How Rabbit Tricked Otter: And Other Cherokee Trickster Stories by Gayle Ross, Murv Jacob (Illustrator), Chief Wilma Mankiller (Foreword by)

Product Details

Synopsis

The Parabola Storytime series is a collection of stories and myths by the leading storytellers of Native American tribes. Originally produced by Parabola magazine in audio format, many of these stories appear here in written form for the first time, with the permission of tribal elders, and are enhanced by artwork authentic to the tradition. These stories evoke the beauty, wisdom, and living spirit of surviving oral traditions.

This collection of 15 Cherokee tales introduces the trickster-hero Rabbit, the most important character portrayed in the animal stories of the Cherokee culture. The surefooted messenger who carries important news to his animal friends near and far, Rabbit is charming and mischievous—he tricks others and is often tricked himself. Sometimes he wins and sometimes he loses; sometimes he is lazy and mean, sometimes kind and caring—but somehow Rabbit always survives. This replaces 0060212853.

Annotation

Fifteen traditional tales follow the adventures of Rabbit, the Cherokee trickster.

Children's Literature

Cherokee descendants Ross and Jacob have created this anthology of 15 misadventures. Their allegiance to authenticity results in delightful fables, with an abundance of timeless messages. In the rich oral tradition of the Cherokee nation, Rabbit holds a place of great honor. For in the ancient times, when people and animals spoke the same language, Rabbit was designated Messenger for his people. His impish nature mixed with a slight tendency to boast landed him, however, in some very muddy waters. These exceptional tales really bloom when read by a good storyteller.

Biography

Gayle Ross is a direct descendant of John Ross, the principal chief of the Cherokee Nation during the infamous Trail of Tears. She is the author of How Turtle's Back Was Cracked and The Legend of Windigo. She has told the myths and legends of the Cherokee people at schools, colleges, and festivals across the United States and Canada, carrying on a family tradition begun by her grandmother. She lives in Fredericksburg, Texas. Murv Jacob is a painter and pipemaker of Kentucky-Cherokee descent. He has won numerous awards for his work, including the Grand Award at the Trail of Tears Art Show. He lives in Tahlequah, Oklahoma.