How Turtle's Back Was Cracked: A Traditional Cherokee Tale
A Cherokee legend from "the days when the people and the animals still spoke the same language" begins when Possum and Turtle search for persimmons. When a wolf spoils their feast, Possum retaliates, but it's vain Turtle who claims the credit. Turtle not only makes a pair of wolf-ear spoons, but then he shows off this "tribute," prevailing upon friends and even on strangers to respond with hospitality. After Turtle gorges himself on corn soup, the insulted wolves serve him a come-uppance for such bad behavior. This porquois tale is beautifully illustrated with Jacobs' detailed, intricately patterned artwork done in acrylics that suggest a dark forest full of an active community of talking creatures. Ross is an accomplished storyteller and a descendent of the principal chief of the Cherokee Nation during the time of the Trail of Tears. Her endnotes briefly summarize the history of that Indian Removal (1838-39) and also point out accomplishments of the Cherokee Nation. ©1995 Cooperative Children's Book Center
Illustrated by Murv Jacob
CCBC Age Recommendation: Ages 6-9
Age Range:
PreK-Early Elementary (Ages 4-7)
Grades 3-5 (Ages 8-10)
Format:
Picture book
Subjects:
Animals (Fiction)
Behavior
Cherokee People
First/Native Nations
Folk and Fairy Tales
Diversity subject:
Indigenous
Publisher:
Dial
Publish Year: 1995
Pages: 32
ISBN: 0803717296
CCBC Location: Non-Fiction, 398 Ross