Details
Synopsis
Retells the Miwok Indian legend in which a little measuring worm saves two bear cubs stranded at the top of the rock known as El Capitan.
| Size | | Height: | 10.8 in | | Width: | 10.0 in | | Thickness: | 0.5 in | | Weight: | 16.0 oz |
Industry Reviews
In this Southern Sierra Miwok legend set in the Yosemite Valley, two spirited bear cubs venture beyond their mother's watchful eye and fall asleep on a stone slab. As the two nap, the stone mysteriously grows into a mountainous tower (known today as El Capitan). Mother Grizzly, aided by a posse of animal friends, finds them, but rescue attempts are thwarted by high-altitude winds and nearly vertical walls. At last the animals skeptically accept an offer of help from Measuring Worm. Inch by inch, Tu-tok-a-na scales the wall, and then rises as well in the proud posse's estimation as he leads the cubs down. The San Souci brothers (The Legend of Scarface) unite here in playful symmetry. Both text and illustrations reflect a belief in folkloric ancestors who were half animal, half human. The narrative is propelled by actions familiar to children (the cubs "race, wrestle [and] play hide-and-seek") and punctuated by unfamiliar Miwok words. Watercolor illustrations portray gently anthropomorphized animals in spare but traditional garb (the females wear buckskin skirts) and with amusing, humanlike poses and facial expressions. The illustrator keeps his palette sunny, draining the potential terror from the story. Endnotes concerning Miwok customs add heft to this expertly rendered tale. Ages 5-9. (Nov.)
Lopate
K-Gr 3 This Miwok legend tells of two bear cubs who become stranded on a high mountain while having an adventure, of the many large and strong animals Mother Bear enlists to try to lead them down, and of the little creature that finally succeeds. It may be difficult, at first, to accept the adorable pictures that feature the gray fox and badger wearing breech cloths and Mother Bear wearing faux pearls with the serious Native American theme of the courage and triumph of a lowly worm. However, the opening paragraph explains that the story was set during a time when creatures were part animal and part human, and once into the tale, the illustrations enhance the perspectives of climbing "El Capitan." Useful information on the legend on which this retelling is based and the Miwok people who inhabited the Southern Sierras, as well as related readings and Internet resources, are appended. Children will relate to the age-old theme of the small overcoming obstacles that stronger, mightier creatures cannot. Primary-grade children will find this book approachable, and a younger audience will appreciate hearing it aloud. Mollie Bynum, formerly at Chester Valley Elementary School, Anchorage, AK
Lopate
The two cubs are endearing fellows, and although it looks odd for the animal characters to be dressed in traditional Miwok garb, a note explains that the Miwok believe their early ancestors had animal forms. There's a careless spelling error in the text, . . . but the excellent background notes on the Miwok and the story of the small, triumphant worm make this a fine purchase for most libraries.
Annotation copyright H.W. Wilson Company.
Lempke
The story is dramatically told to hold young listeners despite the longish text--there's nothing like a little separation anxiety to maintain suspense. The full-page watercolor paintings have a pebbly texture, with dominant browns and grays surprised by the sudden contrast of the red and green worm. Invertebrate heroes seem to enthrall the popular preschool imagination, from Richard Scarry's Lowly Worm . . . to Leo Lionni's Inch by Inch, which would make creative company for this in a storytime program. Drafted for soft appeal to younger viewers, the characters are depicted as the legendary 'animal people' of the Miwok and are dressed in traditional garb; San Souci is careful to document his sources, describe the context, and suggest related background readings (including Internet resources).
Annotation copyright H.W. Wilson Company.
Hearne
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