SUN MOTHER WAKES THE WORLD

In this more-or-less tranquil creation myth from Australia, Sun Mother, wakened by an unidentified parent, in turn wakes the Earth’s animals, gives them new shapes after they become dissatisfied with what they already have, then gives birth to the Moon and Morning Star, who produce the first humans. Veteran folklorist/storyteller Wolkstein retells the tale in a terse, formal way, with strong but understated feeling and glints of humor; Bancroft, an artist of Aboriginal descent, depicts Sun Mother as a graceful, golden form, bringing light to a swirling, distinctively stylized, brightly patterned world. A respectful, eye-opening alternative to Biblical versions of the creation, such as Gerald McDermott’s Creation (2003), with similarly sweeping art, and a female Creator to boot. (introduction, source note) (Picture book/folktale. 7-10)