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THE LEGEND OF LEELANAU

Another successful collaboration from the author and illustrator of The Legend of Sleepy Bear, this 18th-century tale was originally retold as “Leelinau, or The Lost Daughter” by an Indian agent. The many variations all describe the flight of a young girl who chooses to live among the Pukwudjininees—fairies—in their enchanted wood, rather than leave her childhood and marry the man her parents have chosen. “For childhood passes much too fast . . . it comes—and then it’s gone.” Wargin's version is a fluid retelling that even young listeners will comprehend and older readers will enjoy. Lush greens, browns, and gold colors dominate the double-page spreads with the lovely Leelinau depicted as a child just bordering on womanhood. An author's note explains that this tale also accounts for the origin of the name of Leelanau County in Michigan. (Picture book/folktale. 6-10)

Pub Date: May 1, 2003

ISBN: 1-58536-150-X

Page Count: 40

Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2003

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BERRY MAGIC

Sloat collaborates with Huffman, a Yu’pik storyteller, to infuse a traditional “origins” tale with the joy of creating. Hearing the old women of her village grumble that they have only tasteless crowberries for the fall feast’s akutaq—described as “Eskimo ice cream,” though the recipe at the end includes mixing in shredded fish and lard—young Anana carefully fashions three dolls, then sings and dances them to life. Away they bound, to cover the hills with cranberries, blueberries, and salmonberries. Sloat dresses her smiling figures in mixes of furs and brightly patterned garb, and sends them tumbling exuberantly through grassy tundra scenes as wildlife large and small gathers to look on. Despite obtrusively inserted pronunciations for Yu’pik words in the text, young readers will be captivated by the action, and by Anana’s infectious delight. (Picture book/folktale. 6-8)

Pub Date: June 1, 2004

ISBN: 0-88240-575-6

Page Count: 32

Publisher: N/A

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2004

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WILD, WILD WOLVES

At ``Step 2'' in the useful ``Step into Reading'' series: an admirably clear, well-balanced presentation that centers on wolves' habits and pack structure. Milton also addresses their endangered status, as well as their place in fantasy, folklore, and the popular imagination. Attractive realistic watercolors on almost every page. Top-notch: concise, but remarkably extensive in its coverage. A real bargain. (Nonfiction/Easy reader. 6-10)

Pub Date: April 1, 1992

ISBN: 0-679-91052-2

Page Count: 48

Publisher: Random House

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 1992

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