Picture Maker by Penina Keen Spinka

January 14, 2005

Location: Virginia’s home
Members:  Françoise, Carmen, Joanne, Bea, Marvel, Wilma, Gisela

We ordered pizza from Gabriel’s pizza which I must say was very delicious (although delivery was quite slow). Virginia kindly served some crackers and cheese to tide us over until the pizza arrived.

Everyone enjoyed the book. The woman that was the central character was very strong and her tale was very inspiring. It was good to read about the different cultures that Picture Maker came across. Everything that she learned from her mother, grandmother, father, sister, brother, aunts, and cousins remained with her through all of the trials that she endured – she applied all of her skills throughout her journeys and never forgot them. She was passing her knowledge onto her own family especially her daughter. She had a wonderful gift for drawing and was able to pick up on what was important and draw pictures of it that guided various people to find the best place to hunt, the best way to get places, etc.

Even when Picture Maker was being mistreated and abused by Hawk Feather the author was sure to also show the good points of the tribes not only the brutal nature of some of the characters. The author also conveyed the spiritual believes of Picture Maker by relating the story of her foraging for food and being sure to leave something behind as a way of thanks.

Although a work of fiction Penina Spinka made her characters come alive and retold the story vividly so that it was easy to picture the societies and tribes that she came in contact with. Ms. Spinka is known as an author for young adults, she has written a sequel to the Picture Maker called Dream Weaver.

Some comments from the group follow:

• Picture Maker was a true survivor.
• It was great to have the map at the front of the book so that you could trace the journey.
• the book to be reminiscent of the Cave Bear.
• good historical background
• The Christian priests were horrible, they made everything worse
• the strength of Picture Maker was amazing, her survival skills and always making he best of situations came through time and again throughout the book.

Overall the book was well received.

Respectfully submitted by:  Marvel on February 7, 2005