Bibliography
Bruchac, Joseph and James Bruchac. 2004. Raccoon's last race. Ill. by Jose Aruego and Ariane Dewey. New York: Dial Books for Young Readers.
Plot Summary
In this traditional Abenaki story, Raccoon had long legs and was the fastest of all the animals. Azban was always challenging other animals to running race and always won. He was very conceited and treated the other animals poorly. He taunted them and played tricks on them until they were all angry. Soon, no one would accept his challenges and refused to talk to him. One day, Azban noticed someone sitting on top of a tall hill. He decided to challenge this stranger to a race. As he reached the top of the hill, Azban noticed that it was not an animal but a huge rock. Big Rock told Azban that he did not travel but that did not stop the raccoon. He pushed the big rock down the mountain. During the course of the race, Big Rock rolls over Azban, flattening him. No one would help Azban. Finally, Azban made a deal to be friends with the ants if they would help pull him back into shape. As soon as Azban was able, he jumped up and brushed the ants off, breaking his promise. He realized that he was not back into the correct shape after he treated the ants poorly. He would just have to adjust to his new shape and no longer be the fast animal on earth.
Critical Analysis
Joseph and James Bruchac have written down a traditional Abenaki story told to children. In the Authors’s Notes, Bruchac explains that the Abenaki have a strong tradition of using stories rather than physical punishment as a means of disciplining children. He also explains that the story has ties to other Native Americans such as the Pawnee and Lakota. His explanation of the “trickster tale” allows readers to understand part of the Abenaki culture. James Bruchac explains that he has heard Abenaki stories throughout his life from his father and other friends and has been deeply influenced by the dramatic retellings of the stories by his father and friends.
The illustrations of Jose Aruego and Ariane Dewey help tell the storyi a humorous way. The illustrators used pen and ink, gouache (painting with opaque watercolors), and paste for the vivid illustrations. The comical illustrations show the movements of the animals they try to race Azban. The animal characters faces are shown with expression and even Big Rock has personality. The look on Big Rock’s face as he squashes Azban is the highlight of the story.
Bruchac has done a great job of remaining true to the traditional Abenaki tale of Azban the Raccoon.
Review Excerpts
Horn Book
With his long legs and strong, sleek frame, Azban the raccoon wins every race against the other animals, and he teases them. But the cocky raccoon clearly needs a lesson in the laws of physics when he challenges an old boulder to a downhill race. This pourquoi tale is alive with sound, and the illustrations humorously convey the animals' irritation and Azban's arrogance.
Children's Literature
In this lively retelling of an Abenaki pourquoi trickster tale, Azban the Raccoon gets what he deserves. Originally Azban was a long-legged fast runner who liked to win races with the other animals and taunt them about it. One day he challenges Big Rock, who never has moved and doesn't want to. But Azban pushes at him until he begins to roll. Thinking he is racing him, Azban runs along teasing him until the rock rolls him flat. As he lies there, Azban is ignored by the other animals when he asks for help. Only a tiny ant calls his village out to help put Azban back into shape because Azban has promised to be his friend. Since Azban walks away without thanking them while his legs are still too short, they remain that way today and he can no longer run. Paint and ink, gouache, and pastel light-hearted pictures emphasize the animals' personalities and emotional reactions to Azban's taunting. His gestures and facial expressions also help move the visual narrative. There is a sense of satisfaction from Azban's ultimate fate. A note adds background information about the character and the story.
Connections
Joseph Bruchac
James Bruchac
http://www.jamesbruchac.com/pages/index.php
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