A Graphic Collection of Native American Trickster Tales

Though a great many of us have either heard or read Trickster tales (Br'er Rabbit being among the most common to the general readership, while the form is also closely associated with American Indians), this book edited by Matt Dembicki (himself not an Indian) is indeed one of a kind. Though it is jam-packed with Native American trickster tales (mostly involving animals or animal/human beings), what sets this book apart from any other is the format. In place of the text-based rendering of such tales, we get these very stories but set to comic book form.

Though a very interesting concept and a fairly solid collection of graphic shorts, the trickster tale does tend to be a tad overdone (though I get that this is the concept for the book). Most of them are of the "here's how this animal ended up looking this way or that" variety. I'd recommend educators using this book selectively. Teachers can read the book, choose their favorite tales and bring those to class. The alternative is that students would read the whole book and wonder if this is it for Native American writing, which is so not Dembicki's hope for the book: from his "From the Editor" note:

"The point wasn't to westernize the stories for general consumption, but rather to provide an opportunity to experience authentic Native American stories, even if it sometimes meant clashing with Western vernacular.

"I hope this book serves as a bridge for readers to learn more about the original people of this land and to foster a greater appreciation and understanding among all inhabitants" (225).

My particular favorites that I'd so use with middle school readers/writers/artists include "Rabbit and the Tug-of-War"by Michael Thompson and illustrated by Jacob Warrenfeltz, "Rabbit's Choctaw Tail Tale" by Tim Tingle and illustrated by Pat Lewis,  "Giddy Up, Wolfie" by Greg Rodgers and illustrated by Mike Short, and "When Coyote Decided to Get Married" by Eirik Thorsgard and illustrated by Rand Arrington.

Visit cartoonist Dembicki's blog for news on this book: http://matt-dembicki.blogspot.com/.