HARRIET PECK TAYLOR FINE ART

Coyote makes an arrow ladder to the moon. From there he shoots his arrows at the
stars to move them around. He arranges the stars in the shapes of his animal friends
and then calls the animals together to show them what he has done! In this
pourquoi story, we discover the origin of the constellations.

I have always been entranced by the starry sky. I've also spent a great deal of time
observing coyotes in the wild. I'm fascinated by these wily creatures and think I
understand a little bit of why Coyote is so central to the mythology of many
American Indians. My adaptation was inspired by a real life coyote and also by the
magic of the night sky.

"This arresting picture book debut posits how star constellations came to be...
Taylor's down to earth presentation of this magical story adds to its charm...Striking
batik illustrations on cotton fabric painted with dyes, show violet skies sprinkled
with stars, and layered landscapes scenically detailed. This book pulses with the
effervescent joy of color and creation, and children will love being swirled into its
center." Publisher's Weekly October 4, 1993

In this lighthearted tale from the Tewa, we find out why butterflies don't fly
straight. The butterflies team up to play a trick on Coyote. They laugh so hard that
they are unable to fly in a straight line.

I really enjoyed the sheer joy of this legend. When I read the story and show the
illustrations, children always laugh, and so I can see how much relevance these
ancient tales still have.

"A delightful retelling of a Tewa legend... The softly textured batik illustrations add
feeling and depth to this simple legend. Dusty oranges, blues, tans, and greens
capture the New Mexican landscape and bring life to the vibrant scenes of the mesa
and the animals' expressions and antics. A satisfying selection, creatively designed,
with beautiful pictures and striking imagery." School Library Journal 1995

This retelling from the Seneca is filled with mischief and fun. The pourquoi story
explains how the birds got their colors. Wolf paints the birds as a reward for helping him
after he was tricked by raccoon.

I am an avid bird lover and never cease to be amazed by their beautiful colors. This
legend made me think about how drab the world would be without the color they bring
to everyday life. I hope that it may also be a tool to help children identify and appreciate
various birds.

"Any retelling in a glutted field, must have something to distinguish itself from the pack.
Taylor exhibits the necessary originality and winsomeness to do just that, without
deviating too far from traditional folk art styles. Taylor's knowledge of the animal
kingdom brings honesty to the tale." School Library Journal 1996

This is an adaptation from a Siksika (northern band of the Blackfoot) legend. A boy and
his animal friends discover that a bear has stolen the Chinook. They journey to the den of
the bear and are able to recoup the warm wind and thus save the tribe from the cold of
winter.

This tale appealed to me for several reasons. The boy who is one of the smallest and
weakest in his tribe, becomes the hero. Also, his closest friends are birds and animals
and that concept is very close to my heart.

"An eye-catching and accessible version of a traditional tale. Taylor's batik illustrations
work well; their bold design features sweeping wintry landscapes and large, easy to see
animals. Distinctive borders that vary on each double-page spread contributes cultural
authenticity to the book." School Library Journal October 1997

After seeing the northern lights for the first time, a curious arctic fox travels across the
snowy tundra and asks the animals he encounters if they know what is lighting up the
night sky.

I'll never forget the first time I saw the aurora borealis. I was on a camping trip and
when I saw them, and, like Ulaq, was filled with wonder, curiosity, and amazement. I
tried to bring these qualities to the characters in the book. In the illustrations, I tried to
convey the beauty and radiance of northern lights.

"The batik illustrations with white outlines and colors fading in and out are a fantastic
medium for depicting the northern lights, the cold night on the snow-covered tundra."
The Horn Book Guide July-December 1998

Two Days in May by Harriet Peck Taylor, illustrated by Leyla Torres. Farrar Straus

Giroux 1999. ISBN 0-374-37988-2.

1999 Americas Commended Title
1999 Parent’s Choice Recommended Book
2001-2002 Show Me readers Award Master List (Missouri)
2001 America Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals annotated bibliography of children’s Books

This book was inspired by events that did happen in Chicago in 1996. In this story deer wandered into the inner city and the neighbors bond together to provide a safe haven for the deer.

I felt I had an important story to tell here because decreasing animal habitat is an issue that is becoming more commonplace and widespread. I was also inspired by how the neighborhood worked together to do something really positive.

“Harriet Peck Taylor has recreated a heartwarming story.  Though the story seems implausible, it can and does happen with increasing frequency. As suburbs continue to take over wildlife habitat, animals become less and less afraid of people. This is an important story that will lead to needed discussion about the delicate relationship between humans and other animals with whom they share the earth.”
Children’s Literature 1999

“A strong sense of community and an awareness of vanishing natural habitats are at the core of this discussion-provoking story which is based on a true event.”
Americas Award Review Committee 2000

Learn more about this book on Leyla Torres' (the illustrator) website: Leyla Torres