Illustrations by Claudia Pearson In bold and vibrant colors—hot reds and oranges of sun and heat, the cooler hues of wind and ice—artist Claudia Pearson has created a dazzling group portrait of the world of indigenous peoples. Represented here in a series of vivid, charming drawings, several for each tribe, are illustrations of faces, foods, artifacts, costume and many other distinguishing cultural characteristics. Aimed at a young reader audience (3-8), the page text will be simple, direct and informative, while the glossary in the back of this unique book provides valuable in-depth information for parents and older readers. The brightly-colored map of the world complements the drawings themselves and helps readers to locate the geographic origins of each tribe represented.

From Aborigine to Zulu, these dynamic cultures have survived, even flourished, in the face of increasing difficulties. Some have kept their historic traditions virtually intact; others have changed dramatically with technology and contact with other cultures. Both paths present different problems both for individuals and for the rights of the group. This is a book that, notwithstanding the beauty of its spectacularly bold and engaging pictures, carries an important message. In the ever-shrinking global community, the fate of the world’s tribal peoples is linked inextricably with ours. Entire societies face the threat of being diminished—through war, disease, poverty, and unwise development. In this, the last decade of the twentieth century, control over land and resources, as well as an affirmation of customs and differences are urgent necessities and the best hope for the preservation of endangered ecosystems and the memory of culture. Like canaries in a coal mine, the life of tribal peoples and their tenacious growth will indicate how well we will all fare in the coming millennium.

A percentage of the profits of this book will be given to the not-for-profit foundation Cultural Survival, to aid in its efforts to defend the rights of indigenous peoples around the world.

About the Author: Claudia Pearson graduated with First Class Honors in Graphic Design in the UK in 1992. Disenchanted with typography she went on to work with some of the leading animation companies in London (on Beatrix Potter series and other familiar tales) and to travel round the world. She moved to New York in 1994, represented first by Art Department now with Traffic NYC. Her eclectic editorial work has included commissions for Conde Nast Traveler, Elle, Elle UK, Elle Décor, Flaunt, GQ, Marie Claire, New Yorker, New York Times Magazine, Suddeutsche Zeitung, Travel & Leisure, TV Guide, World of Interiors, Chronicle Books, Clarkson N. Potter, and Simon & Schuster. She also does Corporate and Design work for, among others, Comedy Central, Emmanuel Ungaro, Knoll, Lane Bryant, Neiman Marcus, Redken, Calvin Klein, Razorfish/Avenue A, BDDP, Opts, Pentagram, Tweeds/Hanover Direct, and Werner Design Works (for Target). She is married to a musician and has two young children. This is her first book.

Hardcover / $17.95 USD 8" x 10.5" / 40 pages 26 full color illustrations May 2007 ISBN: 978-1-884167-71-3

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