The Earth under Sky Bear's Feet: Native American Poems of
the Land
Illustrator: Thomas Locker
Publisher: Puffin Books, 1989
ISBN: 978-0698116474
Reading Ages: 4 - 8 years
Genre: Multicultural Poetry, Children's Native American Books, Anthology
I Gave This Book 4 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁
Why 4 Roars? This is a culturally important collection for libraries and classrooms. I loved the night theme that ran though the poems and artwork.
Poetic Elements: Repetition, simile and expressive relationships with nature are components of the collection that twinkle and shimmer. This book is both educational and inspirational. It has the potential for a highly positive impact on readers. The imagery is related to the earth during twilight, evening, and at night. The connection to nature is the "star" of the show.
"From the Mohawk and Missisquoi peoples of the
Northeastern United States to the Pima, Cochiti Pueblo, and Navajo people of
the Southwest to the Subarctic Inuit, these pieces reflect an awe and
appreciation of the natural world. Locker's deeply hued paintings burst with
the beauty of night."
~~ The Horn Book
"A thoughtful collection that eloquently bears
out the theme of unity of all creatures."
~~School Library Journal "
The illustrator is a major American painter whose work is dedicated
to nature.
“Locker’s landscape technique has seldom worked to better
effect….Engrossing.”
~~ Kirkus Reviews
A short flute performance and explanation. I love this peaceful, moment he created to discuss his heritage and customs.
Layout: I enjoyed the author’s notes found at the end of the book. They
are a useful supplement for additional reading.
Spotlight Poem -
“Sky Bear”
Long ago,
three hunters and their little dog
found the tracks of a giant bear.
They followed those tracks
all through the day
and even though it was almost dark
they did not stop, but continued on.
They saw that bear now, climbing up
a hill, which glittered
with new-fallen snow.
They ran hard to catch it,
But the bear was too fast.
They ran and they ran, climbing
up and up until one of the hunters said,
“Brothers, look down.”
They did and saw they
were high above the Earth.
That bear was Sky Bear,
running on through the stars.
Look up now
and you will see her,
circling the sky.
(Mohawk, Northeast)
Sharing - Native American Heritage Month, in November, would be a great time to introduce Native American poetry.
Activity - A short study on the constellations would give students an appreciation for the night sky.
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