cover image Watakame's Journey: The Story of the Great Flood and the New World

Watakame's Journey: The Story of the Great Flood and the New World

Hallie Love. Clear Light Books, $14.95 (86pp) ISBN 978-1-57416-029-1

This meandering yet accessible retelling of a Huichol Indian creation myth is gloriously illustrated with traditional yarn art by Huichol artists. Reminiscent of Noah's Ark, the story centers on Watakame, a boy living among the animal people who have long neglected the gods. Angered by their disrespect, Nakawe, the goddess of living things, tells Watakame of an impending flood and instructs him to build a boat to escape. Though all other life is destroyed, Nakawe shepherds the boy through his journey. Watakame witnesses the re-creation of plants and animals and learns many lessons from the gods. He in turn, as the first shaman, teaches his descendants--the Huichol--the sacred rituals, ceremonies and skills needed to prosper along with the earth. In a palette of electric colors, the yarn pictures, which continue to be made by Huichol artists in central-western Mexico in the Sierra Madre Mountains, nearly vibrate off of the page. Unfortunately, the reproductions are often somewhat blurry; still, the images retain the tactile quality of the yarn. Youngsters will appreciate these intricate motifs (a glossary of symbols is provided) and stunning colors. Ages 9-12. (Oct.)