The Star Maiden: An Ojibway Tale

The author has adapted an old Ojibway tale about a time when fish swam in clear streams, and wigwams and birchbark canoes lined lake shores and ``the earth was rich with everything the people needed.'' One night, a bright star falls from the sky and comes to earth. When a party of braves finds the star, its light makes them afraid, but a vision of a lovely maiden appears and asks to live among the tribal people in a form chosen by their wisest council. They decide that the star should choose any form it likes, and soon the lake is full of water lilies as the star maiden and her sisters find a new home. Finely detailed panel drawings bordered with Native American designs and wildlife imagery enrich this haunting tale. Ages 4-8. (May)