will enjoy the element of surprise as each item of clothing is creatively transformed, and all will enjoy the fun characters and artful telling of the story.

Awards and Recognitions

Joseph Had a Little Overcoat was awarded the Caldecott Medal in 2000. It has appeared on multiple recommended reading and best book lists, and has also received several positive reviews.

“With its effective repetition and an abundance of visual humor, this is tailor-made for reading aloud.”—Publishers Weekly

“This newly illustrated version of a book Taback first published in 1977 is a true example of accomplished bookmaking—from the typography and the endpapers to the bar code, set in what appears to be a patch of fabric. Taback's mixed-media and collage illustrations are alive with warmth, humor, and humanity.”—Tim Arnold, Booklist

“The fun beat, the jolly Joseph, the positive message... this book is a treat! […]Taback has managed to write a feel good story about something as "not fun" as reusing old stuff. Now that's a sign of a real talent!”—The Best Children’s Books

Connections

Music and lyrics of “I had a Little Overcoat,” the song that inspired this tale, are included in the back of the book. Enjoy a sing-along to the song (as produced by Weston Woods), and listen to the song in the original Yiddish: Hob Ich Mir a Mantl.

This tale is all about reinventing something that is old and worn. This can be a great craft inspiration. Have children take an old, worn-out item of clothing and turn it into something new. Encourage children to come up with their own idea, but here are some ideas to get started:

• Made from an old sweater or shirt: A scarf or handkerchief (as seen in the book!), a tote bag, or a braided/twisted headband or bracelet
• Made from an old pair of jeans: A pair of cutoff shorts, a bag or pouch (use the pockets!), coasters, or pot holders
• Made from old, mismatched socks: A dog toy, a puppet, a pin cushion, or bean bags

Try reading these other award-winning books that introduce Jewish folktales:

• It Could Always be Worse, retold and illustrated by Margot Zemach
• Golem, retold and illustrated by David Wisniewski
• The Treasure, retold and illustrated by Uri Shulevitz
• Zlateh the Goat and Other Stories, by Isaac Bashevis Singer and illustrated by Maurice Sendak

Consider reading additional sing-along books and books based on songs, such as:

• The Wheels on the Tuk Tuk by Kabir Sehgal & Surishtha Sehgal, illustrated by Jess Golden
• Over in the Meadow, illustrated by Ezra Jack Keats
• Singing in the Rain, based on the song by Arthur Freed and Nacio Herb Brown, illustrated by Tim Hopgood
• Barefoot Books singalongs, such as Knick Knack Paddy Whack, illustrated by Christiane Engel and sung by SteveSongs
• Raffi Songs to Read, such as Down by the Bay, illustrated by Nadine Bernard Westcott

*This review was written for a youth literature class through Texas Woman’s University.

The Three Ninja Pigs, as told by Corey Rosen Schwartz

 

Schwartz, Corey Rosen. The Three Ninja Pigs. Illustrated by Dan Santat. New York: G. P. Putnam’s Sons, 2012. ISBN 978-0-399-25514-4

Plot

“Once upon a dangerous time,” a bully of a wolf is blowing down the houses of other creatures around town. Three pigs decide to stop him—by enrolling in ninja school and learning martial arts. The first pig quickly dropped out of the school, and the second pig stopped not long after, but the third pig completed her training. When the wolf came around to the first pig’s house, the first pig realized his skills weren’t enough, so he ran to his brother’s house. His brother, the second pig, was also unable to stop the wolf, so they ran to their sister’s house. Their sister, the third pig, was able to stop the wolf and inspire her brothers to finish their martial arts training.

Analysis

This fractured fairy tale is a fun retelling of the three little pigs. The tale is set in Japan, as evidenced by illustrations of Mt. Fuji and elements of Japanese art and architecture. However, it is important to note that this is not a Japanese version of the tale, but that it is inspired by Japanese martial arts. The plot maintains the general format and theme of the traditional tale, but with a twist. Rather than wisdom, diligence, and hard work represented by materials and time spent building a house, these traits are represented by the time spent training in each pigs’ chosen martial arts. A nod to the traditional telling is seen in the artwork—the first pig lives in a house of straw, the second in a house of bamboo, and the third in a modern brick house. The fun, bright illustrations also incorporate elements of a comic book. Action scenes are divided into panels and some text is captured in speech bubbles. The text has a strong rhyme scheme and rhythm throughout. Though certain memorable phrases are used (such as “huff and puff” and “by the hair of my chinny-chin-chin”), they are not repeated throughout.

This retelling has additional themes based on modern values—the third pig, who saves the day due to her skill in karate, is a girl. She does not have to physically injure or kill the wolf to defeat him. Rather, she displays her skills to scare the wolf off. Her brothers realize the error of their ways and decide to finish their training, and then the siblings open their own dojo. This fresh version of a classic story will appeal to children of all ages with an interest in martial arts.

Awards and Recognitions

The Three Ninja Pigs has not received any awards, but it has received numerous positive reviews.

“A fractured fairy tale to outcharm the original, “The Three Ninja Pigs” manages to one-up the well-worn story by setting it in Japan, sprinkling it with the language and discipline of martial arts. All in hilarious, impeccable rhyme.”—The New York Times Book Review

“Anyone who knows the original story will be well aware of what comes next, but this standout version has so much motion, action, and laughs, kids will feel like they’re hearing it for the first time. […] Executed in Sumi brushwork on rice paper (and completed in Adobe Photoshop), the pictures have a three-dimensional feel that’s great when kicks and chops are being executed.”—Ilene Cooper, Booklist

“Schwartz’s sophomore outing is a standout among fractured fairy tales, masterfully combining rollicking limerick verse with a solid story, neither a slave to the other.”—Kirkus Reviews

Connections

This story would be enjoyable on its own, but children who are familiar with the “three pigs” story will get the most out of the parody. Consider reading a more traditional retelling of The Three Pigs, such as:

• The Three Little Pigs, retold and illustrated by Bernadette Watts
• The Three Little Pigs, retold and illustrated by Paul Galdone
• The Three Little Pigs, retold and illustrated by Margot Zemach
• The Three Little Pigs, retold and illustrated by Barry Moser

Also consider reading other creative versions and fractured tales, such as:

• Three Little Cajun Pigs, by Mike Artell and illustrated by Jim Harris
• The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig, by Eugene Trivizas and illustrated by Helen Oxenbury
• The Three Little Pigs and the Somewhat Bad Wolf, written and illustrated by Mark Teague
• The Three Little Javelinas, by Susan Lowell and illustrated by Jim Harris
• The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs, by Jon Scieszka and illustrated by Lane Smith

Children may enjoy telling, or writing and illustrating, their own version of the “three pigs” story. Schwartz’s version of the tale would also make a fun skit or dramatic reading, as in Readers Theater.

*This review was written for a youth literature class through Texas Woman’s University.