Synopses & Reviews
Once there was a time when the people of the earth did not have to tend the fields, for the Sun's daughters—Maize, Pumpkin, and Red Bean—walked among them, leaving lush crops wherever they stepped. But then headstrong Maize disobeyed her mother and was trapped by cold, lonely Silver, and the Sun vowed not to touch the earth again until Maize was returned.
How the tiny pewee bird saved Maize and kept the people from starving is eloquently told in this tale, which, though based on an Iroquois legend, parallels the Greek myth of Persephone and Demeter. The lovely, unusual images in the text are dramatically complemented by R. Gregory Christie's masterful paintings. Afterword.
Review
"Authentic, even majestic...will sow the seeds for discussions about myths and the role they play." PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Review
"Evocative, unusual offering...particularly in the context of comparative studies of world folklore." BOOKLIST
Review
"The authentically detailed narrative has a nice lilt and flow, making it appropriate for sharing aloud." THE HORN BOOK
Review
"Charmingly told with eloquent phrasing and vocabulary...folk-art style is energetic and exuberant...will work comfortably as a read-aloud." SLJ
Review
"A moving tale of selfishness and bravery...suitable for readalouds...a folkloric look at the seasons." BCCB Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
"Authentic, even majestic...will sow the seeds for discussions about myths and the role they play." PUBLISHERS WEEKLY Publishers Weekly
"Evocative, unusual offering...particularly in the context of comparative studies of world folklore." BOOKLIST Booklist, ALA
"The authentically detailed narrative has a nice lilt and flow, making it appropriate for sharing aloud." THE HORN BOOK Horn Book
"Charmingly told with eloquent phrasing and vocabulary...folk-art style is energetic and exuberant...will work comfortably as a read-aloud." SLJ School Library Journal
Synopsis
Once there was a time when the people of the earth did not have to tend the fields, for the Suns daughtersMaize, Pumpkin, and Red Beanwalked among them, leaving lush crops wherever they stepped. But then headstrong Maize disobeyed her mother and was trapped by cold, lonely Silver, and the Sun vowed not to touch the earth again until Maize was returned.
How the tiny pewee bird saved Maize and kept the people from starving is eloquently told in this tale, which, though based on an Iroquois legend, parallels the Greek myth of Persephone and Demeter. The lovely, unusual images in the text are dramatically complemented by R. Gregory Christies masterful paintings. Afterword.
About the Author
Pat Sherman lives in Cambridge, MA. The Sun's Daughter is her first book.