A long, long time ago, when the world was one vast ocean, the creatures of the sea agreed that there should be a place for others that did not live in the water. Turtle accepted that soil brought up from the bottom of the ocean, could be placed on her back and that would form the habitat for non-sea creatures. After many failed attempts, Muskrat managed to come back with a paw-full of soil. This was placed on Turtle's back and became home to the Native American. Some of the many tribes and nations that formed from the first people are described in this, The A to Z Book of Turtle Island. This story, in a variety of versions, is the source of the name, 'Turtle Island' for the American continent. The Wyandotte (Huron) extended version of the Turtle Island Creation legend can be found at; AAANationalArts.com

Discover the amazing story of the Indigenous peoples of the Americas from the end of the Ice Age to the arrival of the Europeans. You'll learn what people ate, how they expressed themselves through art, and how they adapted to the land. Archaeologists have been able to piece together what life may have been like pre-contact-- and how life changed with the arrival of the Europeans.

An alphabet book of traditional Native American symbols.

Unlike most books that chronicle the history of Native peoples beginning with the arrival of Europeans in 1492, this book goes back to the Ice Age to give young readers a glimpse of what life was like pre-contact. The title, Turtle Island, refers to a Native myth that explains how North and Central America were formed on the back of a turtle. Based on archeological finds and scientific research, we now have a clearer picture of how the Indigenous people lived. Using that knowledge, the authors take the reader back as far as 14,000 years ago to imagine moments in time. A wide variety of topics are featured, from the animals that came and disappeared over time, to what people ate, how they expressed themselves through art, and how they adapted to their surroundings. The importance of story-telling among the Native peoples is always present to shed light on how they explained their world. The end of the book takes us to modern times when the story of the Native peoples is both tragic and hopeful.

The Creator gave the Cherokee people a beautiful island with everything they could ever need. It came with only one rule: They must take care of the land and the animals living there. But what happens when the children decide to play with the turtles instead of tending to their responsibilities? The Land of the Great Turtles is a Cherokee origin story that introduces the reader to Cherokee beliefs and values. Written in both Cherokee and English, the book will familiarize readers with the Cherokee syllabary and language.