Culture 4 Review - The First Strawberries

 

Bibliographic Information

Bruchac, Joseph. 1993. THE FIRST STRAWBERRIES: A CHEROKEE STORY. Ill. by Anna Vojtech. New York: Dial Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0803713320

Plot Summary

In the beginning of the world, the Creator made a man and woman to live together. The husband and wife live happily for many years, until one day the man returns home to find his wife picking flowers instead of preparing his meal. Angry, the man speaks sternly to his wife, who decides to leave. Immediately the husband regrets his harsh words and tries to catch his wife, but she is running too fast. The sun takes pity on the man and decides to grow several tempting fruits to stop the woman. Finally, red, ripe strawberries entice the woman to stop running. After eating some sweet strawberries, the wife picks more for her husband. When he catches up to her, the two forgive each other and enjoy the berries. Strawberries still remind the Cherokee people to always be kind to one another.

Critical Analysis

Bruchac and Vojtech have created something special with this retelling of a traditional Cherokee folktale. The story, which explains how strawberries came to be, is simple on the surface but rich in meaning. It offers readers a gentle reminder about forgiveness and kindness and what each can do for the world around us. Joseph Bruchac originally learned this tale from a Cherokee elder, and as a member of the Abenaki tribe himself, he writes with a deep respect for Native storytelling and their traditions. He mentions in his author’s note that he consulted Cherokee friends to ensure the retelling remained true to the original story and its values. That kind of care shows. 

Even though the story doesn’t include any Cherokee language, the cultural roots are clear. The line about the couple living off the land gives readers a glimpse into traditional Cherokee life, but what really anchors the tale as a creation story is the role of the Sun. It’s the Sun’s intervention while growing raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, and finally strawberries, that transforms a conflict into forgiveness. The final moment, when we’re told the Cherokee still remember to be kind when they eat strawberries, makes the story feel timeless. 

Anna Vojtech’s illustrations are soft and natural, and they do just as much storytelling as the words themselves. Everything from the characters’ facial features and skin tones to their traditional clothing and long hair feels intentional and researched. Even the couple’s home, cooking tools, and the veggies themselves are thoughtful choices. Vojtech tells the reader that she worked with cultural consultants, and that effort is visible in every spread. This is the kind of book I love having in a library or classroom. It’s a respectful, beautiful introduction to Cherokee culture and values, perfect for teaching students about folktales, storytelling, and Native American heritage. 

Awards Won & Review Excerpt(s)

*Cherokee Nation Prose Award

*Knickerbocker Award

*Hope S. Dean Award for Notable Achievement in Children's Literature

*"Spare text, an uncomplicated story line and gentle illustrations keep this quiet but resonant tale accessible to even the youngest child" Publishers Weekly

*"Quietly luminous watercolors capture details of dress, dwelling, implements, flora, and fauna against an open landscape of rolling hills." Kirkus Review

Connections

*Other books for children written by Joseph Bruchac:

BETWEEN EARTH & SKY: LEGENDS OF NATIVE AMERICAN SACRED PLACES. Illustrated by Thomas Locker. ISBN 0152020624

HOW CHIPMUNK GOT HIS STRIPES. Illustrated by Jose Aruego and Ariane Dewey. ISBN 0142500216

SACAJAWEA. ISBN 0439280680

THE ARROW OVER THE DOOR. Illustrated by James Watling. ISBN 0141305711

THIRTEEN MOONS ON TURTLE’S BACK. Illustrated by Thomas Locker. ISBN 0698115848

*The strawberry reminds Cherokee people about friendship and the importance of being kind to each other. Discuss other symbols or reminders of friendship from different cultures.

*Have students share a time when they forgave someone else. Talk about forgiveness and roleplay ways to apologize to and forgive others.