Chia and the Fox Man: An Alaskan Dena'ina Fable
Retold by Barbara J. Atwater and Ethan J. Atwater
Illustrated by Mindy Dwyer
Published March 3, 2020 by West Margin Press
Review
We enjoy traditional literature (folktales, legends, myths, epics, etc.). It inspires imagination, provides a space to evaluate good and evil, and introduces us to other cultures. Chia and the Fox Man portrays frustration and resolution through the Dena'ina lens; we can identify with the boy. The Atwaters' writing incorporates Dena'ina words, adding authenticity to the tale and appealing to a broad audience. Pronunciation guides at the bottom of each page help readers like me not to butcher the language. Back matter teaches readers about the Dena'ina people and their storytelling tradition.
Fox Man is a mythical being whose work involves hammering at a glacier. When an orphaned child discovers that Fox Man's work is causing the storm in the child's village, he steals Fox Man's duguli (axe) in order to prevent the storm from continuing. Fox Man gently confronts the child and learns that the villagers are cold and hungry. The boy returns the duguli, and Fox Man promises that things will get better, which they immediately do. The lesson to "do the right thing" is clear; the boy struggles at first and is rewarded for his honesty and contrition.
T wants me to be sure to include the statement that he likes Fox Man. T really likes him because "he is so cute," and I agree. Dwyer's illustrations of swirling snow with a compassionate Fox Man warm the heart.
The moral of Chia and the Fox Man was reminiscent of a morning "discussion" from last week about wearing the right gear for the weather. Sometimes we have to do things even if we don't want to.
Extra
Treasure by Mindy Dwyer
How Raven Got His Crooked Nose is also by the Atwaters and Dwyer (Review in Spotlight on Traditional Literature)
Note: A review copy was provided by West Margin Press for the purpose of this honest review.
Review
We enjoy traditional literature (folktales, legends, myths, epics, etc.). It inspires imagination, provides a space to evaluate good and evil, and introduces us to other cultures. Chia and the Fox Man portrays frustration and resolution through the Dena'ina lens; we can identify with the boy. The Atwaters' writing incorporates Dena'ina words, adding authenticity to the tale and appealing to a broad audience. Pronunciation guides at the bottom of each page help readers like me not to butcher the language. Back matter teaches readers about the Dena'ina people and their storytelling tradition.
Fox Man is a mythical being whose work involves hammering at a glacier. When an orphaned child discovers that Fox Man's work is causing the storm in the child's village, he steals Fox Man's duguli (axe) in order to prevent the storm from continuing. Fox Man gently confronts the child and learns that the villagers are cold and hungry. The boy returns the duguli, and Fox Man promises that things will get better, which they immediately do. The lesson to "do the right thing" is clear; the boy struggles at first and is rewarded for his honesty and contrition.
T wants me to be sure to include the statement that he likes Fox Man. T really likes him because "he is so cute," and I agree. Dwyer's illustrations of swirling snow with a compassionate Fox Man warm the heart.
The moral of Chia and the Fox Man was reminiscent of a morning "discussion" from last week about wearing the right gear for the weather. Sometimes we have to do things even if we don't want to.
Extra
Treasure by Mindy Dwyer
How Raven Got His Crooked Nose is also by the Atwaters and Dwyer (Review in Spotlight on Traditional Literature)
Note: A review copy was provided by West Margin Press for the purpose of this honest review.
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