The Journey of Tunuri and the Blue Deer: A Huichol Indian Story

Author: James Endredy
Illustrated by: Mar+???+-?-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+¡a Hern+???-+?+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-índez de la Cruz
Hardcover: 32 page(s)
Age Range: 9 - 12

Book Description:

A contemporary adaptation of an indigenous Huichol teaching tale, illustrated with traditional yarn drawings by Huichol artisans

- Shares the hidden treasures of a nature-based indigenous culture
- A teaching tool for multicultural studies for children ages 6 to 9
- Explains who the Huichol people are and the symbolism of the images used by the artists -?? Full color throughout

The Huichol Indians live in the remote regions of the Sierra Madre Mountains of western Mexico, where geographic isolation has allowed them to retain their culture and spiritual traditions in the face of colonization. Their nature-based way of life makes no distinction between the sacred and the secular, and they express their reverence for the powers of the earth by regarding all elements in nature as family.

The Journey of Tunuri and the Blue Deer is a modern adaptation of a traditional Huichol story depicting a young child finding his (or her) personal task in life by connecting with the powers of nature. The story is told through the experiences of young Tunuri, who becomes lost in the woods. He meets the magical Blue Deer-a messenger between the worlds of mortals and deities-who introduces Tunuri to Father Sun, Mother Earth, and others in the natural world, while leading him back to his human family. Through this lovely tale and the vivid illustrations done in the medium of traditional Huichol yarn drawings, children can learn about their place in the sacred web of life.

Booklist
While traveling with his family to their sacred mountain, young Tunuri follows a beautiful butterfly until he becomes lost in the forest. Then a magical deer appears and takes Tunuri on an enchanted journey to meet Father Sun, Brother Wind, Sister Water, Mother Earth, and finally Grandfather Fire, who explains that Tunuri has met his "nature family" and will never be alone. Based on a traditional Huichol tale and beautifully illustrated with traditional yarn art by contemporary Huichol artisans, Tunuri's journey offers a glimpse into the Huichol culture. Geographically isolated in the remote regions of the Sierra Madre Mountains, the Huichol have retained their nature-based way of life and held on to their cultural and spiritual traditions, believing that their pilgrimages to sacred sites are necessary to keep balance in the world. Information about the Huichol, their sacred symbols, and how the yarn drawings were created closes this inspiring, comforting story, which offers an excellent introduction to a contemporary indigenous culture.

School Library Journal
Tunuri is a young Huichol Indian who strays from his family while on a pilgrimage to the sacred mountain. He is led by a blue messenger deer, or Kahullumari, to Grandfather Fire, who gives him the important task of telling his people about Father Sun, Mother Earth, Brother Wind, and Sister Water. Tunuri becomes the messenger between the spiritual and human families. These people believe that ritual journeys guide their lives and promote balance in the world. The colorful artwork is made from yarn that is applied to a piece of wood, an elaborate process that is a long-practiced art of the Huichol. The illustrations enhance the feel and authenticity of the story. Elaborate notes explain the sacred symbols, who the Huichol are, and how the art was created. A strong addition to folktale collections.