New Releases by James Bruchac

Gluskonba, an Abenaki hero, visits his human friends and finds disaster. The humans are taking advantage of the gift of maple syrup and have let their village go to ruin. Gluskonba teaches humans the importance of community and honoring gifts from the Creator.

See those animal signs on the trail? Was that footprint left by a fox or a wolf? Was that pile of droppings deposited by a moose, a mouse, or a marten? Scats and Tracks of the Northeast will help you determine which mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians have passed your way and could still be nearby. Clearly written descriptions and illustrations of scats, tracks, and gait patterns will help you recognize seventy Northeast species. An identification key, a glossary of tracking terms, and detailed instructions on how to document your finds are also included here. Easy-to-use scat and track measurements appear on each page, making this book especially field friendly and letting you know if a white tailed ptarmigan, a red fox, or even a black bear has been your way.

See those animal signs on the trail? Was that footprint left by a fox or a wolf? Was that pile of droppings deposited by a moose, a mouse, or a marten? Scats and Tracks of the Southeast will help you determine which mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians have passed your way and could still be nearby. Clearly written descriptions and illustrations of scats, tracks, and gait patterns will help you recognize Southeast species. An identification key, a glossary of tracking terms, and detailed instructions on how to document your finds are also included here. Easy-to-use scat and track measurements appear on each page, making this book especially field friendly and letting you know if a white tailed ptarmigan, a red fox, or even a black bear has been your way.

Rabbit’s Snow Dance Master storytellers Joseph and James Bruchac present a hip and funny take on an Iroquois folktale about the importance of patience, the seasons, and listening to your friends. Pair it with other stories about stubborn animals like Karma Wilson’s Bear Wants More and Verna Aardema’s Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People''s Ears. Rabbit loves the winter. He knows a dance, using an Iroquois drum and song, to make it snow—even in summertime! When rabbit decides that it should snow early, he starts his dance and the snow begins to fall. The other forest animals are not happy and ask him to stop, but Rabbit doesn’t listen. How much snow is too much, and will Rabbit know when to stop? The father-son duo behind How Chipmunk Got His Stripes, Raccoon’s Last Race, and Turtle’s Race with Beaver present their latest retelling of Native American folklore. “The telling is sprightly, and Newman''s ink-and-watercolor artwork makes an ideal companion. An appealing addition to folktale shelves.” —Booklist “This modern retelling maintains [the Bruchacs’] solid reputation for keeping Native American tales fresh.” —School Library Journal “The picturesque language makes it a pleasure to read aloud.”—BCCB

Within the pages of BE GOOD author/storyteller James Bruchac recounts one of the most terrifying author visits of his life. A visit that forever changed his views on the power of stories. Having already presented this story to audiences across the country this book represents the first time it has ever been written down. Along with many never before told details readers will also come to understand the great sense of responsibility felt by Mr. Bruchac in spreading the word to all those "not so good kids." If you have ever even thought of being bad you better read this book.

Native American GAMES and Stories Now you can learn to play authentic Native American games! An important credo of Native American life states that you can learn while you play and play while you learn. Readers will be able to pore over intriguing stories, immerse themselves in Native American understandings, and get to play these fun-filled games as they learn how global thought and beliefs can transcend into their own lives. Sample themes, stories, and games: Ball Games and Team Sports; ''''The Ball Players in the Sky'''' (Passamaquoddy); Stickball Bowl Games and Other Games of Chance; ''''Gluskabe Brings the Summer'''' (Abenaki).

An interesting alternative for children who love horror stories. These 12 tales from the Northeast Woodland Native American nations are based on legends and mythical creatures from eight tribes. The authors use their own styles to tell about a wide variety of monsters while remaining as close as possible to the traditions of their ancestors. They have set the stories from "the very distant past to very recent times." Now as in the past, these legends offer entertainment and instruction. In many of them, bravery, clear thinking, and goodness allow the hero or heroine to overwhelm a monster and come to a happy ending. Several cautionary tales are also included, showing the end that can befall disobedient or willful youngsters who fail to mend their ways. Intriguing drawings help to bring the fearsome creatures to life. Each story is accompanied by a brief note of explanation and list of sources. A helpful pronunciation guide is appended. A good addition to any folktale collection, for both individual reading and storytelling sessions.

Tells the story of how Raccoon, the fastest animal on earth, loses his speed because he is boastful and breaks his promises.

Bear brags that he can do anything-even stop the sun from rising. Brown Squirrel doesn''t believe him, so the two wait all night to see if the sun will rise. Sure enough, the sky reddens and the sun appears. Brown Squirrel is so happy to be right that he teases Bear. What happens when a little brown squirrel teases a big black bear? Brown Squirrel gets stripes and is called chipmunk from that day forward . . . Joseph and James Bruchac join forces to create this buoyant picture book, based on a Native American folktale. Illustrated by Jose Aruego and Ariane Dewey.

When Beaver challenges Turtle to a swimming race for ownership of the pond, Turtle outsmarts Beaver, and Beaver learns to share.

Recognizing the widespread American Indian belief that you can learn while you play and play while you learn, "Native American Games and Stories" provides young readers with stories and games that educate and entertain them. Illustrations.