Bruchac, J. (1993). The first strawberries: a Cherokee story. Ill. by Anna Vojtech New York: Puffin Books. ISBN 0140564098

PLOT SUMMARY

In The First Strawberries: A Cherokee Story retold by Joseph Bruchac gives us insight of how strawberries came about. At the beginning of time there lived a happily married woman and man, until one day they became upset with one another and as a result the wife decided to leave the husband. The husband frantically begins to go after his upset wife, when he comes across the sun who is willing to help the husband reunite with his wife. The sun thought by providing fruit to the man’s wife would help her gain her attention but failed after having raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries, sprout from the ground right before her path. It was not until his final attempt as he illuminated his light where strawberries appeared. She could not believe how wonderful the strawberries tasted and how much they reminded her of the good times she shared with her husband. She thought it was a must to share her significant finding and began to gather strawberries with her husband appeared and apologized on his behalf. In return, she shared the sweet strawberries with him. And that is why and how strawberries came to be.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

In this folklore, you get a real feel how important nature is important to the Native Americans and how it shapes their culture. You have the sun who intervenes and acts as a mediator between the husband and wife. The strawberries are symbolic in this tale, which is to be kind to each other. Illustrations at the beginning of the book gives the readers a solid setting and continues providing that setting all through the book. Nature is depicted on every page.

REVIEW EXCERPT (S)

-HORN BOOK (1994) “The brief, readable story, accompanied by strong and spare illustrations, carries a valuable message about friendship and respect.”

- BOOKLIST (not dated) “A delectable choice for reading aloud, with or without a basketful of wild strawberries to pass around.”

CONNECTIONS

Using this story could help teach theme: be kind to one and other and treat people with respect. The following books could also help teach theme.

Miller, Zietlow. BE KIND. ISBN 9781626723214

Rosenthal, Amy, Krouse. PLANT A KISS. ISBN 0061986755

Zolotow, Charlotte. I KNOW A LADY. ISBN 9780688115197