Itse Selu: Cherokee Harvest Festival

Itse Selu: Cherokee Harvest Festival takes readers back in time to pre-Columbian North America, following young Little Wolf and his family as they prepare to celebrate Itse Selu — the sacred Cherokee corn harvest festival — with a joyful feast, grandfather's storytelling, and the ceremonial corn dance that honors the spirit of the corn and gives thanks for the land's abundance. Daniel Pennington's richly researched narrative includes Cherokee vocabulary, a pronunciation key, alphabet, and glossary, while Don Stewart's remarkably realistic illustrations transport readers to Little Wolf's peaceful village world.

This is an exceptional choice for students because it celebrates the living cultural and spiritual traditions of the Cherokee people with deep respect and authenticity, offering a meaningful window into Indigenous culture rarely found in children's books.

Publishing Details

Author : Daniel Pennington

Illustrator : Don Stewart

Author Nationality : United States

Physical Details

Type of Book: Picture

Cover: Softcover

Pages: 32

Size: 11.0 x 8.7 inches

Year Published: 1994

Instructional Details

Reading Grade Level: Kindergarten

Genre: Fiction

Sub-Genre: Realistic Fiction

Theme: Native Americans, Culture, Fables & Folktales