Title: Two Bad Boys

A Very Old Cherokee Tale

Author:  Gail E. Haley

Illustrator: Gail E. Haley

Publishing company:  Dutton Children’s Books

Copyright date:  1996

Number of pages:  28
Genre: traditional

      I chose this story because it is a Cherokee tale.  I am part Cherokee Indian and always find it interesting when I am able to find stories from that culture.  I was looking for a traditional tale that was clearly handed down through the generations.  This story fit the bill perfectly.  It is the Cherokee version of the story of Eden.  Two little boys, one good and one bad, are getting themselves into all kinds of mischief.  Their trouble ends up making the whole world have to work harder for their food. 

      The illustrations in this book are done in a sinewy gouache style.  The colors are both vibrant and cool depending on what is happening in the story.  The text type is informal and placed strategically throughout the story.  The words draw the reader’s eye to the part of the picture that may be important.  Many of the lines in these illustrations are textured and give the look and feel of roughness or fur. 

      I would recommend this book most for third through sixth grade.  It does touch a little on what may be a touchy subject to some people; the original sin and the Garden of Eden.  I think that his would be a great book to use to introduce students to new cultures.  It could also be used to get students exploring Native American tales.  I might even use this book to compare and contrast the beliefs of the origins of man on earth, with the older students, of course.  This book could be used during a science lesson on how hard work makes things grow.  This book has no awards at this time.