Click the images throughout this site to enlarge and print!Thursday, September 17, 2009
Totem Tale Music Player - NOW ON SOUNDCLOUD!
UPDATE: Now on Soundcloud, The Totem Tale Playlist contains a "theme song" for each of the characters in Totem Tale. Simply click on a song to start it playing and get your kids moving to these most excellent animal beats!
After reading the story, its great as well to see if you can guess which animal goes with each sound :)
The music was written and performed by Terry Hunt at Mountain Sound Digital Media LLC for a 2006 theatrical production by the Methow Valley Community School. The play was FANTASTIC, and with Terry's permission we are extremely pleased to share that music with you -- hopefully to inspire your own totem dances as you further explore the many ways to enjoy Deb's book.
Spring, LEAP, twirl, SLAP, swoop, and Wriggle to your heart's content!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Amazon customer reviews
Does not disappoint. Don't wait to order. , December 29, 2008
By A. Aldred
I wanted to purchase this book a year ago, but I waited because I wanted to see if I could find it at my local bookstore. I hadn't read it and prefer to look through a book before I commit to buying it. Well, Barnes and Noble didn't have it and couldn't order it because it comes from a very small publishing company. By this time, Amazon ran out. I was kicking myself. I looked online to see if I could find it at another retailer. The only copies available were being sold for $75 because of its limited availability! I couldn't believe it. I signed up to receive an email message from Amazon when it became available again and promptly ordered it when they had a copy.
I just received my copy and I'm delighted. I am a third grade teacher in Washington and we are about to start a unit on coastal Native Americans. This book is perfect! It was worth the one year wait, but don't make the same mistake I did. Order it right away!
Wonderful book from a former teacher, November 7, 2007
By travlin'girl
I just found this book recently and discovered it was written by a teacher I had in high school. She was an inspiring and highly creative teacher that made you love what you were learning. I'm so excited to have my children reading books written by a former teacher of mine.
I'm on the hunt to get the rest of her books. Thank you Ms. Vanasse! Magical Totem Tale, January 9, 2007
By J. Norris (San Francisco)
My 4 year old and I have read this book over and over. The illustrations are wonderful, the concept of a totem pole being based on a story is clear. The totem pole takes itself apart at night and my daughter tries to remember the story the pole is based on in order to put the pole together again in the right order as the sun rises.
Captivated by this original story line ... and the art is lovely! A MUST READ/VIEW!, August 5, 2006
By Betty L. Dravis "BettyDravis@gmail.com, autho... (Silicon Valley, CA)
As I've often said, what intrigues me most about a book is a "catchy" title and an extremely original storyline. This book has that and much more!
I'm amazed at the simplicity of the plot, but how cute, clever, and creative it is. Who would have thought about the characters carved into a totem pole coming to life and fussing over their order on the pole??? ONLY A CREATIVE, TALENTED AUTHOR ... That's who!
You just HAVE to read this clever book by Deb Vanasse ... and the fabulous art by the equally-talented illustrator is marvelous, too. I understand the illustrator has some books under submission; I hope you get them published, Erik.
An engaging picturebook account of cooperation, faithfulness, and helping out a friend in need, July 14, 2006
By Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA)
A Tall Story From Alaska by Deb Vanasse combines a lively and original story with skillfully drawn illustrations by Erik Brooks to create the fun tale of a Native American totem pole which comes to life in the beauty of a moon-lit night. Children will follow the adventures of a beaver, an eagle, a bear, a wolf, a raven and a frog through a remarkable journey on one very special night. An engaging picturebook account of cooperation, faithfulness, and helping out a friend in need, Totem Tale is very highly recommended for all young readers, as well as parents and librarians searching for something entertaining and worthwhile for children ages 5 through 8 to read and enjoy.
By A. Aldred
I wanted to purchase this book a year ago, but I waited because I wanted to see if I could find it at my local bookstore. I hadn't read it and prefer to look through a book before I commit to buying it. Well, Barnes and Noble didn't have it and couldn't order it because it comes from a very small publishing company. By this time, Amazon ran out. I was kicking myself. I looked online to see if I could find it at another retailer. The only copies available were being sold for $75 because of its limited availability! I couldn't believe it. I signed up to receive an email message from Amazon when it became available again and promptly ordered it when they had a copy.
I just received my copy and I'm delighted. I am a third grade teacher in Washington and we are about to start a unit on coastal Native Americans. This book is perfect! It was worth the one year wait, but don't make the same mistake I did. Order it right away!
Wonderful book from a former teacher, November 7, 2007
By travlin'girl
I just found this book recently and discovered it was written by a teacher I had in high school. She was an inspiring and highly creative teacher that made you love what you were learning. I'm so excited to have my children reading books written by a former teacher of mine.
