HOW THE TINY PEOPLE GREW TALL

Lively illustrations buoy this leaden creation tale, which is very loosely based on Native American “emergence” myths. When a group of tiny and timorous people with bean-shaped bodies and long, skinny limbs climbs out of the Earth, Eagle, Bear, Turtle and other friendly animals gather round to show them the land and sky, give them fire and food, teach them how to build houses and to grow corn. Gradually, the little ones grow to human size, gaining confidence (along with clothing) and changing from green to “the deep red color of the Earth.” Walsh sets the gangly newcomers in active, sometimes comic poses, placing them and their naturalistically depicted helpers in a verdant, peaceful natural setting. A confusing final thought from Turtle—that just as people can learn from animals, so too can animals learn from people—caps a tale likely to raise more questions than it answers, but the little folks’ antics and transformation make enjoyable viewing. (Picture book. 7-9)