Grizzly's Home: and Other Northwest Coast Children's Stories

By Robert James Challenger

In this latest collection of beautifully illustrated, easy-to-read fables, Robert James Challenger continues to teach children practical, moral lessons about life in today's complicated world. Owl shows Grandson that a problem will only go away when each person involved becomes part of the solution. Little Mallard Duck finds out the hard way that things change over time, and that even when we think we are not ready, it may be time to move on. Steelhead Trout learns that instead of swimming away from those who are different, it is much better to respect their points of view and help them to understand our own.

All of Jim's books are perfect tools to teach children how to live in harmony with others and are widely used by parents and teachers to stimulate children to talk about their experiences. Conveying values of respect, cooperation and kindness, their wisdom and beauty will leave a lasting impression on readers young and old.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Heritage House
• Release date: Mar 1, 2011
• ISBN: 9781926613116

Robert James Challenger

Born in Vancouver, British Columbia, Robert James (Jim) Challenger has spent his life absorbing the stories and imagery of the Pacific Northwest coast. Jim is an accomplished artist known for his original style that captures the shape and movement of wild creatures in their natural settings. His unique illustrations and beach-stone-and-glass carvings are prized by collectors around the world. In addition to being an artist, Jim is the author of six books for children inspired by oral storytelling traditions and local legends of the Pacific Northwest. Through his stories and designs, Jim reveals a magical world of birds, fish, and mammals who share lessons from nature about the art of living well. He lives in Victoria, British Columbia.

Book preview

Grizzly’s Home

and Other Northwest Coast Children’s Stories

Written and Illustrated

by

Robert James Challenger

This book is dedicated to my daughters, Kristi and Kari.

Whenever I think of people I admire,

I think of you.

Contents

Acknowledgements

Grizzly’s Home

Kingfisher Finds the Answer

Ant Leads the Way

Little Mink’s Big Favour

Spider’s Trick

Raven’s Best Friend

Little Bobcat’s Big Adventure

Mother Quail’s Chicks

Weasel’s Trap

Butterfly’s Journey

Octopus Learns to Share

Skunk’s Smell

Steelhead’s Way

Duck’s Discovery

Heron’s Rule

Owl’s Solution

Mountain Sheep’s Tunnel

Dogwood’s Day

Acknowledgements

Grizzly’s Home

Two little girls sat with their mother in front of the fire. Around them were other members of their family, all with the warm light of the flames reflecting on their faces. Mother looked down at her daughters and lovingly brushed a wisp of hair from one of their faces.

They talked about their day. One of the girls said, I really enjoyed going for a walk along the beach with everyone, even though winter’s wind has been cold.

The other girl said, It’s nice having such a wonderful warm home to come back to after our walk.

Mother said, "I’m glad you feel safe and secure. One of the most important things we give to others is the feeling of being safe in the place we live.

Many years ago Grandfather told me the story of Grizzly Bear and how he taught her that feeling safe is one of the best gifts you can give to someone.

Tell us the story! said the two girls.

Well, said Mother, "Grizzly Bear lived in a valley not far from here. She roamed about, and because she was so big, she never had to be afraid of any other animals. That is, until a group of mean people came to live in the same valley.

"These people did not care about anyone but themselves. They did not care if they took all the fish the bears needed to eat. They did not care if they cut down the trees the bears needed for shelter. And they did not care if they killed a bear just to get its fur or claws.

"One day Grizzly Bear ran into some of them out hunting, and they started to shoot at her. She ran and hid in her den. For the first time in her life she was scared, both for herself and for the unborn cubs that were growing inside her.

"Now she could no longer enjoy the place