Tuesday, July 26, 2016

The Hunter's Promise: An Abenaki Tale by Joseph Bruchac & illustrated by Bill Farnsworth [Review & Giveaway]

About the book: "Promise to remember me!" was all the beautiful woman had ever said to the hunter. She had appeared from nowhere one day, when he had been lonely during the long winter hunting trip. Isolated in the vast wilderness of the northeast, he would only return to his village in the spring. Except that this year he would not be alone, because she had appeared.

The hunter had quickly fallen in love with the mysterious woman, and together they had become their own little family. But when spring arrived and it was time to return to the village, she disappeared just as suddenly as she had arrived. Would he ever see his love again? The hunter didn't know, but he was sure he would keep his promise and never forget her. That is, until one day the chief's daughter cast a spell on him!

World-renowned storyteller Joseph Bruchac retells this traditional story of love, loyalty, trust, and magic, which can be found in various forms among many of the indigenous nations of the northeast, both Iroquoian and Algonquin. Join him and award-winning illustrator Bill Farnsworth, as they recount this ancient and unique Abenaki tale of keeping a promise to one's family and of the proper relationship of humans to the natural world.

My thoughts:  This is a beautifully illustrated book that brings a retelling of a gripping folk story from the Abenaki Indians to children giving them a glimpse into what Indian life was like hundreds of years ago. The story incorporates real life and fantasy along with a touch of spiritualism.

I found it interesting with an easy flowing text. The beautiful illustrations artistically depict the seasons as a fine painting. The jealousy of the chief's daughter and trickery to have the hunter marry her is life changing. The chief's daughter used of a bird-spirit to wipe the memory of the hunter. Later the deception was revealed and the hunter proved loyal to his first promise.

I think this is an excellent introduction for children into the beliefs, cultures, and lives of Indians and into folktales of indigenous people; and it is an authentic retelling by Joseph Bruchac whose heritage is Abenaki. It is also a wonderful introduction for children to explore the fine art of Bill Farnsworth.
GIVEAWAY
Begins July 26
ENDS August 10 @ 12:01 a.m EDT
Open to USA addresses only
DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own, I was not compensated for this review. Find the book - click here

15 comments:

  1. He is a well known author of Native books. He is influenced by his Anoeki ancestry. He received a BA from Cornell University.
    Marilyn

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  2. I would like St.Anthony's The Great and Princess Rosie's Rainbows.
    Marilyhn

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  3. Thank you so much for this wonderful review. "The Hunter's Promise" is such a beautiful book!

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  4. Joseph Bruchac is a well-known Native author and storyteller who has written more than 120 books for both children and adults.
    His poems, articles, and stories have appeared in over 500 publications, including National Geographic and Smithsonian Magazine.
    Joseph Bruchac is also a talented musician.

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  5. All Our Relatives: Traditional Native American Thoughts about Nature compiled and illustrated by: Paul Goble looks like a good read for my niece.
    Children of the Tipi:
    Life in the Buffalo Days Edited by: Michael O. Fitzgerald looks like a good candidate for review.

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  6. On the website, I learned that Joseph Bruchac has written more than 120 books. His writing is strongly influenced by his Abenaki ancestry. He holds a Ph.D in Comparative Literature.

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  7. I would like the book Feathers for Peacock by Jacqueline Jules. I would also like to see the book The Otter, the Spotted Frog & the Great Flood retold by Gerald Hausman reviewed here. :)

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  8. 1. I would like to get this book. Feathers for Peacock
    2. I would like to see this book reviewed. Living in Two Worlds:
    The American Indian Experience

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  9. Joseph Bruchac is a well-known Native author, received his B.A. from Cornell University, and he has had his writing in National Geographic and Smithsonian Magazine.

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  10. Joseph Bruchac received his B.A. from Cornell University, is a talented musician, and he is the storyteller-in-residence for various Native American organizations.

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  11. I learned that he went to Cornell University, he's won many awards and he has performed widely in Europe and throughout the United States.

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  12. I would like the book The Green Musician to share with my daughters. I would like to see The Sermon of all Creation: Christians on Nature featured on here.

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  13. I really like these illustrations! Thanks for sharing this at Booknificent Thursday on Mommynificent.com this week!
    Tina

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  14. He is a well known author of Native books. He is influenced by his Anoeki ancestry. He received a BA from Cornell University.

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  15. I would like to get this book. Feathers for Peacock
    I would like to see this book reviewed. Indian Boyhood: The True Story of a Sioux Upbringing

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