Alice Yazzie’s Year
Alice Yazzie’s Year
by Ramona Maher, Illustrations by Shonto Begay
“The snow slowed the world, the Navajo world,” begins this picture book for older readers, originally published in 1977, which has been reissued with new illustrations. Told in verse, it follows 11-year-old Alice Yazzie through 12 months on the reservation, where she lives with her grandfather. The spare, atmospheric poetry (one poem for each month) vividly describes the landscape and Alice’s activities, often with startling intimacy. At times, Alice’s perspective is political (she speaks out against Columbus in school); at other times it is lyrical (lightning is “ghosts chasing their tails”). Begay’s paintings, impressionistic dabs and swirls of brilliant color, sometimes muddy faces and expressions, but like the words, the wild patterns and hues leave room for imaginations to fill in the spaces. Whether read alone or aloud, the poems tell an affecting story about contemporary Navajo life through an appealing young character with a strong sense of history and herself. Teachers will want to use this across the curriculum; a concluding section offers more background to Navajo language and culture. - Gillian Engberg
by Ramona Maher, Illustrations by Shonto Begay
“The snow slowed the world, the Navajo world,” begins this picture book for older readers, originally published in 1977, which has been reissued with new illustrations. Told in verse, it follows 11-year-old Alice Yazzie through 12 months on the reservation, where she lives with her grandfather. The spare, atmospheric poetry (one poem for each month) vividly describes the landscape and Alice’s activities, often with startling intimacy. At times, Alice’s perspective is political (she speaks out against Columbus in school); at other times it is lyrical (lightning is “ghosts chasing their tails”). Begay’s paintings, impressionistic dabs and swirls of brilliant color, sometimes muddy faces and expressions, but like the words, the wild patterns and hues leave room for imaginations to fill in the spaces. Whether read alone or aloud, the poems tell an affecting story about contemporary Navajo life through an appealing young character with a strong sense of history and herself. Teachers will want to use this across the curriculum; a concluding section offers more background to Navajo language and culture. - Gillian Engberg
The Magic of Spider Woman
The Magic of Spider Woman
by Lois Duncan, Illustrations by Shonto Begay
This Navajo legend tells of a young shepherdess who shivers from the cold until the mythic Spider Woman teaches her how to shear sheep, card and spin wool, and weave blankets. Spider Woman warns the newly named Weaving Woman to “walk the Middle Way,” keeping her life in balance and avoiding weaving for too long at any one time. Although Weaving Woman promises to follow the Middle Way, she becomes so involved in her craft that she begins to weave from sunup to sundown. Soon she is trapped in a blanket of her own weaving, her spirit woven into its cloth. Loosening a thread makes the blanket imperfect and creates a path for her spirit to escape. Although the message may have more resonance for adults than for kids, the tale appears here in a colorful, picture book edition that should hold the interest of primary-grade children. -Carolyn Phelan
by Lois Duncan, Illustrations by Shonto Begay
This Navajo legend tells of a young shepherdess who shivers from the cold until the mythic Spider Woman teaches her how to shear sheep, card and spin wool, and weave blankets. Spider Woman warns the newly named Weaving Woman to “walk the Middle Way,” keeping her life in balance and avoiding weaving for too long at any one time. Although Weaving Woman promises to follow the Middle Way, she becomes so involved in her craft that she begins to weave from sunup to sundown. Soon she is trapped in a blanket of her own weaving, her spirit woven into its cloth. Loosening a thread makes the blanket imperfect and creates a path for her spirit to escape. Although the message may have more resonance for adults than for kids, the tale appears here in a colorful, picture book edition that should hold the interest of primary-grade children. -Carolyn Phelan
Navajo: Visions and Voices Across the Mesa
Navajo: Visions and Voices Across the Mesa
Written & Illustrated by Shonto Begay
Begay, author and illustrator of Ma’ii and Cousin Horned Toad (1992), presents a very personal view of contemporary Navajo life in this picture-book collection for older readers. Pairing 20 of his paintings with original poetry, Begay moves from the spiritual aspects of Navajo life through personal childhood memories into striking present-day images, concluding with an affirmation of continuing life and rebirth. Although his poetry especially speaks to the ongoing struggle of living in a “dual society,” his paintings are firmly rooted in the Navajo culture. His work is not angry or sentimental; there is an honesty and straightforwardness that allows his readers/viewers insight into his world-view. The variety of images reflects the complexity of life that many contemporary Navajo face. An excellent addition to poetry and art collections. -Karen Hutt
Written & Illustrated by Shonto Begay
Begay, author and illustrator of Ma’ii and Cousin Horned Toad (1992), presents a very personal view of contemporary Navajo life in this picture-book collection for older readers. Pairing 20 of his paintings with original poetry, Begay moves from the spiritual aspects of Navajo life through personal childhood memories into striking present-day images, concluding with an affirmation of continuing life and rebirth. Although his poetry especially speaks to the ongoing struggle of living in a “dual society,” his paintings are firmly rooted in the Navajo culture. His work is not angry or sentimental; there is an honesty and straightforwardness that allows his readers/viewers insight into his world-view. The variety of images reflects the complexity of life that many contemporary Navajo face. An excellent addition to poetry and art collections. -Karen Hutt
Ma'II and Cousin Horned Toad: A Traditional Navajo Story
Ma’II and Cousin Horned Toad : A Traditional Navajo Story
Written & Illustrated by Shonto Begay
After eating much of Horned Toad’s corn crop, Ma’ii the coyote eats his cousin and claims the farm for himself. But from inside, Horned Toad plays tricks on Ma’ii until the coyote promises to leave him alone forever. The dark illustrations capture the spirit of the pourquoi tale.
Written & Illustrated by Shonto Begay
After eating much of Horned Toad’s corn crop, Ma’ii the coyote eats his cousin and claims the farm for himself. But from inside, Horned Toad plays tricks on Ma’ii until the coyote promises to leave him alone forever. The dark illustrations capture the spirit of the pourquoi tale.
Other Books
Navajo Long Walk: The Tragic Story of a Proud People’s Forced March from their Homeland
by Joseph Bruchac, Illustrations by Shonto Begay
The Mud Pony
by Caron Lee Cohen, Illustrations by Shonto Begay
The Boy Who Dreamed of an Acorn
by Leigh Casler, Illustrations by Shonto Begay
Strawberry Pop and Soda Crackers
Written & Illustrated by Shonto Begay
Native American Book of Knowledge (Native People Native Ways Series, Vol. 1)
by White Deer of Autumn, Shonto Begay (Illustrator), Michelle Roehm (Editor)
Native American Book of Life (Native People Native Ways Series, Vol. 2)
by Shonto Begay (Editor)
* retrieved from http://shontogallery.com/wp/books
by Joseph Bruchac, Illustrations by Shonto Begay
The Mud Pony
by Caron Lee Cohen, Illustrations by Shonto Begay
The Boy Who Dreamed of an Acorn
by Leigh Casler, Illustrations by Shonto Begay
Strawberry Pop and Soda Crackers
Written & Illustrated by Shonto Begay
Native American Book of Knowledge (Native People Native Ways Series, Vol. 1)
by White Deer of Autumn, Shonto Begay (Illustrator), Michelle Roehm (Editor)
Native American Book of Life (Native People Native Ways Series, Vol. 2)
by Shonto Begay (Editor)
* retrieved from http://shontogallery.com/wp/books
