Spirits, Fairies, and Merpeople

October 1, 2009
Gr 3-6-The seven brief legends in this collection hail from a range of Native cultures. Mohawk artist/storyteller Taylor includes one from her own heritage, along with one each from the Mi'kmaq, Dakota, Coos, Ojibwa, Ute, and Cree. Despite the subtitle, the entries might more accurately be described as tales in which the natural and spiritual worlds overlap. In some of the legends, humans receive divine instruction on how to live in harmony with one another or with the natural world that sustains them. Others feature malignant spirits, such as the chillingly effective "Lodge Eater." Taylor's retellings are crisp and lend themselves well to reading aloud. Each story is accompanied by a lushly hued, surrealistic painting. The powerful images featuring fearsome creatures and tiny human figures balance the taut economy of the text. Designed as a companion to Taylor's "Peace Walker" (2004) and "All the Stars in the Sky" (2006, both Tundra), this well-crafted collection is an accessible and thoughtful supplement to Native American culture studies."Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA"

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