An alphabet book of traditional Native American symbols.

An alphabet book of traditional Native American symbols.

Unlike most books that chronicle the history of Native peoples beginning with the arrival of Europeans in 1492, this book goes back to the Ice Age to give young readers a glimpse of what life was like pre-contact. The title, Turtle Island, refers to a Native myth that explains how North and Central America were formed on the back of a turtle. Based on archeological finds and scientific research, we now have a clearer picture of how the Indigenous people lived. Using that knowledge, the authors take the reader back as far as 14,000 years ago to imagine moments in time. A wide variety of topics are featured, from the animals that came and disappeared over time, to what people ate, how they expressed themselves through art, and how they adapted to their surroundings. The importance of story-telling among the Native peoples is always present to shed light on how they explained their world. The end of the book takes us to modern times when the story of the Native peoples is both tragic and hopeful.

A long, long time ago, when the world was one vast ocean, the creatures of the sea agreed that there should be a place for others that did not live in the water. Turtle accepted that soil brought up from the bottom of the ocean, could be placed on her back and that would form the habitat for non-sea creatures. After many failed attempts, Muskrat managed to come back with a paw-full of soil. This was placed on Turtle's back and became home to the Native American. Some of the many tribes and nations that formed from the first people are described in this, The A to Z Book of Turtle Island. This story, in a variety of versions, is the source of the name, 'Turtle Island' for the American continent. The Wyandotte (Huron) extended version of the Turtle Island Creation legend can be found at; AAANationalArts.com

Rhyming enumeration of animals, their habitats and traits, presented alphabetically.

Join the world of balloons, pancakes, and musical instruments—just a few items to help improve early literacy in the library, the classroom, and at home. Literacy-builders covered range from music and instruments to magnetic letters, alphabet beads, and food. Literacy is a popular topic of discussion among librarians. Especially important is "early literacy," what children know about reading and writing before they can actually read and write. In this book, experienced librarians Kathy Barco and Melanie Borski-Howard share hands-on techniques that they have used to successfully promote early literacy and encourage family involvement. Storytime and Beyond teaches readers how to use "literacy doodads"—inexpensive props that add excitement to storytimes and can be used outside the library or classroom—to enhance the basic components of any early literacy program: talking, singing, reading, writing, and playing. Many of the doodads can be created as family do-it-yourself projects, and some can be adapted to work with non-readers of any age. Instruments can also be a great way to get children's attention and teach literacy skills, whether it's a drum to beat while reading a story or a maraca for children to shake during a song, and lesson plans for musical storytimes address how to use rhythm, singing, and dancing to make early literacy fun.

The first comprehensive guide to addressing Native American issues in teaching children.