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How the Stars Fell into the Sky: A Navajo Legend
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.
32 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1992
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
May 23, 2018
Natural Law (Coyote) prevails over human jurisprudence (First Man & First Woman) in this retelling of the Milky Way creation story in Navajo mythology. The earthly path is the labyrinth of heaven, each footprint a star, each star a stepping stone, each stepping stone a pathway between heaven and earth, always leading to the center.
July 13, 2019
This is a retelling of a Navajo legend told by the medicine man Hosteen Klah at the turn of the 20th century. I could tell by looking at the cover that I wasn't crazy about the illustrations.
First Woman told First Man that people needed to know the laws and they had to write them for everyone to see. That was interesting.
He told her to write them in the sand but she said the wind would blow them away. He then told her to write them in the water but she said they would disappear. He saw the stars and told her to use her jewels and write them in the sky. She put the stars in the sky in certain patterns everyone could read.
Coyote watched her and asked to help, but there were so many more stars left that he complained at it was slow work. She asked what was as important as writing laws. She patiently explained that the people will see them before they go in their hogans at night. The mom would sing of them to her child. And the warrior would warm himself by them when he was in unknown territory.
Coyote was impatient and it done so he picked up her blanket and threw the rest into the sky, undoing her patterns. She cried at his foolishness.
It ended with people living and not knowing about Coyote jumbling the stars and not knowing the reason for the confusion that would always be with them. I flipped the page looking for something positive but no, the book ended on that negative, and confusing, note. Does it mean Navajo don't have laws?? I don't think that's what the story meant to say. Or that we look at the stars and don't know what they mean so we're confused? I didn't like the ending at all because it wasn't explained and I don't know what the message is.
It's cool that the author saw a reference of this legend in a National Geographic magazine and was inspired.
I couldn't wait to find out what the laws were and I thought the constellations would come into play. But this is just a story to explain why we can't explain what the stars are for. It's a neat idea to try to have an explanation for why they're there and what happened, to think that there could have been a purpose but they were messed up and that's why there's no patterns. That's one of the many things I love about Native American culture. Their legends are so charming the way they attempt to explain things in nature. I found it odd that the constellations didn't come up because there are designs in the sky.
First Woman told First Man that people needed to know the laws and they had to write them for everyone to see. That was interesting.
He told her to write them in the sand but she said the wind would blow them away. He then told her to write them in the water but she said they would disappear. He saw the stars and told her to use her jewels and write them in the sky. She put the stars in the sky in certain patterns everyone could read.
Coyote watched her and asked to help, but there were so many more stars left that he complained at it was slow work. She asked what was as important as writing laws. She patiently explained that the people will see them before they go in their hogans at night. The mom would sing of them to her child. And the warrior would warm himself by them when he was in unknown territory.
Coyote was impatient and it done so he picked up her blanket and threw the rest into the sky, undoing her patterns. She cried at his foolishness.
It ended with people living and not knowing about Coyote jumbling the stars and not knowing the reason for the confusion that would always be with them. I flipped the page looking for something positive but no, the book ended on that negative, and confusing, note. Does it mean Navajo don't have laws?? I don't think that's what the story meant to say. Or that we look at the stars and don't know what they mean so we're confused? I didn't like the ending at all because it wasn't explained and I don't know what the message is.
It's cool that the author saw a reference of this legend in a National Geographic magazine and was inspired.
I couldn't wait to find out what the laws were and I thought the constellations would come into play. But this is just a story to explain why we can't explain what the stars are for. It's a neat idea to try to have an explanation for why they're there and what happened, to think that there could have been a purpose but they were messed up and that's why there's no patterns. That's one of the many things I love about Native American culture. Their legends are so charming the way they attempt to explain things in nature. I found it odd that the constellations didn't come up because there are designs in the sky.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 13, 2019
A retelling of a Navajo legend, the First Woman wants to write the rules of the world in the stars. It is painstakingly detailed work, and Coyote, who is helping her, gets frustrated and just throws all the stars into the sky randomly to just be done already. This cannot be fixed. The illustrations are appealing, and it is simply told, but it ends really abruptly.
November 15, 2024
A very nice legend, and well told story.
March 20, 2025
Fun and thoughtful
September 14, 2018
To begin with, I would like to discuss my opinions on the ending. The ending of this book shocked me, I had to double check to see if there was no more pages. I think this shocked me because it was an unusual ending and really left me wondering. On the other hand, it made me frustrated no more information was given about why the wolf did what he did. I can see how the author wanted the lesson to be "be careful who you trust" but, what was his intent? I feel that the author could have made the ending with more information or gave more information of the relationship of the wolf and the girl. Possibly the coyote did not want laws but, why not they did not affect him? I still have many questions about this read but, this was a good example of a folktale.
However, I did like how the main character was a women and her role in the book. I think this showed women can be in powerful positions too and this would be a good read for the class because of this. I thought it was great that it was her job to do something very important but, then it was ruined when she was left crying. I think this took away from the powerful role it gave her on purpose. This could potentially set children up for believing false things. For example, some people in society say women are emotional and by having her power turn to tears this could potentially support that idea.
Although, I did appreciate the idea of the tribe being a culture out of the norm in America. I can guarantee most children have not heard of cultures like this in America. This book would be great for a lesson on diversity or a culture unit. This book is very average, I just think the ending is not great for children and I think it sends the wrong message. It is about a hard worker and even though she worked hard, it did not work. I want to teach my class that hard work pays off because that is something I believe. Overall, this book did not alien with my values and I would most likely not recommend it.
However, I did like how the main character was a women and her role in the book. I think this showed women can be in powerful positions too and this would be a good read for the class because of this. I thought it was great that it was her job to do something very important but, then it was ruined when she was left crying. I think this took away from the powerful role it gave her on purpose. This could potentially set children up for believing false things. For example, some people in society say women are emotional and by having her power turn to tears this could potentially support that idea.
Although, I did appreciate the idea of the tribe being a culture out of the norm in America. I can guarantee most children have not heard of cultures like this in America. This book would be great for a lesson on diversity or a culture unit. This book is very average, I just think the ending is not great for children and I think it sends the wrong message. It is about a hard worker and even though she worked hard, it did not work. I want to teach my class that hard work pays off because that is something I believe. Overall, this book did not alien with my values and I would most likely not recommend it.
February 4, 2008
Jerrie Oughton’s picture book How the Stars Fell into the Sky retells the traditional Navajo legend which explains why the stars and life are disorganized and chaotic. First Woman wants to write the laws for people to follow in a way all can see. First Man suggests she write them with her jewels in the night sky. Coyote, a traditional Native American trickster character, offers to help. Coyote becomes bored with the project and gathers the remaining jewels and flings them into the sky, clouding the rules already written and leaving the sky in disarray. The book concludes by underscoring the metaphor, stating that the people never knew the reason for the confusion in the night sky and in their daily lives.
November 17, 2014
This Navajo legend captivated me with its simplicity. It is well illustrated & simply worded, but in the pattern of typical Native American folklore, has deeply rooted implications. This beautiful explanation of worldly confusion, prompted me to reflect on my own philosophical ideas & wish for more simple truths to fill my mind.
February 22, 2015
This is a cute book for a story about how the stars fell in the sky the way they did. It also shows multicultural aspects since it is based on a Navajo legend. This would be a good book for students learning about different cultures and their stories. I
However, I did not like how the story so abruptly ends.
However, I did not like how the story so abruptly ends.
November 3, 2016
everyone is confused because bullshit mother fucker coyote threw all the stars!!! way to go COYOTE!!! ugh!
March 16, 2018
(FOLKTALE)
How the Stars Fell into the Sky: A Navajo Legend (1992), written by Jerrie Oughton and illustrated by Lisa Desimini, is a picture book that is a retelling of a Navajo folktale about the origin story of the stars in the night sky. On the First Night on Earth, the First Woman tells the First Man that the people need to learn the rules of the world and as such, she decides it best to write the laws with stars placed in specific order in the night sky. While working on her task, a Coyote arrives and offers his services in helping her put the stars in to the sky. After some work, Coyote realizes the massive task at hand and loses patience and explains to the First Woman that it may take the rest of her days in order to finish the precise tasks of writing the laws with stars. Unfazed, she already knows the stakes of her worldly goals and continues about her work. Coyote though, grows even more impatient and tosses all the stars into the sky, allowing them to sprinkle sporadically throughout the night sky. The First Woman is devastated and concludes that future generations of people will never know the laws and forever walk confused by the stars in the sky.
The book is a very easy read, with a sentence or two per page and an illustration or two to help give the reader a visual for the story. The illustrations are simple in lines and shapes, and the rich saturated color schemes appear to pay homage to classic Navajo art. The design and placement of the illustrations give for a more elegant look as all illustrations are framed within a white border, giving them a portrait-esque and classical feel. Some of the artwork also spreads into a two page widescreen look for dramatic effect.
While the book itself feels like a Native American folktale, the truth is that it was written and illustrated by two Caucasian women; however, the introduction page of this book helps give credence to the folktale by explaining that it is in accord with a retelling by Hosteen Klah, a great Navajo medicine man. In this sense, if it's true, then transcribing it into a picture book helps preserve the folktale and history of the Navajo people and that is admirable.
Due to the length of the story and ease in vocabulary, I would recommend that this book be read to young children (aged 4-8) by their parents and/or educators and can be read independently by K-3 grade students.
How the Stars Fell into the Sky: A Navajo Legend (1992), written by Jerrie Oughton and illustrated by Lisa Desimini, is a picture book that is a retelling of a Navajo folktale about the origin story of the stars in the night sky. On the First Night on Earth, the First Woman tells the First Man that the people need to learn the rules of the world and as such, she decides it best to write the laws with stars placed in specific order in the night sky. While working on her task, a Coyote arrives and offers his services in helping her put the stars in to the sky. After some work, Coyote realizes the massive task at hand and loses patience and explains to the First Woman that it may take the rest of her days in order to finish the precise tasks of writing the laws with stars. Unfazed, she already knows the stakes of her worldly goals and continues about her work. Coyote though, grows even more impatient and tosses all the stars into the sky, allowing them to sprinkle sporadically throughout the night sky. The First Woman is devastated and concludes that future generations of people will never know the laws and forever walk confused by the stars in the sky.
The book is a very easy read, with a sentence or two per page and an illustration or two to help give the reader a visual for the story. The illustrations are simple in lines and shapes, and the rich saturated color schemes appear to pay homage to classic Navajo art. The design and placement of the illustrations give for a more elegant look as all illustrations are framed within a white border, giving them a portrait-esque and classical feel. Some of the artwork also spreads into a two page widescreen look for dramatic effect.
While the book itself feels like a Native American folktale, the truth is that it was written and illustrated by two Caucasian women; however, the introduction page of this book helps give credence to the folktale by explaining that it is in accord with a retelling by Hosteen Klah, a great Navajo medicine man. In this sense, if it's true, then transcribing it into a picture book helps preserve the folktale and history of the Navajo people and that is admirable.
Due to the length of the story and ease in vocabulary, I would recommend that this book be read to young children (aged 4-8) by their parents and/or educators and can be read independently by K-3 grade students.
July 13, 2019
I was going to a powwow and planned to read this the same day.
The word hosteen was used at the front of the book, saying this is a retelling of a legend told to the Navajo Indians by Hosteen Klah, their medicine man, at the beginning of the 20th century. When I read The Big Wander recently I learned ‘Hosteen’ is a respected title for elders.
The First Woman and First Man sounded like Adam and Eve. It was interesting to see a Native American version of that.
She wanted to write their laws in the sky so everyone could read them. The First Man suggests she write them in the sand, but the wind would blow them, and then he tells her to write them in the waves, but she said they would wash away as soon as she wrote them. He finally suggests she use her jewels (stars) to write them in the sky.
It was fanciful to think she had a blanket of stars and used them to write laws into the sky.
Coyote shows up and asks what she's doing. She says she's writing the laws so everyone could read them; if everyone can see the laws, there wouldn't be any confusion. It was humorous when he grumbled "this is slow work."
When asked if there was a faster way to do it, she said what's even half as important as writing the laws?
Their people would see them before going into their hogans at night, young mothers would sing them to their kids, and warriors off fighting would look up and see them.
I loved the line: “the lonely warrior, crouching in an unknown country, will look up and warm himself by them.”
Even without reading the synopsis, how Coyote messes things up, I knew Coyote would do something mischievous or evil, because Coyote is known for being a trickster.
After offering to help her, he becomes impatient with how long their job is taking, because there are so many stars. She thinks she'll be writing their laws every night for the rest of her life. That doesn't sit well with Coyote, and he tosses her blanket of stars into the sky.
I thought she would somehow be able to fix it, and I was waiting for that. So I was really surprised when it couldn't be undone, and there was no fixing Coyote's misdeed.
My reaction to the last line was what?! I couldn’t believe that’s the way the book ended. I flipped the page to find that was indeed the last page.
If I’m confused by this I can only imagine how kids would feel.
‘The people rose and went about their lives, never knowing in what foolish haste Coyote had tumbled the stars…never knowing the reason for the confusion that would always dwell among them.’
What confusion? Confusion about what? I think you needed to spell out exactly what confusion you meant.
It further resembled Adam and Eve, how Eve ate the apple and that's how sin came into the world. And in here, the world was cast into confusion when the stars were thrown into the sky by Coyote.
This was probably my least enjoyed Native American legend, or at least the retelling.
I almost wanna give it 1.5 stars.
The word hosteen was used at the front of the book, saying this is a retelling of a legend told to the Navajo Indians by Hosteen Klah, their medicine man, at the beginning of the 20th century. When I read The Big Wander recently I learned ‘Hosteen’ is a respected title for elders.
The First Woman and First Man sounded like Adam and Eve. It was interesting to see a Native American version of that.
She wanted to write their laws in the sky so everyone could read them. The First Man suggests she write them in the sand, but the wind would blow them, and then he tells her to write them in the waves, but she said they would wash away as soon as she wrote them. He finally suggests she use her jewels (stars) to write them in the sky.
It was fanciful to think she had a blanket of stars and used them to write laws into the sky.
Coyote shows up and asks what she's doing. She says she's writing the laws so everyone could read them; if everyone can see the laws, there wouldn't be any confusion. It was humorous when he grumbled "this is slow work."
When asked if there was a faster way to do it, she said what's even half as important as writing the laws?
Their people would see them before going into their hogans at night, young mothers would sing them to their kids, and warriors off fighting would look up and see them.
I loved the line: “the lonely warrior, crouching in an unknown country, will look up and warm himself by them.”
Even without reading the synopsis, how Coyote messes things up, I knew Coyote would do something mischievous or evil, because Coyote is known for being a trickster.
After offering to help her, he becomes impatient with how long their job is taking, because there are so many stars. She thinks she'll be writing their laws every night for the rest of her life. That doesn't sit well with Coyote, and he tosses her blanket of stars into the sky.
I thought she would somehow be able to fix it, and I was waiting for that. So I was really surprised when it couldn't be undone, and there was no fixing Coyote's misdeed.
My reaction to the last line was what?! I couldn’t believe that’s the way the book ended. I flipped the page to find that was indeed the last page.
If I’m confused by this I can only imagine how kids would feel.
‘The people rose and went about their lives, never knowing in what foolish haste Coyote had tumbled the stars…never knowing the reason for the confusion that would always dwell among them.’
What confusion? Confusion about what? I think you needed to spell out exactly what confusion you meant.
It further resembled Adam and Eve, how Eve ate the apple and that's how sin came into the world. And in here, the world was cast into confusion when the stars were thrown into the sky by Coyote.
This was probably my least enjoyed Native American legend, or at least the retelling.
I almost wanna give it 1.5 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2024
Feeling cosmic? Then get ready for a Navajo tale that is likely far more than a "legend."
Before I get into my review of the book itself, I would like to put in a word for honoring RELIGIONS that are not Christian. Or otherwise big time, approved religions that are sacred to billions of people.
By contrast, what is A LEGEND? According to a dictionary definition, a legend is "a traditional story sometimes popularly regarded as historical but unauthenticated."
An example would be the legend of Paul Bunyan.
SHAMEFULLY, THIS STORY FROM NAVAJO RELIGION IS BILLED AS A "LEGEND."
I don't think so.
Goodreaders, whether you loved legendary Mr. Bunyan or not, I doubt that his story is sacred to you. Nor will his legend reveal the mysteries of the universe, as is believed by the Navajo people.
So let's make no mistake. Navaho religion may not be your path, but it deserves our respect. Not our jokey attempts to make it acceptable to the rest of the U.S.A. And don't even get me started about the aspect of cultural appropriation!
IN THIS BEAUTIFULLY ILLUSTRATED PICTURE BOOK
First Woman attempted to write the laws of the land. Her method involved using the stars in the sky.
However, Coyote, THE Trickster, messed up her plan. Read through this FIVE STAR story and you will learn the details.
Before I get into my review of the book itself, I would like to put in a word for honoring RELIGIONS that are not Christian. Or otherwise big time, approved religions that are sacred to billions of people.
By contrast, what is A LEGEND? According to a dictionary definition, a legend is "a traditional story sometimes popularly regarded as historical but unauthenticated."
An example would be the legend of Paul Bunyan.
SHAMEFULLY, THIS STORY FROM NAVAJO RELIGION IS BILLED AS A "LEGEND."
I don't think so.
Goodreaders, whether you loved legendary Mr. Bunyan or not, I doubt that his story is sacred to you. Nor will his legend reveal the mysteries of the universe, as is believed by the Navajo people.
So let's make no mistake. Navaho religion may not be your path, but it deserves our respect. Not our jokey attempts to make it acceptable to the rest of the U.S.A. And don't even get me started about the aspect of cultural appropriation!
IN THIS BEAUTIFULLY ILLUSTRATED PICTURE BOOK
First Woman attempted to write the laws of the land. Her method involved using the stars in the sky.
However, Coyote, THE Trickster, messed up her plan. Read through this FIVE STAR story and you will learn the details.
March 10, 2018
Navajo Myth/Legend- Related Motif Sacrifice
Oughten, Jerrie and Lisa Desimini. How the Stars Fell into the Sky (1992). This is a story about how the stars in the night sky came to be. First Woman and First Man oversee the people of the land. They decide that the people need to know the laws. First woman decides to sacrifice her jewels and use them to write the laws across the sky to be seen each evening. She began the painstaking process of filling up the night sky when the trickster coyote joins her and offers her help. First Woman explains to Coyote that it must follow an exact path and that she is willing to sacrifice her time, as long as it takes. As the night goes along coyote becomes restless and impatient- he flings all the jewels into the sky in disarray. This action leads to the notion that the world is sometimes in disarray and unorderly, yet it is not the people's fault because they cannot read the laws. Oughten does a wonderful job of keeping pace and varying the text to keep the reader interested and involved. Desimini illustrates the story with bold, deep, rich colors. The illustrations are framed and the frames are varied- almost like a graphic novel to indicate the passage of time. The Navajo influence is clearly celebrated in this retelling of the myth and through the illustrations. Ages 4-8 for a simple read aloud, this can be used to compare different stories of creation for upper grades depending on the purpose.
Oughten, Jerrie and Lisa Desimini. How the Stars Fell into the Sky (1992). This is a story about how the stars in the night sky came to be. First Woman and First Man oversee the people of the land. They decide that the people need to know the laws. First woman decides to sacrifice her jewels and use them to write the laws across the sky to be seen each evening. She began the painstaking process of filling up the night sky when the trickster coyote joins her and offers her help. First Woman explains to Coyote that it must follow an exact path and that she is willing to sacrifice her time, as long as it takes. As the night goes along coyote becomes restless and impatient- he flings all the jewels into the sky in disarray. This action leads to the notion that the world is sometimes in disarray and unorderly, yet it is not the people's fault because they cannot read the laws. Oughten does a wonderful job of keeping pace and varying the text to keep the reader interested and involved. Desimini illustrates the story with bold, deep, rich colors. The illustrations are framed and the frames are varied- almost like a graphic novel to indicate the passage of time. The Navajo influence is clearly celebrated in this retelling of the myth and through the illustrations. Ages 4-8 for a simple read aloud, this can be used to compare different stories of creation for upper grades depending on the purpose.
April 12, 2021
"How the Stars Fell into the Sky" is a Navajo folklore legend. This book is for students ages 4-7 years of age. this book retells the story of the First Woman who is trying to write the laws of the land using the stars in the sky. The problem occurs when she is tricked by the Coyote. The plot unfolds as the First Woman tries to inform the natives of the laws of the land, she decides that she is going to use the stars because the sand will blow away, and the laws will not be visible on the water, she has gotten off to a good start when the coyote comes along and ruins the process. The illustrations and the color are captivating as they recreate the images for you as you journey along thru the story. I believe that the illustrations that are created will draw the attention of a young readers, to spark an interest in the story the story itself may need to be explained or broken down so that is seems more practical. This book could be used when teaching a lesson on social skills involving friends or those we acknowledge as friends. This book would be great to explain that just because a person wants to be your friend, they do not always have the greatest of intentions so although you may be disappointed use it as a life lesson.
Read
October 7, 2020Genre: Legend
Awards: Bank Street College Children’s Book Award
Source: Townsend Memorial Library
Audience: PreK - 3rd grade
How are the main characters described?
The two main characters in this story—the first woman and the coyote are described as two opposites. The first woman is described as hardworking and patient while the coyote is described as impatient and careless.
What other version of this story are you familiar with?
I am not familiar with any other version of this story other that the Biblical account of creation.
Would you use this story for storytelling to a child/group? Why or why not?
I would use this story for storytelling because it is an excellent way to introduce other cultures and beliefs without any negative influence. This story is beautifully illustrated and it reflects the legend that was told to the Navajo indians.
Awards: Bank Street College Children’s Book Award
Source: Townsend Memorial Library
Audience: PreK - 3rd grade
How are the main characters described?
The two main characters in this story—the first woman and the coyote are described as two opposites. The first woman is described as hardworking and patient while the coyote is described as impatient and careless.
What other version of this story are you familiar with?
I am not familiar with any other version of this story other that the Biblical account of creation.
Would you use this story for storytelling to a child/group? Why or why not?
I would use this story for storytelling because it is an excellent way to introduce other cultures and beliefs without any negative influence. This story is beautifully illustrated and it reflects the legend that was told to the Navajo indians.
September 17, 2018
I thought this book was really interesting the story was very fun and engaging. The pictures are also very well done and I think will find them interesting. It's one of those fun books that gives a different perspective on things and will encourage children to use their imagination. I also really enjoyed the vocab used through out the book. It gives room for teachers to begin teaching some bigger words since they are being used in context.
I do think this is a book for older grades such as fourth and fifth just because of the large vocab and because it does require a little more of an imagination than what a first grader might have. Overall this book could be a really fun to use when teaching a lesson about traditional literature and fantasies.
I do think this is a book for older grades such as fourth and fifth just because of the large vocab and because it does require a little more of an imagination than what a first grader might have. Overall this book could be a really fun to use when teaching a lesson about traditional literature and fantasies.
February 21, 2019
Awards: None
Grade level :K-3
Summary: Follow the Navajos’ story of how the stars became to be. First Woman wanted to arrange the sky in a way to share understandable laws and order yet the Coyote was not patient and threw all of the stars into the sky. This is why there is so much confusion in the world.
My Review: I recommend this book because it teaches about the Native Americans. There is also a message of letting people do their own work and careful planning/taking your time is good. I love how short it is too.
In Class: This would be a perfect book to read while learning about the Native Americans. Each tribe has different mythologies and it’s so neat to learn about them. This book can also be read to introduce astronomy and how different cultures view the sky.
Grade level :K-3
Summary: Follow the Navajos’ story of how the stars became to be. First Woman wanted to arrange the sky in a way to share understandable laws and order yet the Coyote was not patient and threw all of the stars into the sky. This is why there is so much confusion in the world.
My Review: I recommend this book because it teaches about the Native Americans. There is also a message of letting people do their own work and careful planning/taking your time is good. I love how short it is too.
In Class: This would be a perfect book to read while learning about the Native Americans. Each tribe has different mythologies and it’s so neat to learn about them. This book can also be read to introduce astronomy and how different cultures view the sky.
October 20, 2022
How The Stars Fell Into The Sky, a partial creation tale from the Navajo Nation.
This was such a cute read! First of all, it shows an interesting dynamic between First Man and First Woman. And (no spoilers!) First Woman's level of patience and care for the population of the newly created Earth. It's a good short read, perfect for little ones who you're reading to sleep. And it has the bonus of sharing how all Peoples have their stories and how we don't have to limit the books we read to our kids to those from our country/culture of origin.
If you've got kiddos or spend time with kiddos, 10/10 recommend
This was such a cute read! First of all, it shows an interesting dynamic between First Man and First Woman. And (no spoilers!) First Woman's level of patience and care for the population of the newly created Earth. It's a good short read, perfect for little ones who you're reading to sleep. And it has the bonus of sharing how all Peoples have their stories and how we don't have to limit the books we read to our kids to those from our country/culture of origin.
If you've got kiddos or spend time with kiddos, 10/10 recommend
March 29, 2021
The scattered stars represent life's confusion and disorders. This might be a topic that is too deep for students (Kindergartens I might work with) but I think students would enjoy it. It allows for students to hear different ideas from their own with an interesting story.
April 11, 2025
The story had possibilities, but the ending didn’t seem right. I chose the book because of the illustrator,Lisa Desimini. It was because of her illustrations that I rated the book as high as o did. They are great!
March 25, 2018
Wonderfully told Navajo myth of the early days of creation with the snake to eve replaced by the trickster coyote. Gorgeous illustrations too.
April 4, 2018
This book would be ideal for a lesson focusing on different origin stories. It will also add that multicultural aspect to your classroom, since it is a Navajo legend. The illustrations are beautiful and definitely adds to the content. My only issue with this book is how it ends abruptly.
April 28, 2018
Interesting moral -> what is half so important as writing the laws of the people? And actions done in haste can sow destruction.
November 11, 2018
An utterly arresting retelling of a poignant Navajo folk tale. I love it!
August 29, 2019
A lovely children's book with beautiful illustrations. My five year old very much enjoyed it.
Read
December 11, 2019 Behind a low tree Coyote crouched, watching her as she crafted her careful mosaic on the blackberry cloth of night.
What does blackberry cloth refer to in this sentence?
What does blackberry cloth refer to in this sentence?
May 25, 2020
I rather liked this story. The art work was also impressive.
https://letterstocassiandotherfolks.b...
https://letterstocassiandotherfolks.b...
October 29, 2020
This story is awesome
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November 17, 2020
Legend from the Navajo telling how the star's in the sky came to be.
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