I'm on the hunt to get the rest of her books. Thank you Ms. Vanasse! Magical Totem Tale, January 9, 2007
By J. Norris (San Francisco)
My 4 year old and I have read this book over and over. The illustrations are wonderful, the concept of a totem pole being based on a story is clear. The totem pole takes itself apart at night and my daughter tries to remember the story the pole is based on in order to put the pole together again in the right order as the sun rises.
Captivated by this original story line ... and the art is lovely! A MUST READ/VIEW!, August 5, 2006
By Betty L. Dravis "BettyDravis@gmail.com, autho... (Silicon Valley, CA)
As I've often said, what intrigues me most about a book is a "catchy" title and an extremely original storyline. This book has that and much more!
I'm amazed at the simplicity of the plot, but how cute, clever, and creative it is. Who would have thought about the characters carved into a totem pole coming to life and fussing over their order on the pole??? ONLY A CREATIVE, TALENTED AUTHOR ... That's who!
You just HAVE to read this clever book by Deb Vanasse ... and the fabulous art by the equally-talented illustrator is marvelous, too. I understand the illustrator has some books under submission; I hope you get them published, Erik.
An engaging picturebook account of cooperation, faithfulness, and helping out a friend in need, July 14, 2006
By Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA)
A Tall Story From Alaska by Deb Vanasse combines a lively and original story with skillfully drawn illustrations by Erik Brooks to create the fun tale of a Native American totem pole which comes to life in the beauty of a moon-lit night. Children will follow the adventures of a beaver, an eagle, a bear, a wolf, a raven and a frog through a remarkable journey on one very special night. An engaging picturebook account of cooperation, faithfulness, and helping out a friend in need, Totem Tale is very highly recommended for all young readers, as well as parents and librarians searching for something entertaining and worthwhile for children ages 5 through 8 to read and enjoy.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Totem Tale Learning Activity: Storyboard
A Totem Tale Storyboard/Learning Activity by Deborah Evans, E.C.E.
Based on the book Totem Tale: A Tall Story from Alaska by Deb Vanasse
Illustrations by Erik Brooks
Staying true to the frugal teacher I am I used recycled materials: left-over pieces of oak table legs (3 x 3 inch). I glued the two pieces together with wood glue and clamped them together until dry. I applied Velcro rounds: one for each Totem Tale character.
Of course, you can use any wood you desire but I chose this size & weight of wood so my preschoolers would be able to handle the prop with ease yet still have a prop that would sustain repeated use in our active preschool classroom of 24 children on an ongoing basis. We also use the wooden/Velcro prop for other story sequence activities.
I made 3 sets of Totem Tale character cards: color, black & white and a set is of real animals that pair up with each of the Totem Tale characters from the book.
I used my computer printer to print the cards onto cardstock. I matted them with black backgrounds, laminated for durability and attached the opposite pieces of the Velcro rounds to the backs of each card.
We use the cards in various ways; to recreate the totem from the story, match color ~ black/white card versions, match TT characters to their animal partners, play the popular remembrance game, retell the Totem Tale story or make up our own story with the characters and/or animal cards.
This one activity prop has inspired a number of great literacy activities throughout the classroom, at little expense, contributing many valuable learning experiences.
Totem Tale Activity created by Deborah Evans, Early Childhood Educator, Calgary, AB CANADA Photos by Deborah Evans @ 2009
Erik’s illustrations are so beautiful. Out children responded well to the liveliness they transmit, imitating their movements and marveling in his unique artistic impressions. Even in black/white (grayscale) Erik’s illustrations are exquisite!
Totem Tale Activity created by Deborah Evans, Early Childhood Educator, Calgary, AB CANADA Photos by Deborah Evans @ 2009 2
Based on the book Totem Tale: A Tall Story from Alaska by Deb Vanasse
Illustrations by Erik Brooks
Staying true to the frugal teacher I am I used recycled materials: left-over pieces of oak table legs (3 x 3 inch). I glued the two pieces together with wood glue and clamped them together until dry. I applied Velcro rounds: one for each Totem Tale character.
Of course, you can use any wood you desire but I chose this size & weight of wood so my preschoolers would be able to handle the prop with ease yet still have a prop that would sustain repeated use in our active preschool classroom of 24 children on an ongoing basis. We also use the wooden/Velcro prop for other story sequence activities.
I made 3 sets of Totem Tale character cards: color, black & white and a set is of real animals that pair up with each of the Totem Tale characters from the book.
I used my computer printer to print the cards onto cardstock. I matted them with black backgrounds, laminated for durability and attached the opposite pieces of the Velcro rounds to the backs of each card.
We use the cards in various ways; to recreate the totem from the story, match color ~ black/white card versions, match TT characters to their animal partners, play the popular remembrance game, retell the Totem Tale story or make up our own story with the characters and/or animal cards.
This one activity prop has inspired a number of great literacy activities throughout the classroom, at little expense, contributing many valuable learning experiences.
