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Four Corners of the Sky: Creation Stories and Cosmologies from Around the World
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Four Corners of the Sky: Creation Stories and Cosmologies from Around the World
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by Steve Zeitlin and Chris Raschka
Sales Rank : 761652
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Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 144 pages
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. BYR; 1st edition October 15, 2000
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0805048162
ISBN-13: 978-0805048162
Product Dimensions:
9.3 x 6.3 x 0.7 inches
Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
From School Library Journal
Grade 5 Up-Zeitlin introduces 16 cosmologies from ancient cultures, including Maori, Egyptian, Greek, Hebrew, Inca, Jain, Desana Indian, Haitian, Iroquois, Fon, Chumash, and Chinese. Early Western scientific theories as well as contemporary scientific views are noted, and nearly every cultural view is accompanied by a myth about how the universe came to be. Stories with a similar theme, such as the Hindu and Norse beliefs in cycles of creation and destruction, have been grouped together. Each cosmology is accompanied by a brief introduction and a black-and-white illustration based on designs, objects, or artifacts of the culture it represents. Thorough source notes and a further reading list enhance the research value. While there is some overlap here with Virginia Hamilton's more poetic In the Beginning (Harcourt, 1988), Four Corners will be a valuable resource for storytellers, teachers, and students with a serious interest in mythology.
Ginny Gustin, Sonoma County Library System, Santa Rosa, CA
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
Gr. 7-12. "No culture is content just to see and describe its universe--we always want to learn where it came from and where it is going," says the author in his thoughtful introduction to this collection of world cosmologies. Grouped according to common theme ("Between Two Parents, Earth and Sky," "Cycles of Creation and Destruction," etc.), the selections represent a wide range of both ancient and modern cultures and religions: Greek, Maori, Egyptian, Norse, Hindu, Jain, Iroquois, Chinese, and Haitian, as well as an excerpt from the Book of Genesis and a highly readable introduction to the big bang theory. Zeitlin introduces each entry with cultural and historical background, written, like the myths themselves, in powerful, straightforward language that brings a concise simplicity to such broad, abstract concepts. Chris Raschka's stylish, culture-specific graphic designs enliven the text without literally translating the stories. A conclusion calling for tolerance across cultures and extensive source notes round out this intriguing volume that will find wide curricular support. Gillian Engberg
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
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