Giving Thanks

In a multicultural world, our differences are our strength. Children seem to know this intuitively. In the introduction to GIVING THANKS, Chief Jake Swamp writes, "Children ... learn that, according to Native American tradition, people everywhere are embraced as family. Our diversity, like all the wonders of Nature, is truly a gift for which we are thankful." The Thanksgiving Address, an ancient message of peace and appreciation of the Haudenosaunee, or Six Nations, people of upstate New York and Canada is recorded in GIVING THANKS. These reverent words, meant for daily thanksgiving, are read by Chief Jake Swamp, first in English and then in the Kaniakehaka language of the Mohawk, accompanied by evocative music and sounds of nature. The recording brings the spoken words to life and evokes the spirit of the past. T.B. (c) AudioFile 2000, Portland, Maine

October 2, 1995
The flat planes and saturated colors of Printup's highly stylized acrylic paintings form a handsome backdrop to this ancient Iroquois message of thanksgiving, adapted for children by a chief of the Mohawk nation. A salute to Mother Earth and all her beauty, the ``good morning message'' is traditionally delivered at the beginning of each day and at special ceremonies. Its simple, timeless language bears witness to the Native American reverence for the natural world and sense of unity with all living things (``We give thanks to green grasses that feel so good against our bare feet, for the cool beauty you bring to Mother Earth's floor"). The gifts of the earth (``good foods... our life sustainers''; ``Grandfather Thunder Beings'') are richly depicted in paintings of wildlife and bountiful harvests. Horizontal bands of color suggest receding landscapes, pristine skies and oceans. This eye-catching book, a debut for both author and artist, would pair well with Susan Jeffers's Brother Eagle, Sister Sky for a story-telling session. All ages.