The Otter, the Spotted Frog & the Great Flood: A Creek Indian Story, Paperback

Midwest Book Award (MIPA)

Children's Picture

When Spotted Frog tells of a great flood that is about to destroy their homes, all of the animals ignore his warnings, except Listener the Otter. Ridiculed by the other animals, Listener heeds Spotted Frog's predictions and begins to build a raft to try and survive the impending disaster. But will his efforts be enough? This charming children's book warns us to listen to the wisdom of nature and the environment. Based on a traditional story from the Creek Indians of northern Florida and Georgia, this book is retold by award-winning author and storyteller Gerald Hausman, and is brought to life by the powerful images of Ramon Shiloh. This universal tale is imbued with Native American wisdom that is even more prescient now, with the conditions of global warming that threaten our world.

The author of over 70 books, Gerald Hausman is an award-winning writer, editor, and storyteller on North American, Central European, and West Indian folktales. His many books focus particularly on Native American themes and animal mythology. Hausman's work has earned him many honors and awards, and he has also appeared on various television and radio programs. During his thirty-five years as a storyteller, Gerald has entertained children of all ages at such places as the Kennedy Center, Harvard University, St John's College and in schools from one end of the country to the other. Five audio books have come out in recent years and two of Gerald's books have been made into animated and folkloric films. His books have also been translated into a dozen foreign languages and include Turtle Island Alphabet: A Lexicon of Native American Culture and The Image Taker: The Selected Stories and Photographs of Edward S. Curtis. He lives in Tesuque, New Mexico. Ramon Shiloh is an author, illustrator, and public speaker. Born in Northern California, he was highly influenced by his mother, June Le Grand, a broadcaster and Native storyteller. As an advocate of minority issues, he has been active in support of arts programs related to minorities. His contributions to Native youth projects include serving as a mentor for the "Young Native Voices Theater Education Project" in Los Angeles. He has also worked with Rosa Parks and was honored with a certificate of appreciation as a facilitator and storyteller for the Underground Railroad Research Program: A Trail of Tears in 2000. He also wrote and illustrated the educational book Guidance through an Illustrative Alphabet. He lives in Seattle, Washington.