Echoes of the Elders: The Stories and Paintings of Chief Lelooska with CD

A famous Northwest Indian storyteller and his artistic contributions are immortalized in this beautiful collection of tribal folk stories. As a result, the package is as much a tribute to the late Chief Lelooska, who was adopted into the Northwest Kwakiutl Nation tribe, as it is a book for young children. (There's even a CD featuring Chief Lelooska's voice reading the stories.) Entering the book can be a bit slow-going, since it's overloaded with dedications and introductions. Skip them, and aim straight for "The Old Owl Witch," a fingernail-chewing tale that speaks to the tragic fate of a clan of insistently naughty children. Or open up to "The Boy and the Loon," a tale that rewards a sickly boy for his compassion when he meets an ailing loon. In fact, any story can be a starting point, since they are all rich with fablelike morals and tribal symbolism. Although the red, black, and ochre illustrations are stunning, the book's design seems overburdened with the addition of tiny tribal images randomly printed into the text. But children won't care. And besides, the extraneous touches are no doubt a result of the enthusiasm that the publisher felt for the words and images of Chief Lelooska, a beloved elder who devoted most of his life to reviving and preserving the culture of the Northwest Coast Indians. Those who enjoy this book will want to investigate Spirit of the Cedar People, an equally memorable collection of Lelooska's stories and artwork. (Ages 7 and older) --Gail Hudson