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On this Beautiful Island | 
 enlarge | Author: Edwin Fontanez
Publisher: Exit Studio
Category: Book
Buy New: $18.95
New (1) Used (3) Collectible (1) from $17.06
Rating:  4 reviews
Sales Rank: 1582452
Media: Hardcover
Reading Level: Ages 9-12
Pages: 32
Number Of Items: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.6
Dimensions (in): 10.2 x 8.1 x 0.5
ISBN: 0964086867
Dewey Decimal Number: 917
EAN: 9780964086869
ASIN: 0964086867
Publication Date: April 1, 2004
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Condition: Excellent condition.
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
This storybook is a lyrical and beautifully illustrated account of a day in the life of a Taino boy living 500 years ago on the island of Puerto Rico. It gives a child's-eye account of the strong bonds that these ancient people had with the natural world and one another. From poetic descriptions of the morning gathering of the crops to the magic of storytelling by the evening fire with Mother and Father, young readers will discover the rewards of a life lived close to the earth. Children will find additional pleasure in the antics of Tahite, a colorful pet parrot, and in vivid illustrations of the island's inhabitants, from the smallest coqui frog to the mightiest ceiba tree. As readers become enthralled with the workings of the ancient Taino culture, a philosophy of strength of community, respect for resources, and the value of friendship will inspire them to enjoy and protect the natural world that surrounds them.
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| Customer Reviews:
 On this Beautiful Island July 14, 2007
Dr. Tami Brady (Calgary, Canada)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
On this Beautiful Island is a beautifully written and illustrated picture book. This book takes the child through a colourful exotic journey led by Guanin and his close-to-the-heart friend Tahite, a parrot. Guanin shows his new friends a little about his daily life and about his traditional Taino culture. These traditions date back more than 2,000 years from the area known today as Puerto Rico. A video called Taino: Guanin's Story and a companion activity book are also available for those interested in learning more about Guanin and his cultural traditions.
On this Beautiful Island is a story that entertains and teaches at the same time. The book illustrates a lifestyle that is likely very different from the young reader while also showing that some things about being a kid are universal. The story is charming and completely entertaining. However, it pales in comparison to the illustrations in this book which are completely breathtaking. Young readers will spend hours studying these colourful pictures looking for hidden coquies.
A true work of the storyteller's art September 14, 2005
Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
A true work of the storyteller's art, On This Beautiful Island is written and beautifully illustrated by Edwin Fontanez. Adapted from his original video "Taino: Guanin's Story" which was in turn inspired by the ancient culture of the Tainos who were the first inhabitants of Puerto Rico. On This Beautiful Island shows young readers what it was like to live in a vibrant natural land five hundred years ago, and experience the wonders of nature from the soft lullaby of the ocean humming inside a shell to the fresh breeze whisking through the treetops to the song of a tiny frog no bigger than a thumb. On This Beautiful Language is filled with bright and ruddy colored illustrations of native Taino individuals going about day-to-day life, and a final page offers some additional information about the Taino culture, and influences that remain with us today through words like "barbecue", "tobacco", "canoe", and "hammock", all of which are derived from the Arawak language.
Celebrating Taino History June 21, 2005
ReadingTub Reviews (Virginia, USA)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Guanin, our narrator, uses poetic verse to describe his family traditions and life in Puerto Rico. This is a pastoral book that celebrates and educates children about the Taino history and culture. The illustrations are incredibly beautiful. It is difficult to tell, at times, whether this is to be a rhyming verse or descriptive poem. When reading aloud, sometimes the rhyming and/or alliterations works, at other times, though it is difficult reading. The intricate, colorful illustrations will brighten any day, even if you don't read the text. The story introduces readers to Puerto Rico in a way that they are not likely to find elsewhere. The parallels with Native American culture (i.e., Nature's role in our survival) also lend great opportunities to talk about conservation and caring for our world.
Beautiful and Educational Children's Book June 14, 2005
S. Hudson (Tucker, GA USA)
What a beautiful book! I want to use the book as a coffee table book, matter of fact, its on my coffee table now because the illustrations are striking and the book is informative, well researched and entertaining. Although classified for the 9 to 12 year old reader, a younger reader will enjoy looking at the pictures and, with instruction, can play the enclosed game. The author defines and provides pronunciation hints for unfamiliar words. An adult is guaranteed to expand their knowledge of an ancient culture and time period. This is truly a book to be enjoyed by the entire family.
On a Beautiful Island captures a day in the life of Taino, a Puerto Rican boy who lived some 500 years ago. His adventures bring to life a culture strong in family, faith and society. Each person in the tribe has a role and a responsibility to each other and to nature. The writing is lyrical, the illustrations are colorful while the overall tone is light and joyful.
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