The Bear-Walker: And Other Tales

by Basil Johnston

In the tradition of Tales the Elders Told and Tales of the Anishinaubaek, Basil Johnston's newest work, The Bear-Walker, brings to the printed page the spoken myths of his people, myths that have inspired exquisite paintings by David Johnson.
Here is the native spirit, as told by the elders, tales of wisdom and humour, vision and fantasy, alive with a sense of the magical possibilities of life lived close to nature.

64 pages, Hardcover

First published September 19, 1995

About the author

Basil H. Johnston (13 July 1929 to 8 September 2015) was a Canadian writer, storyteller, language teacher and scholar.

For his work in preserving Ojibwa language and culture, he received the Order of Ontario and Honorary Doctorates from the University of Toronto and Laurentian University. Basil also received the Aboriginal Achievement Award for Heritage and Spirituality.

(from Wikipedia)

Reviews

[Karl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, along with 3 other Basil Johnston Anishnaabe storytelling books, sat alone in my teenage son’s room for the past 10 years. We read them when he was small along with some other Nanaboosho books. He’s moved on to other interests so I decided to liberate them yesterday and read them all today.

I am Anishnaabe. These are my stories. I live in an Anishnaabe (Mississauga) community that only has 3 storytellers. I fear one day these stories and the skill to tell them will be lost. I wonder if maybe it is my responsibility to learn these stories and then share them with the community.

As for the book, I would recommend it. The stories are short but powerful. The bear walker, met-man, the great lynx, fish, red willows, the snake and the man, the woodpecker, bullfrog, and vision. Beautifully illustrated by David Johnson from Curve Lake. Basil Johnston was from Cape Croker and worked at the Royal Ontario Museum. This book was published by the ROM.

[Ethan]

Bear-walker is a tale about people who once believed in a fairy tale that wasn't a fairy tale at all. Once a bear had gotten a good man to the village. The man set out on a camping trip. When it turned dark the man fell asleep, but then BANG his tent had a gaping hole in it then the bear yanked him out of it and took him back to his cave. The village had gotten worried about the man. So they had a meeting in town hall and said, The only way we can take him out is by beating him in race.

I rate the book 9/10 it had good story lines in it overall. The characters and back story all had there purpose in the book. If it would of had the bear, which is the main part, a little bit more then the book would of been ten/ten. I would suggest this book to people who like adventure, wilderness, and danger . Also what would have been a good part was, adding little Timmy or whatever his name is,( the little boy) becoming like the town mayor or whatever.

[Dunrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My copy of this book (as is the photo of the cover) calls it "The Bear-Walker: And Other Stories".

Beautifully illustrated, thought-provoking, for all ages.

[Darlene Jilks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute book of very short stories and excellent drawings.

[Rykkar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Everyone please ignore me I am just pulling random books off my aunts shelf to keep myself entertained at this point

[Steve Wiggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Folklore may just be the salvation of civilization. Last year I read one of Basil H. Johnston's books, so I decided to find this one used, online. I was secretly hoping it might tell me a bit more about the Bearwalk, but instead it offered wonderful stories and brilliant illustrations. This is a culture that is staying alive through its stories. Well worth the effort to locate a copy.

[Noel · Rating 2 out of 5]

An interesting short book of Ojibway Tales. Felt a bit short. However, the tales themselves were interesting.