Wendy's Reviews > Trickster: Native American Tales, A Graphic Collection

Genre: Junior, Graphic Novel

Summary:

This collection of Native American tales brings forth a wealth of history and knowledge, collected from the storytellers that carry on the tradition of preserving the past in the present. Each story shares a different aspect of culture and belief, retelling the stories of the spirits and the people that interacted with them.

In selecting the illustrator that would portray his or her particular story, the storyteller carefully chose the medium to present the tale. The choice of medium, rendering of the characters, and format all contribute to the feeling and presence. Some are more whimsical, while others are ethereal and cast in shadow.

Critique:

As the stories have not been altered to produce a happy ending or conform to Western tradition, they retain their original plot. The trickster, a common element in each story, is sometimes quite successful in fooling others and this less than pleasant ending is not changed to suit the audience. The trickster serves as a note of warning to be vigilant and respectful.

The admonitions that some of the stories provide give insight into the perceptions of Native Americans as they sought to explain their world and create a larger meaning in human existence. In maintaining the character and original storylines, this collection gives a much more authentic view of those perceptions and relates the importance of nature and preservation of tribal ethics.

Positives/Negatives:

The variety of the illustrations brings an additional element of depth and insight into the stories. Dark watercolor drawings make the characters menacing or serious, while cartoon like renderings provide more whimsical, lighthearted views. Saturated color brings a sense of realism and vibrancy to natural settings, bathing them in moonlight or casting them in bright, living tones.

The use of black lines in multiple thicknesses gives movement and definition to the illustrations. Some are used to enhance the text and others provide detail for fur, skin, and feathers, bringing the characters to life on the page.

Examples:

The story of the alligator and how he acquired his brown skin and coloring is cast in vivid, basic colors, using a limited palette to highlight the humorous nature of the tale. While the plot is intended to be quite real, the illustration intimates from the outset the comedic and fun nature on which the story relies.

As some of the stories are intended to explain the natural world, additional details are included at the end to give greater context and explain the moral in detail. For example, the story of the raccoon and the crayfish ends with a look at the lesson learned. “And perhaps all of those who survived also taught their children that it is unwise to be too quick to celebrate their misfortunes of their enemies. For ever since then, no crayfish has ever been seen singing or doing a victory dance again!”

Curriculum Connection:

The relationship between the tribe’s beliefs and the natural world provide multiple stories to investigate. This could include learning about the tribe from which the tale originated, where they were located, and what event or occurrence they were seeking to explain. Gaining broader knowledge about the geography, history of the tribe and the environment in which they lived offers students the opportunity to establish connections between the stories they read and elements that made up the tribe’s world.

In creating a story of their own to describe their world, the students can practice the techniques and writing style used in the book. They can then draw illustrations they feel enhance the character and meaning of the story. Students can first choose an aspect of nature to describe, create a graphic organizer to brainstorm details and elements of the story, and then write multiple drafts before illustrating the story.