Description: The Corn Whisperer is about a boy and his grandfather on a pueblo in New Mexico. The boy learns about the great heritage of Southwestern stories that explain how the world came to be what it is. In learning these the boy begins to see how storytellers can change the way we see the how and why of every day life.
Brief description: A native New Mexican, Sue Houser grew up on a farm where her family raised corn. She enjoys exploring New Mexico and has visited most of the state's 19 pueblos. Sue and her husband live in the foothills of Albuquerque where they are often serenaded by coyotes. Sue is the author of two non-fiction books: Hot Foot Teddy: The True Story of Smokey Bear and La Conquistadora: The Story of the Oldest Statue of the Virgin Mary in the United States.
Review Quotes:
"In retelling this charming set of stories, Sue Houser demonstrates how ancient Pueblo traditions manage to live on in today's rapidly changing world, thanks to enduring family ties where elders help young children maintain their identity by sharing the culture's deep origins."
Paul Zolbrod, Emertus Professor of English, Allegheny College
"When Charlie goes to visit his grandfather at the Pueblo, a whole new world opens up for him. From Grandfather Joe, an avid storyteller, Charlie learns the wisdom of his Native American roots."
Judith Schiess Avila, best-selling author of Code Talker: The First and Only Memoir by One of the Original Navajo Code Talkers of WWII.
"The stories filled my heart with loving memories of my childhood when we would gather around the fire and listen to the elders tell stories."
Therese Tohtsoni, award-winning Picuris Pueblo potter
"After enjoying the voice-and-illustration pairing of The Corn Whisperer stories, I returned to the professor's introductory account of the science behind listening to corn. As a writer of nature and children's poetry, I was intrigued and inspired to write a poem about listening to the corn. I also have a strong desire to hear corn for myself some day."
Katherine Hauth, author of What's for Dinner? Quirky, Squirmy Poems from the Animal World and Night Life of the Yucca: The Story of a Flower and a Moth.