Comments on: Legend of the Petoskey Stone

By: Suzanne C. Bowman

Suzanne C. Bowman — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 14:26:37 +0000

This book is informative whether for a child or an adult. Included this in a gift basket for an adult along with other products from the Petosky, MI area. Well received.
Rating: 5 / 5

By: Michelle Steger

Michelle Steger — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 13:16:09 +0000

I am originally from Petoskey and my mother bought this book for my daughter (along with some Petoskey Stones) for her to learn a little about the history of the area and state stone. This is a great book for anyone, especially any Michigander! The illustrations are beautiful!
Rating: 5 / 5

By: Thomas O. Holmes

Thomas O. Holmes — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 12:42:42 +0000

this book tells a white man’s version of an Indian legend which simply does not exist. It prolongs the white mans view of history. It tells of a white man who marries an Indian Princess and becomes a chief. there are no Princesses in Indian culture and no chiefs either. and Indian women did not go into huts and give birth to a white man’s son, whom he could name Petoskey. geez.

Don’t let your children read this book and continue the racist view of native americans.

Rating: 1 / 5

By: mcHaiku

mcHaiku — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 11:02:38 +0000

In northern Michigan a town AND a rock are named for the Ottawa Indian chief, Petosegay. He was born in the late 1800s to a native princess & a French fur trader. His parents nurtured him in the wilderness & saw him thrive into manhood. Kathy-jo Wargin’s story is one children will love to hear, and later read aloud because the descriptions of harmonious living in the wild, natural surroundings are so appealing. Her series of books about area folklore is a gift to readers everywhere.

“Nick” van Frankenbuyzen’s paintings are strong and depict beautifully the life of the one named for “the rays of the rising sun.” The stones around which the legend grew are truly unique and were formed from petrified coral millions of years ago . We are fortunate to have an author celebrating these legends – - a different kind of fantasy for children today. She also offers a bonus by adding a page of instructions for polishing the rocks you are lucky enough to find!

Reviewer mcHAIKU suggests that parents hunt for vacation destinations that allow their kids glimpses of history & their forebearers’ courage, especially if they can hold in their hands lovely patterned Petoskey stones.
Rating: 5 / 5

By: NotATameLion

NotATameLion — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 08:27:02 +0000

I just picked up my shiny new plastic-covered copy of The Legend of the Petoskey Stone from the library today (sorry Sleeping Bear Press & Amazon--no $$$ right now). I have to say that this is the first truly great entry in the "Legend of" Series. It is also my favorite of the stories.

Story is big here. Petoseygay's story is told with haunting beauty and a lyrical simplicity. And, unlike the Legend of Sleeping Bear (my previous favorite in the series), it will not cause clinical depression.

I also feel that Gijsbert van Frankenhuyzen ($10 to the first person who can say this man's name five times fast) has done his best work of the series in this book. He not only sets up a distinct visual world for the story, he makes each illustration wonderful and unique. My favorite is the picture of "where bears walked beside the flowing waters."

My son exclaimed "I see the bear."

The Legend of the Petoskey Stone is the strongest entry yet in a very strong series. The great storytelling, beautiful images, and uplifting message are well worth the time spent reading. This reviewer hopes that Mrs. Wargin has many more "Legends of" left in her.

I give The Legend of the Petoskey Stone my highest recommendation.

Rating: 5 / 5