Discount Price: $6.99
Price fluctuation possible.
How soon does it ship: Normal ship time within one day
Shipping? Absolutely FREE if you qualify for Super Saver Shipping.
Type of bind: Paperback
Dewey Decimal Number: 398.2089972
EAN num: 9780395779385
ISBN number: 0395779383
Label: Sandpiper
Manufacturer: Sandpiper
Quantity: 1
Page Count: 32
Printing Date: March 03, 1996
Publishing house: Sandpiper
Age index: Ages 4-8
Sale Popularity Level: 54310
Studio: Sandpiper
Other books you might be interested in perusing:
Editor's Notes and Comments:
Product Description:
This retelling of a Navajo folktale explains how First Woman tried to write the laws of the land using stars in the sky, only to be thwarted by the trickster Coyote.
User popularity level:
Rated by buyers -
This book has a message for every age. Our everyday lives are entwined in our work and all we hold important. This book, has within a few pages, alot of the dreams that we must reach for in our lives, and the obstacles that try to sway us. It shows that even when we do not reach our goals life goes on. We do not see the consequences just the outcome of behaviors, our own and that of others. I would reccommend this book to everyone..
Rated by buyers -
I actually purchased this book because I loved the cover art, and the title, "How the Stars Fell into the Sky," intrigued me. The image of the Navajo woman, star in hand, gazing up thoughtfully into the dark, "new" sky really captured and held my attention. I wanted to read this book! :) I also felt that it would be worth sharing and discussing with my students.
The illustrations are amazing; they feel warm, soft, and alive--not harsh or garish at all. Each image underscores the emotions and actions of this story of First Woman who wants to communicate laws to her people---present and future--in such away as the laws would always be accessible and always be remembered. She carefully places stars in certain patterns until the impatient, meddling Coyote offers to help--which eventually brings the woman grief and human beings confusion.
What's interesting about this story is the dynamic comparison / contrast that occurs with the main characters: First Man, First Woman, and Coyote. The First Man and the Coyote (Man and animal) are both extremely impatient to be getting onto other here and now "Life" activities while the First Woman considers the future, believing that writing the laws is necessary. Writing the laws requires time and careful efforts. It is a sacred duty she takes seriously. Thus, in this tale, the woman is the respectable, responsible, beyond-the-moment person and the dedicated law giver. (Some world legends and myths tend to place women in subservient roles and / or vilify them.) Her only mistake is trusting the Coyote to help her. [Perhaps, this is the warning embedded in the story: beware of "animal instincts," "urges," and haste because they can cause unhappiness, discord, and disorder.]
"How the Stars Fell into the Sky" contains the following collection of universal themes that can be examined and discussed in group / class settings:
First Woman is compelled to write the laws of her people. (Her mission, her divine calling)
First Woman cares for her people and their welfare. (Identification with a Group)
Coyote enters the scene (Animals with human characteristic--talents and flaws.)
First Woman trusts the Coyote at first. (Innocence)
First Woman witnesses the Coyote's tragic deed. (Experience)
First Woman respects the world, nature, and all its cycles (Acceptance)
Humanity has often looked to the heavens / stars for guidance.
Stars are jewels of the sky
trust / distrust
impatience and haste
darkness and light
organization; chaos (confusion)
Rated by buyers -
This is a thought provoking legend about the origin of the stars - the patterns and the absence of patterns to be found there. It contrasts human behaviour - represented by the very first woman, with animal behaviour - represented by a coyote, and would be ideal for any child to hear, think about and to read. The illustrations are bold and vivid.
Rated by buyers 
-
My son is in 2nd grade and they're doing a unit on Native Americans. We read this book together and enjoyed the story as well as the beautiful illustrations. This book also lends itself to do the shadowbox project that goes along with the class studies. I enjoyed the Navajo concept of how the stars are patterned in the sky. We would recommend this book for the 7-9 year old group.
Find other books like this one:
