Wild Wisdom: Animal Stories of the Southwest

by Rae Ann Kumelos, Jan Taylor (Contributor)

Native American animal stories embody a living tradition based on a mutually beneficial relationship with the natural world, on that continues to resonate to this day, and one that many of us long to experience. Animals add love, guidance, and joy to our lives. These uplifting stories will entertain and inspire, while celebrating the beauty and importance of the animal human relationship. From Coyote telling us what not to do by doing it, to the healing hum of Hummingbird, to Turkey saving Thanksgiving for everyone but himself, Wild Wisdom captures the connection we all have, regardless of who we are or where we live, to Native animal wisdom.

104 pages, Hardcover

Published August 15, 2016

Reviews

[J · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love Native American stories and the wisdom that they come with so I was really excited to get a chance to read this. Furthermore I was hoping that the book would also include some of the stories that I haven't heard.

First of all the book itself has been illustrated quite beautifully. These pictures are brightly colored, they remind me of Native American artwork and capture the essence of these stories. As a result I have to say that I would highly recommend this book for that reason alone if you are looking for a picture book.

Unfortunately the rest of the book was just so-so for me while it was mainly due to oversight of research. First of all the book states these are Southwestern stories but why was it you found stories from the Lakota (Dakotas region), the Oneida (Canada and northeastern) and the Chumash (coastal California) just to name a few? Furthermore I understand the big place of the Navajo or Dineh people in the region but why couldn't some other Southwestern stories be included as well? And we won't get me started on the incorrect use of buffalo in place of bison.

There were some new tales I hadn't heard of before such as the horses of the Sun, which I thought was really cool, especially with the included illustrations. But in the case of the story in which Bear loses his tail I believed I have heard that particular story before but I cannot place the origins of that particular story and whether it may have been borrowed from the Native Americans or not.

All in all if you can overlook the items I mentioned above and love a beautifully illustrated book for Native American stories then this would be a good starter reader. Just remember that it doesn't live up to its full title....

[Patrycja · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most delightful and sweet book with animals as main characters. Based on Native American Indians tales this book is a collection of short stories about many wild animals and their wisdom. And we can really learn from them. Some of the featured animals are owl, fox, dolphins, deer and many more.
"Animals play a crucial role in inspiring and guiding human beings to embrace our own better natures."
This book is marked as inspirational, but it can be read to kids as well.
It would be much cherished gift for animals lovers as well as Native American Traditions enthusiast.
On top of that the illustrations by Jan Taylor are beautiful and creative. Every page is full of magic and wisdom. This is definitely beautiful book to keep on your bookshelf.

[Lara Miller · Rating 2 out of 5]

A lot of these stories seemed weirdly westernized. In the intro it mentioned that some of the stories would be from indigenous writers, but as I went through them they all seemed to be more "scholarly" works, drawn from stories written down by other scholars, at several removes from the source, in most cases. So, these stories are amusing and well-written, but if you want the real thing you'd probably better go to the source.

[Tatumn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book much more than I did. The illustrations were beautiful and the tales chosen were good ones, but the author's writing style ruined it for me. Lots of run-on sentences and weird, unnecessary updates

[Baudelairecestpasmoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The stories are well told and well illustrated.

[Antoinette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This collection of enchanting animal stories is accompanied by bright illustrations. Perfect for all ages.

[Don Gubler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice collection of Native American animal tales.

[Paul Black · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was delighted by the stories. The art was fantastic!

I think the language was modernized too much:
"You'll be hearing from my guy ..." ("Butterfly", p40)
"As for loving Winter and all that Toil? Not so much." ("Raven", p59)
"Whoa—you are smokin' hot!" leered the foolish young brother. ("Buffalo", p85)

[Zach]

An enchantingly lovely collection of stories, which are culled from a diverse array of primary sources. The retellings are gently done if done at all. The artwork is colorfully alive. As Joseph Campbell reminds us, if we read myths from our own continent we allow for the possibility of its power to work "on us and in us." Also, reading local myths can allow the landscape to become more alive, more symbolic, more connected to the infinite within and without.