The Shaman's Apprentice : A Tale of the Amazon Rain Forest

Last updated Wednesday, April 9, 2003

Author: Lynne Cherry
Illustrator: Lynne Cherry
Date of Publication: 1998
ISBN: 0152012818
Grade Level: 5th
Date(s) Used: April 2003

Synopsis: A lesson about medicinal herbs is brought to life through young Kamanya, who dreams of becoming his tribe's next shaman. Kamanya spends his time following the current shaman into the forest and learning the secrets of the plants. But local plants can't cure the new diseases brought to the area by strangers, and the pills the strangers bring with them cause the indigenous people to lose faith in the ability of their shaman.

Craft ideas:

• Make a necklace or wristband using hand-drawn cutouts of various healing plants featured in the book. Label each plant item with its name and healing ability.
• Make your own book or pages for Nahtahlah’s book of knowledge made with pictures from the inside covers of the book or your own imagination.

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don’t have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!