How We Saw the World

Canadian artist and writer Taylor, herself part Mohawk, assembles nine Native American creation myths from a variety of tribal sources--Kiowa, Algonquin, Micmac and Cheyenne, to name several. Explanations of the natural world, these legends explore the cycle of seasons, the origins of various animals, the reasons for such forces of nature as tornadoes. Most are straightforward and serious, but one, a Mohawk myth that describes a mix-up when the Great Creator fashioned the rabbit and the owl, is thoroughly funny. Taylor's staccato storytelling style lends crispness and verve; her somewhat garishly colored, surreal illustrations echo the visionary nature of a culture where the natural and spirit worlds often collide. Ages 8-up. (Aug.)