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The Great Snake: Stories from the Amazon
CCBC Review:
'A tropical travelogue for school-aged children, Sean Taylor’s journey along the Amazon River is recounted in the tales from this collection. The vivid voices of the storytellers he met are brought to life in his retellings, stunningly illustrated by the bold and colorful woodcuts of Fernando Vilela. Animal folktales, love stories, ghost stories, and trickster tales take place in the roaring waters and dense forest of the Amazon. Between each story, the author explains the tale’s significance in the context of his travels. For example, “The Tortoise and the Vulture” comes from a mix of cultures—native Brazilians, European settlers from Spain and Portugal, and Africans brought to South America in the slave trade. The author writes, “Sometimes I think the people tell so many extraordinary stories because they are surrounded by so many extraordinary creatures. Sometimes I think it is because so much mystery lies in the water and the rainforest.” Whatever the reason, these stories bring a richer understanding of this incredible region. ©2008 Cooperative Children's Book Center
Illustrated by Sean Taylor, Fernando Vilela
CCBC Age Recommendation: Ages 5-10
Age Range:
PreK-Early Elementary (Ages 4-7)
Grades 3-5 (Ages 8-10)
Format:
Picture book
Subjects:
Ecosystems
Folk and Fairy Tales
Journeys and Quests
Mythology
Nature/Environment
South Americans
Diversity subject:
Latine
Publisher:
Frances Lincoln Children's Books
Publish Year: 2008
Pages: 61
ISBN: 9781845075293
CCBC Location: Non-Fiction, 398 Taylor