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Totem: Spirit Animals of Ancient Civilizations
From cats to crocodiles, lions to eagles-- discover the animals that were important to ancient civilizations and their mythologies.
Ancient cultures regarded animals as emblems of power and magic. An array of animals helped shape entire societies and religions. Now, this boldly inventive book helps young readers grasp just how important animals were to those that came before us. Each civilization is depicted in double-page spreads that feature captivating drawings alongside informative texts. As readers travel from culture to culture, they will learn the ways animals have been worshiped, feared, and mythologized. They can explore how Native Americans believed eagles had control over nature, how Greek gods turned themselves into animals, why oxen are considered holy in India, and what dogs meant to the Inuit. From ancient Persia and Japan to Viking and Mayan civilizations, this absorbing book combines art, mythology, and natural history to shine a light on the vital interplay between human and animal. Enlightening and world-expanding, this book will change the way kids think of the animals who share our planet.
Ancient cultures regarded animals as emblems of power and magic. An array of animals helped shape entire societies and religions. Now, this boldly inventive book helps young readers grasp just how important animals were to those that came before us. Each civilization is depicted in double-page spreads that feature captivating drawings alongside informative texts. As readers travel from culture to culture, they will learn the ways animals have been worshiped, feared, and mythologized. They can explore how Native Americans believed eagles had control over nature, how Greek gods turned themselves into animals, why oxen are considered holy in India, and what dogs meant to the Inuit. From ancient Persia and Japan to Viking and Mayan civilizations, this absorbing book combines art, mythology, and natural history to shine a light on the vital interplay between human and animal. Enlightening and world-expanding, this book will change the way kids think of the animals who share our planet.
- GenresPicture Books
36 pages, Hardcover
Published October 22, 2019
13 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
May 6, 2019
Les dessins de cet album sont très particuliers, avec un design assez carré mais aident beaucoup pour imaginer les différents totems du monde ! Toutes les mythologies sont évoquées, des plus connues à d'autres que je n'ai jamais vues ! J'ai adoré découvrir les animaux totems de chaque pays, certains se retrouvent de pays en pays, mais avec des significations totalement différentes !
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June 3, 2024
Loved the artwork. It did inspire me to draw a bit. I wish the text was a bit more informative. I am also a bit disappointed that the book did not manage to keep the promise made in the intro (it failed to say why cows are worshiped in India).
September 22, 2022
Hermosas ilustraciones me encantaron, me hubiera gustado más texto e info por eso la calificación, pero aún así me gustó mucho
August 5, 2020
-The Reading Rush book four, 'read outside your house' challenge!
I chose this book because it was super short and thus I could read it outside in the California summer heat.
This book was lovely! It highlighted so many different ancient cultures. I like how the book was educational but palatable for young readers. I would have loved this when I was little.
My imagination was sparked and curiosity peaked to learn more about these cultures.
I chose this book because it was super short and thus I could read it outside in the California summer heat.
This book was lovely! It highlighted so many different ancient cultures. I like how the book was educational but palatable for young readers. I would have loved this when I was little.
My imagination was sparked and curiosity peaked to learn more about these cultures.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews