The First Strawberries: A Cherokee Story

Anger, forgiveness and sweet strawberries - what do they have in common? They are all elements of the wonderful Cherokee story retold by Joseph Bruchac. I love his books! This story of friendship and respect is not lost on the young nor the old who read or hear it. Anna Vojtech's illustrations are beautiful and dreamy and fit beautifully with the words. I think it is a great springboard for explaining to children the concepts of quarreling and reconciliation in relationships.

A wonderful story that teaches a timeless lesson. Everyone married or yearning to be should read it. Now I always get strawberries to follow-up an arguement.

This beautifully illustrated lyrical book is very special. It's story of thoughtless words, anger and forgiveness is told simply, but powerfully. It is a lesson both adults and children can hear over and over. The lush watercolor illustrations are breathtaking. I buy this book as a wedding present, and read it on the last day of classes that I teach, and think of it whenever I bite into a ripe, sweet strawberry.

I love this book both for it's great story and because it is a terrific resource for teachers. It's one of those books (like Where the Wild Things Are or Runaway Bunny) that just grabs kids up and speaks directly to things they are deeply connected to. In this case: inequity, anger and how to deal with those feelings. If you are a teacher (or parent) and want a book that addresses these issues witout being overly complicated or inauthentic - run, don't walk and buy this wonderful book!