The First Strawberries

Many of you may have young children, but may not have been introduced to a book called The First Strawberries: A Cherokee Story, retold by Joseph Bruchac and illustrated by Anna Vojtech (978-0803713314).

I first stumbled across this book in a small gift shop in Mackinaw City, MI. This was before we had children. I was on a mini-vacation with my husband. We loved perusing the shops along the main drive there in town, and while we were looking around, I picked up this book. When I read it, I had to have it.

The story begins with a husband and wife who lived simply on the land, and were very happy. One day, however, the man comes home and finds that his meal has not been prepared. His wife has been picking flowers instead, and he becomes very angry. His harsh words provoke her, and she leaves him. I won't spoil the rest of the story, because that would diminish your own reading of it. 

While the book looks like a children's book, and my own children love having me read it to them, it has a poignant impact on adult readers too. It is beautifully retold, and beautifully illustrated. The First Strawberries is a simple, yet powerful tale. I would almost go as far as to say that if you are feeling a lack of connection in your marriage (or relationship), read this book! 

The First Strawberries is now a treasured book in our household, and I hope to have it on my shelves for many, many years.