The First Strawberries
Book review-
Bibliography-
Bruchac, J. (1998). The first strawberries (1st
ed.). Puffin Books Publisher.
ISBN- 978-0140564099
Plot Summary-
From an award-winning Native American
storyteller comes a captivating re-telling of a Cherokee legend, which explains
how strawberries came to be. Long ago, the first man and woman quarreled. The
woman left in anger, but the Sun sent tempting berries to Earth to slow the
wife's retreat. Luminous paintings perfectly complement the simple, lyrical text.
Critical
Analysis-
This book
shares a Native American folktale that explains the origins of strawberries
and explores themes of forgiveness, love, and the consequences of actions. The cultural
representation in this book is authentic and factual. The book draws from
Native American folklore and provides an opportunity for students to learn
about the traditions and beliefs of indigenous people. It showcases the
Cherokee culture through its storytelling, language, and illustrations,
promoting cultural diversity and fostering an appreciation for different cultures
and stories. The book also introduces valuable lessons about forgiveness and
the importance of communication. The story centers around a misunderstanding
between a husband and wife, leading to their separation. Through their
individual journeys and encounters with different animals, they realize the
depth of their love for each other and the need for reconciliation. The book
emphasizes the power of understanding, compromise, and forgiveness in
maintaining healthy relationships. Additionally, the illustrations by Anna
Vojtech complement the narrative well. The use of warm colors, details, and
expressive characters enhances the reading experience and immerses readers in
the story. The illustrations capture the natural beauty of the environment and
the emotional states of the characters, aiding in the comprehension and
engagement of the reader.
Review
Excerpts-
"Complete harmony of text and pictures: altogether
lovely."-- Kirkus Reviews
"Spare text, an
uncomplicated storyline, and gentle illustrations keep this quiet but resonant
tale accessible to even the youngest child"--Publishers Weekly
Connections-
-Discuss themes and morals
of the story, and have students design a button to represent one of the themes:
1.The
First Strawberries represents what it means to be a Cherokee while
highlighting positive characteristics which all children can model.
2.By showing
respect for oneself and respect for nature, good will be rewarded and one will
prosper.
3.Perseverance,
forgiveness, and respect are essential for a healthy community
-Incorporate
the story into a science lesson:
The sun made the berries appear in the legend. What
is the role of the sun scientifically in the life cycle of a plant? Describe
what you would need to have a berry garden? Consider the needs of plants, and supplies for your garden, and how you plan to take care of it.
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