How We Saw the World

by C.J. Taylor

All peoples have their own stories of how the Earth was created, what separated the land from the seas, and how the many animals, fish, and other creatures came to have their particular characteristics. The native tribes of North America are no different: they too have stories about the “way things began.” A fascinating collection of tales that explain the origins of tornadoes, forest fires, butterflies, horses, Niagara Falls, why dogs are our best friends, and even a very funny story of why owls and rabbits look the way they do.

32 pages, Paperback

First published August 12, 1993

Reviews

[Karl]

Taylor (Mohawk) is a collector of stories. She retells them and lists her sources. She also gives history on the nations whose stories these are. What I would like to have seen was an acknowledgement of her travels to these 9 communities to offer tobacco and to ask for permission to retell. It appears that these stories have been taken from anthropological history books some from native authors some not. This is my second Taylor book tonight and I have 3 more to read tomorrow and I’m getting a sense of her style, approach, a mission but I’m not entirely convinced it’s authentic despite her Mohawk heritage. Great paintings though.

[Lu]

I like the story “why rabbits and owls look the way they do”. It made me laugh. The illustration for it is great too.

“The first tornado” story was interesting.

I love the flying head from “why the dog is our best friend”. The illustrations is fabulous. It’s like a beautiful giant fanged fire troll.

[Piers Hill]

A wonderful collection of Stories with stunning art for each.

8/10

[Jeffrey]

Fine collection of First Nations creation stories with amazing illustrations!