The Earth under Sky Bear's Feet: Native American Poems of the Land

This is a beautiful book---both in word and in illustration. I love the visionary idea of Sky Bear's "sensory" journey through the star, her well-known path in the night sky. The timeless, inviting nature of the myth, the land, the stars, the images, and the poems connect readers to something larger than themselves, to something warm and positive...to something that breathes with its own life and pulse.My favorite poem / illustration pair from the book is "The Scattered Stars" (from the Cochiti Pueblo, Southwest) because it reminds me of the book "How the Stars Fell into the Sky: A Navajo Legend" told by Jerrie Oughton, illustrated by Lisa Desimini. Each tells a similar tale whereby curiosity and impatience bring disorganization and confusion to the night sky---save for a few special patterns (constellations) that survive. How clever the Southwest peoples were to develop such an idea to explain the infinite, speckled heavens that opened up above them.I also like "The Seven Mateinnu" poem / illustration pair (Lenape Eastern Woodlands) because it reminds me of the Pleiades stars--one of my favorite star-gazing objects, and I like the story of seven wise men as depicted in the poem rather than seven maidens, which is popular in other world myths.Another notable piece in this book is "The Trail of the Pinon Gatherers," which describes "Sky Coyote, Star Who Never Moves" ---which sounds very much like a description of the North Star, Polaris, which, of course, is a circumpolar star that never appears to move.The book is well-designed, and the poems' text is easy to read (great for eye-glass wearers!) The author's notes at the end of the book are helpful for further reading. All and all, this is a fantastic book to share with any class that studies descriptive astronomy, mythology, legends, folklore, and history. The book teaches respect and appreciation for the night sky as well as respect and appreciation for Native American cultures.

I bought this book for the first time for my grandson at a powwow about 20 years ago. We read it together when he was little and loved it. Somehow it disappeared from my house and I've been looking for a copy ever since. This used copy was in very good condition and had a book plate in the front but no marks or other disfigurement. My grandson was glad to get it and is now reading it to his sons.

This was a wonderful way to introduce my 3rd graders to poetry, cultural legends, and a new group of peoples. What a gift.

Very revealing of the way of the Native American life.

Thoughtful Words provide the paint for the canvas that the illustrator so beautifully filled. This prose was perfect for American natives study at the elementary level in school. Thought provoking.

I ended up with two of these books. Gave one to my Dine-Hopi friend for her children. She was so glad for it. It helped me with a project I am working on for my portfolio from completing a masters in writing and psychology.

This is a beautiful night time story. I am looking for high quality books about Native Americans and this is a great one for younger children. It is a beautiful book with a calm and soothing feel to it. Great for a classroom library or bedtime story.

Beautiful illustrations that will really wow you!

Another wonderful book by Joseph!! He tells the stories in poems and pictures....how did all the stars get into the sky? and what are the Northern Lights doing up there in the sky!? I have really enjoyed Thomas Locker's wonderful paintings....he and Joseph do a wonderful job of entertaining both children and adults!