Stepping Stones is the story of an Ojibway school girl whose family members are walking around Lake Michigan to raise awareness about the harm being done to the Great Lakes. As Mai walks along the lakeside path, she tries to find ways to help. On the water walk, she is confronted by people who shout, "Go back to your reservation. You don't belong here." From this unexpected and alarming incident, will Mai continue on the water walk? Will the stones she finds inspire her to become a storyteller and tell others about her amazing trek?
Stepping Stones is a tribute to Native People who have dedicated themselves to walking miles around the Great Lakes and waterways to draw attention to the condition of water and responsible usage. Included are: Common core state standards, cross-curriculum activities, web and print resources, words to know, rock descriptions, and things kids can do to protect the earth. With new, original illustrations by David W. Craig.
Craig, David W.: - Born and raised in the state of Washington, David W. Craig grew up surrounded by land as alive as it is beautiful. David began private art lessons at the age of nine. After high school graduation, he pursued his life-long passion and earned a degree in art from Seattle Art Institute. David has done freelance work for national parks and for various commercial organizations, but currently he focuses full time on his own style of painting. Weaving together story, emotion and moments in time with color and a vibrant sensitivity, each of David's pieces speaks to its viewers in a unique and powerful way. Watercolor mixed media, sculpturing, and leather work are some of his mediums. Family ties are strong in the foothills of Mount "Rainer where David Craig paints and raises his two young daughters on a rural farm. Enrolled Chippewa (Ojibway), David and his daughters travel throughout the western United States attending tribal gatherings powwows and art shows.
Trembath, Carol Ann: - Born and raised in the Great Lakes State of Michigan, Carol Trembath has made water a lifelong focus and passion. Her other interest is education. Carol has been a teacher, librarian, and media specialist for over 28 years. She earned Masters Degrees in Library and Information Science from Wayne State University and a Masters in Educational Technology from Michigan State University. However, her initial degree was in English from Western Michigan University and her "first love" is literature. Carol now writes the stories that need to be told. Carol's hope is that readers of Stepping Stones, will become more aware of Native teachings and become involved in recycling and protecting the environment. She has plans for more children's books that will continue Mai's journey to all of the Great Lakes. Her next book, entitled Ripples and Waves, will retrace the steps of the water walkers as they journey to Lake Huron. Carol is a member of the Society of Children's Writers and Illustrators, Michigan Reading Association, and the International Reading Association. "Water, she said, "is our friend; and if you love something, you take care of it." Visit her website at: CarolTrembath.com Visit her on Facebook at: Facebook.com/CarolTrembath/WaterWalkers