Totem Tale Activity created by Deborah Evans, Early Childhood Educator, Calgary, AB CANADA Photos by Deborah Evans @ 2009
Erik’s illustrations are so beautiful. Out children responded well to the liveliness they transmit, imitating their movements and marveling in his unique artistic impressions. Even in black/white (grayscale) Erik’s illustrations are exquisite!
Totem Tale Activity created by Deborah Evans, Early Childhood Educator, Calgary, AB CANADA Photos by Deborah Evans @ 2009 2
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Totem Tale Learning Activity: Story Tins
A Totem Tale Learning Activity by Deborah Evans, E.C.E.
Based on the book Totem Tale: A Tall Story from Alaska by Deb Vanasse
Illustrations by Erik Brooks
Directions:
Resize characters as required, in preparation for printing to fit tin that will be used for building your Totem sections: I suggest using small/large metal coffee tins with lids. Pre cut sections of black paper to be used for backgrounds on which you will apply the cut out characters. I used glue sticks but double sided tape would work just as well.
Pre cut sections of brown paper grocery bags to fit/cover the tins on which you will apply the matted characters to. I pre-crumpled the brown paper bags into a ball and then flattened them out before applying the matted characters: This technique gives the artistic impression of a wood-like appearance.
Protect completed tins by covering with clear strapping tape or another clear material. Laminating the prepared characters after you have put them together, prior to applying to the tin might be a nice alternative to using the tape.
Snap a coffee tin lid at each end of the tin for better stacking.
Build your Totem Pole….over and over again!
Totem Tale Activity created by Deborah Evans, Early Childhood Educator, Calgary, AB CANADA @ 2009
Caution: do not use tins that have been opened by a can opener due to risk of injury related to sharp edges.
Start collecting your coffee tins NOW! The coffee manufactures appear to be replacing the tins with cardboard alternatives.
Each Totem pole section has the potential for other uses:
Store props related to the character animal on the outside of the tin.
As drums: experiment using different objects for drumming. The NatureNut I am, I prefer to use objects from nature like ½ – 1 inch diameter sticks from trees cut to about 8-18 inches in length or long enough to store inside the tins. I have found, sticks made from natural wood provide a more sensory-rich experience as opposed to store-bought sticks. When dried they create the most wonderful sounds when used as rhythm sticks. When my neighbour decided to cut down her apple trees, I was quick to acquire the pieces to build a good supply of rhythm sticks from her trees: it was a great Earth Day project!
Hands are great drumming too. Note the different sounds you get from the drum depending on which part of the drum you tap on: edge, center, side.
I hope you find these activities useful in your early childhood classroom.
Nature Hugs,
Deborah
Totem Tale Activity created by Deborah Evans, Early Childhood Educator, Calgary, AB CANADA
Photos by Deborah Evans @ 2009
Based on the book Totem Tale: A Tall Story from Alaska by Deb Vanasse
Illustrations by Erik Brooks
Directions:
Resize characters as required, in preparation for printing to fit tin that will be used for building your Totem sections: I suggest using small/large metal coffee tins with lids. Pre cut sections of black paper to be used for backgrounds on which you will apply the cut out characters. I used glue sticks but double sided tape would work just as well.
Pre cut sections of brown paper grocery bags to fit/cover the tins on which you will apply the matted characters to. I pre-crumpled the brown paper bags into a ball and then flattened them out before applying the matted characters: This technique gives the artistic impression of a wood-like appearance.
Protect completed tins by covering with clear strapping tape or another clear material. Laminating the prepared characters after you have put them together, prior to applying to the tin might be a nice alternative to using the tape.
Snap a coffee tin lid at each end of the tin for better stacking.
Build your Totem Pole….over and over again!
Totem Tale Activity created by Deborah Evans, Early Childhood Educator, Calgary, AB CANADA @ 2009
Caution: do not use tins that have been opened by a can opener due to risk of injury related to sharp edges.
Start collecting your coffee tins NOW! The coffee manufactures appear to be replacing the tins with cardboard alternatives.
Each Totem pole section has the potential for other uses:
Store props related to the character animal on the outside of the tin.
As drums: experiment using different objects for drumming. The NatureNut I am, I prefer to use objects from nature like ½ – 1 inch diameter sticks from trees cut to about 8-18 inches in length or long enough to store inside the tins. I have found, sticks made from natural wood provide a more sensory-rich experience as opposed to store-bought sticks. When dried they create the most wonderful sounds when used as rhythm sticks. When my neighbour decided to cut down her apple trees, I was quick to acquire the pieces to build a good supply of rhythm sticks from her trees: it was a great Earth Day project!
Hands are great drumming too. Note the different sounds you get from the drum depending on which part of the drum you tap on: edge, center, side.
I hope you find these activities useful in your early childhood classroom.
Nature Hugs,
Deborah
Totem Tale Activity created by Deborah Evans, Early Childhood Educator, Calgary, AB CANADA
Photos by Deborah Evans @ 2009
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