Two Bear Cubs: A Miwok Legend from California's Yosemite Valley Retold by Robert D. San Souci

Summary

Two Bear Cubs by Robert D. San Souci is an old story from the Miwok Native American tribe of California. It's about two little bear cubs who are playing in the river near their mother. She leaves them to go find some berries and the cubs decide to take a nap because they are worn out from playing so hard. They find a nice boulder in the sun to sleep on and dry off in the hot sun. As they slept the rock grew bigger and bigger, this went on for many days and nights. While the rock was growing, the mother bear noticed her cubs were missing so she started searching for them and couldn't find them anywhere. She got the help of Mother Deer, Badger, Gray Fox, Mountain Lion, and White-footed Mouse but the cubs were no where to be found. Finally, Red Hawk flew down from high in the sky and told Mother Bear that her cubs were at the very top of the mountain fast asleep. Mother Bear got the help of all the animals to try and make it to the top of the mountain to wake up her cubs. No one could make it very far because the mountain was so steep. Even Mountain Lion had a hard time digging her claws in to climb. An inch worm shows up and says that he can get to the top of the mountain to bring the little cubs down and everyone laughed at him. They said if we we can't make it up there than how can a little inch worm do it? But since they had no other option they let him climb. Using the thread that he can spin, he marked a trail for his way back down. It took him many days and nights but he finally made it up to the top and the little cubs were still sleeping. He woke them and when they realized where they were they started to cry. He told them not to worry, he has marked a safe way down. Slowly he helped the cubs climb down the mountain and they were reunited with their mother.

Evaluation

I think this story is a great one to read to kids because it teaches them that it doesn't matter how big or small you are, you can do anything if you set your mind to it. It teaches them not to underestimate someone else based on what you see on the outside. It is a great story and has great illustrations.