The Legend of Mackinac Island

By Kathy-jo Wargin

Book Overview

Legend and folklore of the Great Lakes region tell us that long ago, there was a large great turtle who floated quietly and gently upon a world made only of water--his name was Makinauk.

In this retelling of the legend about the creation of Mackinac Island, the wise and kind painted turtle Makinauk tells his friends Loon, Beaver, and Otter that now was the time to build a beautiful piece of land for all of the animals to rest upon, but that one of them must dive through the depths of the water and bring back a handful of soil to place upon his back. This, said Makinauk, would be the beginning of a brand new world.

First Loon, then Beaver, then Otter make the attempt to bring back the handful of soil to start this new land, but they fail to do so one after another and rest upon Makinauk's back in weary sorrow. When Muskrat swims along and hears of their plight, he too offers to attempt to retrieve the soil. The other animals laugh at small, weak Muskrat, but not wise Makinauk. And as Muskrat takes one long, deep breath, closes his eyes and dives into the water, the rest of the animals wait in anxious doubt to find out whether he succeeds.

A beautiful story of devoted friendship and perseverance.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1886947120
• ISBN13: 9781886947122
• Release Date: April 1999
• Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press
• Length: 48 Pages
• Weight: 1.13 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 9.4" x 11.4"
• Age Range: 7 to 10 years
• Grade Range: Grades 2 to 5

Customer Reviews

A Charming Legend Lovingly Told

This book with Kathy-jo's warming and loving way of telling a legend and the fantastic illustrations is truly a treasure. This is a return to the kind of quality children's books we used to have. It is challenging but readable for young children. It manages to teach loyalty and love while entertaining.

Wonderful retelling, priceless imagery & poetics

I was delighted to see this book available, and even more delighted when I read it. As a professor, I was happy to see that this author shows the tale in the spirit of the old world tales - with simple poetics and vivid emotion. I am an old-fashioned guy, and I have always loved the old stories - this one, although new, is written in the same manner that many stories were written long ago. Bravo!

This book is a work of Art in both ways!

I was very surprised when I picked up this book. The writer did a very good job of telling her version of how Mackinac Island was made. I loved the illustrator, too. The story of the Great Turtle to many children is very fasinating. My grandchildren love me to read it to them over and over again! The Legend of Sleeping Bear Dunes was not as good as this book.

Beautiful! Heartwarming for all ages!

Kathy Jo Wargin came to my son's school. We bought both of her books - this one and The Legend of Sleeping Bear. They are beautiful. She is a wonderful storyteller. At age 7 1/2, our son has read both books several times. We also gave a set to my nieces, age 8. Children and adults, especially Michiganders, will love these books.

super book

The first one was great, the second one I like better . The author has captured the magic of Mackinac Island with her beautiful poetry throughout the legend. The last poem that the turtle says to his friends is the essence of the island. I've read many interpretations of how Mackinac Island was created...Ms. Wargins is a fine one The illustrations are wonderful and the characters are truely captivating. Thanks for another great kids book.