Discover the Magic of the Dark Keepers of the Night is a captivating guide designed to help children overcome their fear of the dark by exploring the wonders of the nighttime world. Combining Native American traditional stories with hands-on nocturnal activities , this book introduces young readers to the animals, plants, and celestial bodies that come alive after sunset. From understanding the phases of the moon to learning how owls hunt, it provides a holistic view of the night as a time of beauty and biological importance. Perfect for summer camps, scouting groups, and family camping trips, this volume offers practical lessons in astronomy and nocturnal ecology . Each story is followed by detailed scientific discussions and interactive projects that encourage children to use their senses of hearing, smell, and touch. Keepers of the Night teaches that the "dark" is not something to be feared, but a vital part of the Earth's natural rhythm that deserves our protection and respect . Caduto and Bruchac use stories from various American Indian tribes as the basis for activities and lessons about the nighttime world. Written as a guide for teachers, outdoor education leaders, and other adults working with children in a nature setting, the guide gives detailed instructions for preparing, conducting, and evaluating a variety of activities that focus on the nocturnal habits of animals, on astronomy and nighttime weather, and on campfire activities, such as storytelling, dances, and games. Aspects of many American Indian tribal practices are woven throughout the text. The wealth of information and activity suggestions overcomes occasional poorly written passages (incomplete sentences, for example). Source notes are provided; a glossary and a brief bibliography section are appended. Karen Hutt "2009 is the International Year of Astronomy, for which the International Astronomical Union is urging all of us to get out and look up at the sky. In other words, it's a great time to study stars...Looking up, of course, is easy; the trick is to know just what you're looking up at... Keepers of the Night pairs Native American star legends with activities, games, and science and nature experiments." — Home Education magazine Best Books for Parents by Parents Express Joseph Bruchac, coauthor of The Keepers of the Earth series, is a nationally acclaimed Native American storyteller and writer who has authored more than 70 books of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry for adults and children. He lives in upstate New York. Michael J. Caduto is an award-winning and internationally known author, master storyteller, poet, musician, educator, and ecologist. He has received numerous awards, including the New York State Outdoor Education Association's Art and Literary Award, New England's Regional Award for Excellence in Environmental Education, the American Booksellers' "Pick of the List" Award, and the Association of Children's Booksellers' Choice Award, among others. He travels widely presenting environmental and cultural performances, speeches, and workshops for children and adults. His recent books include Earth Tales from Around the World and The Crimson Elf: Italian Tales of Wisdom. He lives in Vermont. "Overhead, on any night when the moon is nearly full, you may be lucky enough to see cottony cumulus clouds drifting across the face of cool light beaming down. Over the millennia, Native peoples have been moved by this vision, framed by a sky spangled with stars and planets. There is something about the night sky that touches a place deep inside, connecting us to all who have stood in the darkness and gazed at the sky dome." —from the Preface to Keepers of the Night Used Book in Good Condition