The First Strawberries

 Bibliography: Bruchac, J. (1998). The First Strawberries.Ill by Anna Vojtech. Puffin Books. ISBN 978-0-14-056409-9

 

Plot summary

This story gives the “why” of the origin of strawberries through the retelling of a Cherokee folktale. It also teaches the lesson along the way to be kind and treat each other with respect.


Critical Analysis’

This story is a great example of a pourquoi folktale that was originally passed down orally. It follows the story of the first  man and woman. They get into an argument and the man says some unkind words to his wife. She leaves, and he  tries to catch her but is unable to. It is only with the sun’s help, placing the first strawberries in her path, that he reaches her and apologizes. The lesson is to treat others with kindness and respect, and it is told in a very beautiful way.  Anna Vojtech does an excellent job of illustrating the story. She uses natural, earthy colors to pay respect to the Native Americans relationship and respect for nature. She uses perspective to give the illustrations depth and a sense of movement. She also does a great job of depicting the characters’ emotions with facial expressions and body language. The story was beautifully retold and the pictures served to make the book even more engaging.

Review Excerpts

Kirkus Reviews: Complete harmony of text and pictures: altogether lovely. 

Goodreads.com: Luminous paintings perfectly complement the simple, lyrical text.


Awards


Connections


Story could be used at the elementary level as a read-aloud, then followed up by having students write their own story about the origin of another fruit or vegetable.


After reading the story together, have elementary students write down what they think it means to be respectful.


At the secondary level, use as a read-aloud (you’re never too old to be read to), then compare with other origin stories (that you previously read as a class).

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