My Father Once Told Me.
An enchanting children's book that seamlessly blends the art of storytelling with the rich traditions of Native American heritage.
Dedicated to my sons, their imaginations, and their proud Native American heritage.
—Author, Blas Telleria
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A comforting journey through the night sky, down to Earth, and back again.
The book beautifully honors the way stories are passed down through generations, and the majesty of the natural world. — Kirkus Reviews
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Gorgeous retelling of the Great Spirit’s creation of Earth.
Telleria gifts readers with a vision of “the rich tapestry of tribal histories” in this lavish picture book debut. When a young boy asks his father to recount how the world was created one night, his father is glad to share, telling his son “my father once told me… the animals in the stars made it.” Thus begins a breathtaking creation story, centered around a father and son’s nighttime campfire, that draws from nature’s landscape as generations upon generations pass down how the evening stars crafted a living, breathing world.
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Stellar! A Native Nations creation myth told with poetic language, magical illustrations, and love passed down.
Not often do I encounter kids’ books quite as beautiful as this one. I don’t want to exaggerate; don’t want to overdo it, make you think I’m being untrue for the sake of hyperbole. I just really want you and your kids to read this book. — Independent Book Review
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Caldecott worthy illustrations adorn this creation tale influenced by Native American folk stories.
Like the aurora, colorful images dance across the night sky while a father shares fanciful explanations of how oceans, landforms, and wildlife came into existence. Longer than today’s typical PB, which usually clock in under 500 words, this book harkens back to days of traditional storytelling, which I predict we’ll see a return to, soon. This book celebrates fatherhood, the mysterious beauty of nature, and the tradition of oral histories. — Alyssa Bair
Your next favorite children’s book
This is not just any children’s book. My Father Once Told Me is both a book and an art piece that is sure to become a treasured keepsake. With 52 pages of wonder, hardbound into a beautiful 8.5” x 11” full-color children’s book. Every page contains beautifully detailed illustrations of an imagination-inspiring story.
I was just a little kid. It was just a little campfire. It was just a little question. I’m not sure why I asked it. Perhaps it was the way the silhouetted trees pointed straight to the stars. Maybe it was the way the smoke weaved its way up into the sky. It could have been that I was already staring and wondering at the world above me. But most likely, it was because my Father Once Told Me...
Art Prints
The illustrations in this book are too beautiful to stay on the shelf.
