The Hero Twins: A Navajo-English Story of the Monster Slayers (English, English and Navaho Edition)

If you are interested in language, the Navajo tongue is reputed to be impossible to learn unless you grew up with it. This book tells a children's story about two heroic twins who conquered an enemy of their people. It is told in both Navajo and English, with the Navajo edition at the top of a page, and the English below it. Sentences are broken into segments by special markers to aid comparison of the two languages, a feature which is a major aid to those struggling to learn Navajo.The illustrations are lovely, done in the fashion of the sand mandalas of the Navajo, with vivid colors which grab the eye and communicate the story well. This makes it an ideal book for children of Navajo who are trying to learn their native tongue, especially in its very complex written form. The author is respectful of the sacred nature of the story, and has told it in a way that respects the cultural property of the Navajo.After six months of studying this book, I can state without reservation that Navajo is indeed an extremely difficult language to learn. Still, it is well worth attempting, and the story gives an intriguing glimpse into Navajo culture.

Anyone curious about Traditional Navajo spiritual beliefs would enjoy and learn from this book. The book is well written and beautifully illustrated. I can't speak to the Dine' Bizzaad (Navajo Language) but its there for the few that are able to read it. If you want great modern Navajo information - especially if you're non-Navajo on the rez - read Jim Kristofic's "Navajos wear Nikes."

Nice little book of Navajo Coyote stories but the stories are not how my grandmother and uncles told then to me as a child. Good reference but I gave it 4 stars because the stories lack poetic voice, details, and imagery.

This might work for teaching Dine words but not their worldview or metaphoric meaning behind the story. I do not recommend.

I had a hard time reading the Navajo version, I am still learning my language. Very interesting.

I especially enjoyed this book, it brought back memories of winter bed time stories told by my father. I regret not being able to tell stories the way he did but I would recommend this book to those looking for a good bedtime story.

Eager to read the print bookPlease cancel this e-book orderThanks

Loved it!