TANI'S SEARCH FOR THE HEART by Keith Egawa and Chenoa Egawa

 

TANI'S SEARCH FOR THE HEART

by

Keith  Egawa

illustrated by and Chenoa Egawa

(brother and sister)

 

• Paperback: 40 pages
• Publisher: Keith T.A. Egawa
•  (May 27, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 061576911X
• ISBN-13: 978-0615769110

"Tani is a magical fable whose power lies not just in its wonderfully conceived and illustrated storytelling, but in its essential wisdom."
-Eric Watson, Filmmaker; Pi, Requiem For a Dream, The Fountain

OVERVIEW:

(from Amazon)

Heartbroken over the loss of her beloved grandmother, Tani, a Native American girl of the Coast Salish people, remembers her grandmother’s parting advice to journey into the forest to search for “the heart of all things.” Not knowing if she will recognize the answers she seeks, but certain she must abide by her grandmother’s wishes, Tani embarks on a quest through the wilds of the Pacific Northwest; unexpectedly finding her way into a world of Coast Salish legend, tradition and self-discovery. Struggling with self-doubt, Tani is helped through the challenging terrain of her homeland by the wise animals of the forest, such as Bear, Otter and Salamander, the guiding spirit of her departed grandmother, and the magical Stick Indian, whose presence on the shadowy fringes once inspired fear in Tani. Through each new encounter with the animals along the way, Tani moves closer to reaching her goal and revealing the answers she has always carried within. With each step toward discovering her special place and purpose in the world, Tani’s courage grows in the face of uncertainty; awakening her unique gifts and the collective wisdom shared by her people through generations. As her journey finds her standing on the shores of the Pacific Ocean, Tani comes to learn that the heart of all things can be found in the most unexpected places, from her front doorstep to the distant ocean, with very little space between the questions and the answers. Told in the style of traditional Native American storytelling, this richly illustrated novella shares a subtle environmental conservation message with the reader while exploring the connections between self-confidence, self-reliance and the strength that is found in trusting friendships. Tani’s Search for the Heart reminds us of our valuable connection to our ancestors and the natural world; fostering a growing respect for the people, lands and waters that sustain us all.

AUTHOR AND ILLUSTRATOR

Keith and Chenoa Egawa are a brother and sister writing and illustrating team of Lummi and S'Klallam Indian ancestry. Keith is a published novelist with experience in education reform and social work. His extensive work with families has provided him with both inspiration and insight into his subject matter. In addition to literary readings for adult audiences, Keith has conducted writing workshops for Native youth throughout the US. Chenoa has worked as a professional illustrator, international indigenous human rights advocate, actor, and is a traditional ceremonial leader, storyteller and singer. She was a fellowship recipient from the Institute of Current World Affairs, and traveled throughout Central and South America facilitating communication between indigenous peoples to protect and preserve traditions, languages, and homelands. Chenoa has also worked in the public school system to create programs that teach Native American culture and history, empowering Native youth, and inspiring a broader appreciation for the wealth of traditional knowledge from the First Peoples, to benefit all people of today’s world. 

REVIEW

I found this book a  charming story of a little girl''s search to find the heart of all things.

 Tani is a smart little girl who is loved and taught by her grandmother.  Her grandmother wants her to find her place in  life.  The reader listens in to talks between Tani and her grandmother  Right before her grandmother dies, she gives Tani a journey to go on.  She forgets what her grandmother has told her because she is so sad about losing her grandmother..  Then she  remembers what her grandmother wanted her to do.  Find the Heart, to save her world.  Tani sets out on the journey, but is uncertain what she is really seeking..  I felt this was a wonderful book for readers of all ages.  The ages listed for the book are 6-12 years of age and advanced picture book readers.   It's a book of discovering one's self,  having good morals,  respect for others.  The most important of all is caring when you're not quite sure why.  To me this journey that Tani takes is a journey is a journey we all have to decide for ourselves.  What is right and wrong.  Tani tells the reader what is most important and in a sweet, loving way.
I found the artwork was wonderful.  It added to the story and pictures help the younger children's attention stay focused.  Sometimes, their attention span isn't very long. That is one other thing that is good, the book is not too long , so that the reader becomes bored or tired.  The author wrote a wonderful message for all of us, not just children.
I hope that all parents, grandparents, teachers and just anyone that has children around to get a copy of this book and read it to or with your child.  It not only is fun and interesting. It teaches a wonderful lesson.

I was given a complimentary copy of TANI'S SEARCH FOR THE HEART from the author, Keith Egawa for my view of the book.  No other compensation took place.

I would give this book 5 BUTTERFLIES.

LINKS

bemiown@yahoo.com

http://bemiown.blogspot.com

keithgawa@yahoo.com

http://www.amazon.com/Tanis-Search-Heart-Keith-Egawa/product-reviews/061576911X/ref=pr_all_summary_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1&sortBy=bySubmissionDateDescending