Coyote Steals Fire: A Shoshone Tale

By Northwestern Shoshone Nation and Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation

"Coyote was tired of being cold," begins this traditional Shoshone tale about the arrival of fire in the northern Wasatch region. Members of the Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation developed the concept for this retelling, in collaboration with book arts teacher, Tamara Zollinger. Together, they wrote and illustrated the book.

Bright watercolor-and-salt techniques provide a winning background to the hand-cut silhouettes of the characters. The lively, humorous story about Coyote and his friends is complemented perfectly by later pages written by Northwestern Shoshone elders on the historical background and cultural heritage of the Shoshone nation. An audio CD with the voice of Helen Timbimboo telling the story in Shoshone and singing two traditional songs makes this book not only good entertainment but an important historical document, too.

Sure to delight readers of all ages, Coyote Steals Fire will be a valuable addition to the family bookshelf, the elementary classroom, the school or public library.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0874216184
• ISBN13: 9780874216189
• Release Date: October 2005
• Publisher: Utah State University Press
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 1.00 lbs.
• Dimensions: 11.0" x 0.5" x 8.5"
• Age Range: 8 years and up
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 7

Customer Reviews

Charming!

This brief but beautifully illustrated childrens story is very charming. It is enhanced by a brief history of the NE Shoshone as well as having a CD I have not listened to yet. It is very educational for the little ones as well the adult reader.

authentic

Coyote Steals Fire is a well-researched, authentic folk tale, retold and illustrated with the participation of Shoshone children. The illustrations are charming. The CD, which is included, has a wonderful telling of the story in Shoshone as well as songs, all by Helen Timbimboo, Northwestern Shoshone elder. Wonderful!