Did You Hear Wind Sing Your Name?: An Oneida Song of Spring

by Sandra De Coteau Orie, Christopher Canyon (Illustrator)

As the Winter season wanes, the Oneida Indians celebrate each small sign of Spring. Share the wonder of rebirth with Oneida poet Sandra Orie and embrace Spring with all your senses. Taste the first Strawberries, smell the sacred Cedar, feel the warmth of the Sun, see the fields of the Three Sisters begin to grow, hear Wind sing your name. Lift your voice in a new Oneida song of praise and give thanks for all forms of life in the continuing scared circle of Spring.
-from the inside cover flap

-- American Bookseller "Pick of the Lists", 1995
-- Kentucky Bluegrass Award, Masterlist, 1996
-- Notable Children's Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies, 1995

"Pitched in soothing cadence, (Orie's) narrative poses a series of questions, asking readers if they have heard, seen, or experienced various phenomena that signal the approach of spring". -- PW

Genres: Native American, Picture Books, Poetry, Childrens, Nature

32 pages, Hardcover

First published March 22, 1995

Reviews

[Elizabeth]

The full-page illustrations are lush and photo-realistic -- though the shiny pages glinted in the light, making them actually a little difficult to engage with.

The trajectory into sunset and moonlight I think makes the book a really nice choice for a bedtime story -- offering the child an opportunity to reflect on/relive some of the outdoors moments of the day and settle into a quieter mode.

I appreciated the Author's Note at the beginning, providing contextual information about the Oneida to help understand the language of the story better.

[Edna · Rating 5 out of 5]

The natural cadence while reading this book perfectly exemplifies Native American literature - and it's for children. How can you not be moved with its poetic text and beautiful illustrations? I can't get enough of this type of writing - it's guaranteed to move you. Read it and feel yourself spiritually lift upward toward the sky. Loved it!

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Did you hear wind sing your name"?
by sandra de coteau orie
A poetic book looking at the aspects of human nature, and physical nature of the environment. This book features the Oneida traditions and ideals. The art work is beautiful and special.
used as a small group book for early 2 and 3rd grade readers.

[Renee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Would be a nice edition to add to a Spring book display.
Author's note is very important to read before reading the poem like book.

Sandra De Coteau Orie is an Oneida writer, artisan, and teacher who grew up on the Oneida Nation Reservation in Oneida, Wisconsin.

[Chris Powless · Rating 5 out of 5]

EXCELLENT book and a fine read for children. A wonderful addition to the classroom as well.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

An engaging picture book, with beautiful illustrations that denote the cycle of spring and the circle of life. I liked the "Author's Note" at the beginning. In it the author explains some of the cultural imagery and worldviews of the Oneida. The simple narrative (did you see...did you feel...did you smell...) is supported by charming artwork and will appeal to many age groups.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Josie x 2