For children fascinated by clever trickster characters and the magic of oral storytelling, this book introduces the legendary Coyote through traditional tales.
A parent might reach for this book when their child is captivated by myths and legends or enjoys a good laugh. It's perfect for a young reader looking for short, satisfying stories that don't require a long commitment. Framed by the warm relationship between an elder storyteller and a young boy, "Uncle Smoke Stories" presents four humorous tales about the legendary trickster, Coyote, from the fictional Nehawka tribe. The stories explore curiosity and resilience through Coyote's clever plans and his often hilarious failures. Ideal for ages 8 to 11, this book is a gentle and entertaining introduction to the oral storytelling tradition and the complex figure of the trickster, all wrapped in a cozy, accessible narrative.
Contains cartoonish slapstick violence, like characters getting bumped or tricked.
Sensitive Topics
The primary sensitive topic is the cultural representation. The author, Roger Welsch, is a non-Native folklorist. He creates a fictional tribe, the Nehawka, which serves to frame these as retellings inspired by his knowledge rather than as authentic, tribally-specific sacred stories. The author's introduction should be read for context. The approach is secular, focusing on morality and humor rather than spirituality. The resolution of each story is a gentle lesson or an explanation for a natural feature.
Ideal Reader
The ideal reader is an 8 to 10 year old who is fascinated by mythology (like Greek or Norse tales) and enjoys humor. They are drawn to clever, imperfect characters who aren't always the hero. It's an excellent choice for a child who prefers short, episodic chapters over a long, continuous plot, or for a reluctant reader who can feel a sense of accomplishment after each short tale.
Parent Prep
Parents should read the author's introduction. It explains his background and his intention in creating the fictional Nehawka tribe. This context is crucial for framing the book as a collection of folkloric retellings, not as an authentic cultural document. Having this conversation can help children understand the difference between inspiration and direct representation. The stories themselves can be read cold. A parent has noticed their child is checking out books of myths from the school library. The child has also expressed an interest in stories about animals that act like people. Or, the parent is looking for a short, funny read-aloud to share that can also spark a bit of conversation about why we tell stories.
Age Experience
A younger reader (8-9) will primarily enjoy the slapstick humor of Coyote's failures and the satisfying explanations for things in nature. An older reader (10-11) will better appreciate the nuances of the trickster archetype, the cleverness in the setups, and the moral lessons about pride, greed, and overconfidence. They may also be more interested in the storytelling frame and the role of elders in passing down stories.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many sterile collections of folktales, this book's key differentiator is the warm, personal framing narrative of Uncle Smoke telling the stories to a child. This makes the book not just about the myths themselves, but about the act of storytelling as a form of connection and tradition. This intergenerational warmth gives the book a unique heart and soul.
Read plot summary
The book is a collection of four stories told by an elder, Uncle Smoke, to a young narrator. The stories feature the trickster figure Coyote from the fictional Nehawka tribe, a group inspired by Plains Indian cultures. The tales are pourquoi stories, explaining natural phenomena. They include how Coyote stole fire for the people, how he was tricked by a turtle in a race, how he got his yellow eyes, and how his nose was flattened.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
In the first story, Coyote is a hero for stealing fire, but in others, he's a fool. Do you think a character can be both a hero and a fool? Why or why not?
2
Uncle Smoke is the storyteller. How does hearing the stories from him, instead of just reading them, change the experience for the boy listening?
3
In the story with Turtle, Coyote loses the race because of his pride. Can you think of a time when being too proud or boastful caused a problem for someone?
4
These stories explain why something in nature is the way it is (like Coyote's yellow eyes). If you wrote a story like that, what animal or part of nature would you explain?
