The use of line and shape within the book are simple and elegant. The limited color palate used in the illustrations match the earthen tones of the pottery and, to an extent, the rocky/sandy landscape of the desert, and emphasis is brought up through the use of negative space and contrast. The designs were all derived from Southwestern pottery, and the afterwords lists the tribes they drew inspiration from. I also appreciated how the story-telling aspect of the book brought up "Indians" of today who say the clay remembers the hands that made it, adding a bit of an indigenous perspective on an indigenous subject matter. ( )

Summary: This book was about different designs and traits that are found in the Native America culture relating to working with clay.
Prompt: When Clay Sings would be a good book to use for content area reading when teaching about Native American culture during a social studies unit.

Neither the poem nor illustrations appealed to me, although the concept - or trying to imagine who used found shards of pottery and what the designs and inscriptions meant to the owner is interesting. Could be useful as a tie-in to an introduction to archeology.

This lovely 1973 Cladecott Honor book has the ability to induce young children to follow the children in the book on a journey; to visit the ancient south west, to explore family lifestyles, customs, traditions, and the reciprocal relationship between the Native Americans and the land.

The text has a poetic and lyrical read to it, I believe. The reader will know that this journey is to a place from long ago, and will pause to ponder the questions asked.

For students studying Native Americans of the south west and artifacts, this is an ideal study. The depictions are researched, authentic, complete with descriptions and explanations; informational.

I like this book, and will read it to some of my elementary classes, to peak their sense of wonder, curiosity, and to inform them of the past. ( )

When Clay Sings takes the reader on a journey of discovery. The reader is transported in time through the images found on Indian pottery from South Western tribes including the Mogollon, Anaszi, Hohokam, and Mimbres. The images and the story encourage the reader to interpret the images from the past, to relive the adventures of those who created the images, and to draw comparisons of similarity between the people of the past and today.