Título: How the Birds Got Their Songs
Autor: Travis Zimmerman
Sinopse: The Great Spirit challenges all the birds to a contest, and the gift of birdsong is born! This traditional story, told in both English and Ojibwe, explains bird behavior and where humans should go to hear the prettiest of birdsongs.
When Mother Earth was very young and the Great Spirit had created all the beings, he noticed how quiet everything was. As he walked about the earth, listening to the sounds of the animals and the wind and the waters, some birds flying by caught his eye. He knew immediately what he needed to do.
The Great Spirit held a contest so that each bird could earn the song that was just right for its species. He called together all the birds, from the smallest sparrow to the largest hawk, and told them the plan. Each would fly as high in the sky as it could, and when it returned to Mother Earth it would receive its song.
Eagle was certain his strong wings would help him fly highest of all and earn the prettiest song. But he did not know that, while the Great Spirit was talking, the tiny hermit thrush had snuggled into eagle's feathers to take a nap.
All the birds flew and flew, higher and higher, each descending when it was time to return—and each receiving its own special song. But which bird flew the highest? Which one received the prettiest song?
This treasured story, handed down through author Travis Zimmerman's family, features traditional knowledge from the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. Grand Portage descendant Sam Zimmerman's vibrant illustrations showcase his stylized artistry and deep appreciation for feathered creatures. Marcus Ammesmaki's retelling in Ojibwemowin brings the story full circle, encouraging language learners to explore this age-old depiction of our natural world—and inviting all readers to cherish the gift of birdsong.
Contexto da obra
Como livro em inglês, esta obra costuma ganhar também uma camada própria de interesse editorial e linguístico. “How the Birds Got Their Songs”, de Travis Zimmerman, publicado pela editora Minnesota Historical Society Press, em 2024 e com 32 páginas, integra a categoria Livros em Inglês. Por isso, o interesse da obra tende a se ampliar quando o leitor considera também a relação com a língua em que ela circula.
Editora: Minnesota Historical Society Press
Páginas: 32
Ano: 2024-05-07
Edição: Bilingual
Linguagem: en
ISBN: 1681342855
ISBN13: 9781681342856
Sobre a editora
Os livros da editora Minnesota Historical Society Press convidam o leitor a explorar histórias enraizadas em territórios específicos e comunidades locais, especialmente do Upper Midwest americano. A experiência de leitura costuma ser marcada por uma narrativa que combina rigor documental com relatos que valorizam tradições orais, mapas históricos e fotografias, criando um ambiente que remete ao cotidiano e à memória coletiva. O catálogo revela um equilíbrio entre obras que privilegiam a dimensão histórica e outras que adotam um tom mais descritivo e contemplativo, como no caso de relatos de expedições ou estudos sobre a natureza regional. A linguagem tende a ser acessível, mas informativa, com atenção a detalhes culturais, ambientais e políticos, o que pode atrair leitores interessados tanto em história social quanto em aspectos naturais e culturais de uma região.
