The Legend of the Petoskey Stone (Legend (Sleeping Bear))

Rating:
Summary: THE BEST OF THE 'LEGEND OF' BOOKS SO FAR
Review: I just picked up my shiny new plastic-covered copy of The Legend of the Petoskey Stone from the library today (sorry Sleeping Bear Press & Amazon--no $$$ right now). I have to say that this is the first truly great entry in the "Legend of" Series. It is also my favorite of the stories.

Story is big here. Petoseygay's story is told with haunting beauty and a lyrical simplicity. And, unlike the Legend of Sleeping Bear (my previous favorite in the series), it will not cause clinical depression.

I also feel that Gijsbert van Frankenhuyzen ($10 to the first person who can say this man's name five times fast) has done his best work of the series in this book. He not only sets up a distinct visual world for the story, he makes each illustration wonderful and unique. My favorite is the picture of "where bears walked beside the flowing waters."

My son exclaimed "I see the bear."

The Legend of the Petoskey Stone is the strongest entry yet in a very strong series. The great storytelling, beautiful images, and uplifting message are well worth the time spent reading. This reviewer hopes that Mrs. Wargin has many more "Legends of" left in her.

I give The Legend of the Petoskey Stone my highest recommendation.



Rating:
Summary: Sun-Burst Rocks Tell a Story
Review: In northern Michigan a town AND a rock are named for the Ottawa Indian chief, Petosegay. He was born in the late 1800s to a native princess & a French fur trader. His parents nurtured him in the wilderness & saw him thrive into manhood. Kathy-jo Wargin's story is one children will love to hear, and later read aloud because the descriptions of harmonious living in the wild, natural surroundings are so appealing. Her series of books about area folklore is a gift to readers everywhere.

"Nick" van Frankenbuyzen's paintings are strong and depict beautifully the life of the one named for "the rays of the rising sun." The stones around which the legend grew are truly unique and were formed from petrified coral millions of years ago . We are fortunate to have an author celebrating these legends - - a different kind of fantasy for children today. She also offers a bonus by adding a page of instructions for polishing the rocks you are lucky enough to find!

Reviewer mcHAIKU suggests that parents hunt for vacation destinations that allow their kids glimpses of history & their forebearers' courage, especially if they can hold in their hands lovely patterned Petoskey stones.