Tales of Pacific
By Treena Shapiro
great for parents
to share with kids
Star-BulletinAccessing a culture's legends is often the most enjoyable way to gain appreciation for its history and tradition. When told well, tales of love, courage, foolishness and horror can excite the imagination and inspire readers to search for the history beyond the mythology.
The authors of "Pacific Island Legends: Tales from Micronesia, Melanesia, Polynesia and Australia" sought to do just that in a companion to two fourth-grade textbooks on Pacific area history.
For the most part, they succeeded. The 40-plus legends drawn from numerous Pacific Island sources are memorable tales illustrating the values of each culture.
In "How the Women Saved Guam," disrespect for the land results in drought and famine. In "Turtle and Canoe," pride and greed leads to death by drowning. "K'ow and Buneney" demonstrates the way generosity and kindness are more critical to survival than appearance.
Some of the most powerful stories deal with breaking tradition. In "How the Du-gong Came to Be," a mother saves her newborn child from superstitious infanticide. In "Chief's Day Ends," a young prince risks his life to save his fellow villagers from being the main course at a celebratory feast.
Cannibalism is a prevalent theme. Some stories have mothers craving their offsprings' flesh. For this reason, parents should consider reading the book with or to their children. Parents may also want to be selective about which tales to share as some material may be too explicit for youngsters. For example,the sexual innuendo and bestiality overtones in "Hina and Her Lover Eel" seem a bit mature for the elementary set.
Overall, however, the legends provide a good initiation into the history of the Pacific region. Although designed to accompany more detailed texts, this volume can stand alone.
"Pacific Island Legends" offers parents and children a chance to bond through shared reading and the discussions that will undoubtedly follow.
Pacific Island Legends: Tales from Micronesia, Melanesia, Polynesia and Australia
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