Description
A Cooperative Children’s Book Center Choice of 2013
Reading Is Fundamental STEAM Collection
Kunu wants to make a pack basket, just like the other men on Indian Island.
But making the basket is difficult, and Kunu gets frustrated. He is ready to give up when his grandfather intervenes. This is not only a story about a family tradition, but also a story about learning to be patient and gentle with yourself.
- A story about contemporary Native American life
- This new paperback edition includes a new Author’s Note about the traditions and importance of basketmaking in Penobscot Nation culture.
Reviews
"Beautifully written and illustrated . . . I hope Lee DeCora Francis writes some more books. She’s got a knack for seamlessly presenting the story without sounding didactic. This is exquisite writing, and I’d love to see more of it." — Debbie Reese, American Indians in Children’s Literature
"Details of Kunu’s home are gracefully juxtaposed with images of baskets from eras past holding fish, berries, potatoes, ferns, and more, suggesting that longstanding cultural traditions can be readily integrated into a contemporary lifestyle." — Publishers Weekly
"Kunu’s Basket is a delightful addition to Tilbury House’s growing list of titles by Native New Englanders that depict modern American Indian lives. This simple story of a contemporary Penobscot boy being encouraged to make his first basket is told and illustrated with accuracy, clarity, and intelligence. It truly should delight not only young children, but people of all ages. It’s not just about the enduring nature of traditional crafts; it also demonstrates the values of patience, family, and perseverance." — Joseph Bruchac, author of Our Stories Remember
