Giving Thanks

October 2, 1995
The flat planes and saturated colors of Printup's highly stylized acrylic paintings form a handsome backdrop to this ancient Iroquois message of thanksgiving, adapted for children by a chief of the Mohawk nation. A salute to Mother Earth and all her beauty, the ``good morning message'' is traditionally delivered at the beginning of each day and at special ceremonies. Its simple, timeless language bears witness to the Native American reverence for the natural world and sense of unity with all living things (``We give thanks to green grasses that feel so good against our bare feet, for the cool beauty you bring to Mother Earth's floor"). The gifts of the earth (``good foods... our life sustainers''; ``Grandfather Thunder Beings'') are richly depicted in paintings of wildlife and bountiful harvests. Horizontal bands of color suggest receding landscapes, pristine skies and oceans. This eye-catching book, a debut for both author and artist, would pair well with Susan Jeffers's Brother Eagle, Sister Sky for a story-telling session. All ages.

November 1, 1995
K-Gr 3-Drawing on Six Nation (Iroquois) ceremonial tradition, the text speaks concise thanks to Mother Earth, to water, grass fruits, animals, to the wind and rain, sun, moon and stars, to the Spirit Protectors of our past and present, ""for showing us ways to live in peace and harmony,"" and to the Great Spirit, giver of all. The simplicity and familiarity of the message do not diminish the moving effect of the lengthening catalog of blessings. At first glance, the art, while colorful and very legible, seems overly conventional; closer inspection, however, reveals an interesting use of pattern in the faces of both humans and animals, variation between distant landscape and close-up still-life composition, and a satisfying buildup of momentum to the dramatic, fire-lit night scene of the final invocation to the spirits. The entire text is reproduced in Mohawk on the last page (without a pronunciation guide, alas). A brief prefatory note makes the very valuable suggestion that the giving of thanks should be a daily, rather than a rare, activity. This book is not just for the ""Native American shelf"": its contribution is more inspirational than ethnographic.-Patricia (Dooley) Lothrop Green, St. George's School, Newport, RI

October 15, 1995
Ages 4^-6." To be a human being is an honor, and we offer thanksgiving for all the gifts of life." So begins this Mohawk message of gratitude for the natural world, broadening a more common practice of giving thanks for material possessions or personal well-being. Chief Swamp (Tekaronianeken) uses simple, direct words to offer thanks for Mother Earth, animals, plants, winds, and the moon and stars. Full-color paintings fill the double-page spreads with images that add strength and vitality to the brief text. A basic version of the text in the kaniakehala (Mohawk) language is appended. A solid multicultural addition for picture-book collections. ((Reviewed Oct. 15. 1995))(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 1995, American Library Association.)