Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Module 3 Book Reviews: Traditional Tales

Raccoon's Last Race as told by Joseph Bruchac and James Bruchac

Bibliography
Bruchac, Joseph, and James Bruchac, retellers. 2004. Raccoon's Last Race. Ill. by Jose Aruego and Ariane Dewey. New York, NY: Dial Books for Young Readers. ISBN: 0-8037-2977-4.

Plot Summary
This tale shows how Azban the Raccoon is transformed from a long-legged, fast creature into the short-legged, slow creature that we know today.

Critical Analysis
This pourquoi tale of the North American Abenaki Indians is told through dynamic language and engaging pen-and-ink, gouache, and pastel illustrations.  Author's notes at the beginning set the stage for Azban's tricks by exploring his place in the rich history of American Indian folklore and by reminding readers of the original tradition:  storytelling - a powerful and dramatic experience.  The tale explains the how Azban the raccoon's tricks lead to his downfall in true storytelling style - with song, onomatopoeia,  small voices, deep voices, and an animated dialogue.  Azban springs to life and the story jumps off the page in this storytelling treasure. 

Review Excerpts
KIRKUS REVIEWS: "Azban the Raccoon is a favorite Abenaki trickster and this father-and-son storytelling pair creates a lively, clever, and authentic version of his story."
KIRKUS REVIEWS: "The illustrators' familiar pen-and-ink, gouache, and pastel work is as appealing as ever-Azban is a particularly engaging character. "

Connections
For another pourquoi tale check out the following:
Bruchac, Joseph and James Bruchac. HOW CHIPMUNK GOT HIS STRIPES. Ill. by Ariane Dewey and Jose Aruego. ISBN-13: 9780142500217.

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