Synopses & Reviews
This collection of five tales represents the first written record of Chief Lelooska's tellings of the ancient myths and legends that have been a part of the oral tradition of the Northwest Coast Indians for centuries. These often humorous, sometimes frightening stories teach us that we should treat the oceans, the land, and its creatures with the utmost respect and reverence. The stories here are written as they were recounted by Chief Lelooska, and one can even read along as he retells the tales on a CD that is packaged in an envelope inside the front cover. The background sounds of traditional chants accompanied by native drums and rattles enhance the effect of sitting right there beside Chief Lelooska. He brings to life in his powerful voice a harsh natural world of loons and ravens with supernatural powers, and awe-inspiring beings such as Poogweese, Owl Witch, and the fierce Tsonoqua. During his life, Lelooska spread interest and knowledge about the Kwakiutl people through his live performances of their ancient legends and his beautiful woodcarvings of their traditional masks and totem poles. For nearly 40 years, Lelooska and his family of four generations of artists performed in their cedar-plank house with a central firepit the age-old myths, dances, and music, wearing the wooden masks and robes of their adopted tribe. Lelooska was a master at the craft of oral literature, weaving enchanting tales of magic and mystery for audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
Review
(A) magnificent book . . . The sounds of drums, rattles and chanting make it feel like one is sitting there in the Chief's home enjoying one of his storytelling performances. The artwork is also his, and it is breathtaking. This is a book to be shared by the whole family; it has interesting stories that teach lessons about life and caring for this world that we live in. (Children's Literature, May 1998)
Review
A lavish, over-sized edition containing five stories and striking illustrations that weave their way throughout the text. . . This beautiful collection is made even more impressive by the mesmerizing voice of Chief Lelooska himself. (Grand Rapids Press, Jan 24, 1998)
Review
Stunning artwork by Lelooska qualifies this elegant large-format tome as an art book as well as a work of anthropological interest . . . This is a children's book with something for all ages. (Fifty Plus, December 1997)
Review
This elegant book with its bold paintings and handsome design, is an impressive legacy. The stories evoke a mythical, timeless world and reveal traditional values of the Northwest Coast Native American culture. (Portland Parent, December, 1997)
Review
Another illuminating book. . . . printed on heavy stock paper and dramatically illustrated, this is a substantial work. ( Norwalk Citizen, December 1997)
Review
The elegant compendium of five stories about the Kwakiutl is clearly a picture book for older children. It is written in the evocative, mythic style of the oral tradition. Large, dramatic woodcuts, executed by Chief Lelooska emphasize tribal symbols and traditions and add to the book's superb overall design. (Boston Globe, January 4, 1997)
Review
A large book that leaves considerable white space for the large type face, exquisite page design, and, of course, crisply reproduced stunning pictures (full-page and larger) that evoke the sort of mystic sensibilities needed to deal with the magic of the events. Here is an intimacy between word and pictures, both the products of a single native artist. (Five Owls, November/December 1997)
Review
In this rare combination, Chief Lelooska of the Kwakiutl tribe performs five age-old tales on CD and his words appear in the book next to his own striking artwork. The bold graphics in heavy lines of black, red, yellow and teal reflect the vital stories -sometimes humorous, sometimes frightening, always employing the mores of the Northwest Coast Indians. (Los Angeles Times, December 7, 1997)
Review
As lovely to look at as it is to read. Like Chief Lelooska, children will want to return to this fine tribute to the Kwakiutl again and again. (Publishers Weekly, August, 1997 -- Starred Review )
Review
These tribal tales are spellbinding, even more so when they're told in Chief Lelooska's own voice, as they are in the accompanying CD. A magnificent celebration of the oral tradition, this book/CD set makes a great gift. (Working Mother, December/January 1998)