Southwest Children's  Literature

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Songs of Shiprock Fair

Book Review:

Nezabah, the little girl in this book, takes the reader on an exciting journey through the Songs of Shiprock Fair. Her words introduce the reader to the people of the Diné community, and her eyes invite one to embrace the colorful images of the Shiprock Fair. At the end of the story, Nezabah's prayer is answered. She had fun and until next year, she will have the memories of the Songs of Shiprock Fair.

Luci Tapahonso, the author of Songs of Shiprock Fair, was born and raised in Shiprock, New Mexico. She is Navajo, a professor of English, and a poet. Her book retells the wonderful memories and experiences she had when she attended the Shiprock Fair each year. Her story is accompanied by the colorful and detailed illustrations by Anthony Chee Emerson. His is also Navajo and a talented artist. His remarkable art skills reflect the heart and spirit of the Navajo culture,. along with their modern cultural customs and their sacred traditional beliefs. Luci Tapahonso and Anthony Chee Emerson, together, have created this book to share with the world.

Shiprock Fair is held in Shiprock, New Mexico and has been going on now for 79 years. Shiprock Fair is one of the oldest fairs celebrated by the Navajo Nation. The symbolic meaning behind the Shiprock Fair reflects the closeness the members of the community have for one another. The reader learns about food, music, clothing, and culture of the Navajo people.

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