The Cottonwood Sings

PreS-Gr 2–The origin of cottonwood trees is told through this Indigenous tale. Hunku (First Woman) is immortal and surrounds herself with animals and wildlife who love to hear her sing. However, Hunku is very lonely and longs for company. A beaver sees Hunku and falls in love, asking Wakan Tanka (The Great Spirit) to transform him into a man so he can be with her. Wakan Tanka agrees but tells Beaver that at some point in the future he will be transformed back to his natural state. Beaver becomes Takahe (First Man) and marries Hunku. The book goes through the rest of their life together, until eventually Takahe transforms back to Beaver and Hunku, distraught, asks Wakan Tanka to be transformed into a tree on the riverbanks so she can always be near him. The illustrations, rougher than those in the author’s The Day the Earth Rose Up, are done in simple lines with muted colors. The narrative lacks tension, leaving the emotions to the artwork. Still, this is an interesting story to share with young listeners.