A graphic novel offering a fresh perspective on the origins of the legend of Paul Bunyan begins with a compelling, insightful introduction by Lee Francis IV, a Laguna Pueblo artist, educator, and comic book creator. Francis discusses what is missing from traditional stories of the American tall tale hero: the history of North American indigenous peoples and land irreparably harmed by the timber industry. The 30-page fictional story, told through visual panels in a traditional comic book style, is set on a 1914 winter train ride in Minnesota. When the train is delayed by an accident, the passengers step out into the snowy woods to stretch and build a bonfire. The ambiance and audience perfectly align for a talkative advertising manager to tell the tale of Paul Bunyan, the greatest lumberjack of all time. His account ties to the true story of William Laughead, who invented the character of Paul Bunyan as part of a campaign to promote the timber industry. Following the comic story is an informative essay, “The Invention of an American Legend,” by Dr. Deondre Smiles of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, and a visual history with text and art by Marlena Myles, Spirit Lake Dakota. Both pieces enrich the exploration of colonialism that anchors this intriguing volume. Historical images and maps are included in the end matter. (Ages 10-14)

Did you know that a mainstay of American folk culture was in fact created as an advertising ploy?

Few people realize that Paul Bunyan, the legendary lumberjack, and his blue ox are the product of corporate marketing by a highly industrialized commercial enterprise.

Cartoonist NOAH VAN SCIVER shows us the myth creation as real life marketing man extraordinaire W.B. Laughead spins ever more wondrous tall tales. Van Sciver's story is bracketed by rich contributions from contemporary Native artists and storytellers with a very different connection to the land that the Bunyan myths often conceal. Readers will see how a lumberjack hero, a quintessential American fantasy, captures the imagination but also serves to paper over the seizure of homeland from First Peoples and the laying bare of America's northern forests. It’s a tall tale with deep roots . . . in profit-making!