The Great Ball Game of the Birds and Animals

by Deborah L. Duvall

Overview

When the Animals of the southeastern woodlands challenge the Birds to a game of stickball, two of the smallest Animals are not allowed to play. The Bear, the Deer, and the other big animals think they are too small to compete. In this ancient Cherokee story the little animals find a way to play in the Great Ball Game.

This is a story about courage in the face of adversity, the thrill of the game, and the joy of victory. Teaching the virtues of creativity and determination, it takes us to a magical time when the animals talked and wonderful things happened in our world.

Murv Jacob's beautiful drawings bring the characters of Cherokee legend to life, and Deborah Duvall's dialogue explains the ceremonial preparations and the rules of stickball, a game integral to Cherokee culture that is played enthusiastically to this day.

Visit the authors' website at www.jacobandduvall.com

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780826329134
Publisher:	University of New Mexico Press
Publication date:	08/26/2002
Series:	Grandmother Stories , #1
Edition description:	1ST
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	8.50(w) x 10.00(h) x 0.50(d)
Age Range:	5 - 8 Years

About the Author

Deborah L. Duvall is an author of books and short stories on Cherokee history and tradition, a singer-songwriter, and a professional in financial management. She was born and continues to live in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, capital of the Cherokee Nation.

Editorial Reviews

"Jacob's drawings give life to Duvall's characters as this Cherokee legend takes us through a message of acceptance, diversity, and joy. As the small animals face adversity and then overcome it, we are left with the story for young and old alike."

"The intricate drawings. . will entice any reader, regardless of age."

"This charming book by a husband-and-wife team, illustrated by fine black-and-white drawings that resemble woodcuts, will delight both child and adult."

From the Publisher

PreS-Gr 3-In this Cherokee tale, the animals challenge the birds to a game of stickball. They won't allow two tiny creatures to take part, so the birds accept them and make wings for them. One becomes Bat, and the other becomes Flying Squirrel. Stilted writing and poor plot development mar what could be an engaging story. The introduction of the two little outcasts is jarring and initially confusing, and it's never clear why these characters are playing stickball in the first place. Containing animals dressed in Native regalia, and thereby unintentionally denying Native people their basic humanity, the black-and-white illustrations are static and very dark. It's easier to find Waldo than the two tiny creatures. No source is cited for this tale, and no pronunciation guide for Native names is provided. For a similar story from the Muskogee tradition, try Joseph Bruchac's The Great Ball Game (Dial, 1994), which has superior writing and art.-S K Joiner, Brazoria County Library System, Angleton, TX Copyright 2003 Cahners Business Information.

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