Sun Mother Wakes the World: An Australian Creation Story

From School Library JournalBrilliant paintings enfold Wolkstein's retelling of an Australian Aboriginal creation myth. Awakened by a voice, Sun Mother leaves her home in the sky and travels the sleeping earth as grass, plants, and trees sprout in her footsteps. She wakes the dozing animals in their dark caves:first the crawling creatures-grubs, beetles, and caterpillars; next, the lizards, frogs, snakes, and fish; and finally, in the coldest cave, she wakes the birds and animals. She creates a beautiful world, then returns to the sky. Night frightens her creatures, until they discover that it isn't permanent. In time, Sun Mother lets the animals choose their own shapes and attributes: "Platypus could not decide what she wanted. So she chose everything. A beak, fur, webbed feet, and a tail!" Finally, Sun Mother gives birth to a daughter, Moon, and son, Morning Star. They, in turn, give birth to twins, the first woman and man. Sun Mother instructs them to care for the plants and animals, as all share a common home on earth. Though the tale is gracefully told, it is Bancroft's paintings that make the greatest impression. Bold colors and patterns lined with thick, powerful lines draw the eye along each page and bring the story to life. Wolkstein's authoritative notes carefully document her sources, and add insight into the origins of these tales.Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CACopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Product DescriptionAt the beginning of the world, it was dark and silent and nothing stirred anywhere, until a voice roused the sleeping Sun Mother in the sky, telling her it was time to wake up all the creatures of the earth.The indigenous people of Australia believe that their first ancestors created the world and its laws. They also believe that the world is still being created in a continual process they call The Dreamtime. Renowned storyteller Diane Wolkstein has crafted a powerful retelling of an Australian creation story, illuminated by illustrator Bronwyn Bancroft's authentic, beautifully realized paintings.From BooklistPreS-Gr. 2. In spare, rhythmic words, veteran folklorist Wolkstein retells an Aboriginal Australian creation myth that begins "when the earth was asleep." When a "soft voice" tells Sun Mother that it's time, she travels to Earth, leaving a wide path of lush greenery and vibrant animal life in her footsteps. Returning to the sky, she continues to pass over Earth in cycles of light that become day and night. There are final adjustments. Sun Mother allows the animals the free will to choose their own features ("Platypus couldn't decide . . . so she chose everything!"), and she creates Moon and Morning Star, who give birth to the first humans. Wolkstein bolsters her beautifully paced telling with a clear introduction that explains the concept of Dreamtime, and Aboriginal artist Bancroft's swirling, patterned, abstract paintings vibrantly suggest life's astonishing beginnings, from cell and egg to tree and animal. An author's note gives precise, extensive source information. Pair this with Phyllis Root's delightful Big Momma Makes the World (2003)for a multicultural story hour about the beginning of life. Gillian EngbergCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reservedAbout the AuthorDiane Wolkstein has been teaching, performing, and writing for over thirty-five years. She is the author of numerous award-winning books of folklore, including The Magic Orange Tree, and Other Haitian Folktales and Inanna, Queen of Heaven and Earth: Her Stories and Hymns from Sumer. Known for her meticulous research as well as her great range as a performer, Ms. Wolkstein traveled to Australia three times while preparing this story. She gives workshops on storytelling worldwide and lives in New York City. In Her Own Words..."I love stories. They give me strength, Inspiration, courage, and great delight. For thirty years
Author: Wolkstein, Diane

Publisher: HarperCollins

Binding: Hardcover

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0688139159

ISBN-13: 9780688139155