The book actually began as an animated short by Walt Disney in the 1930's and the story was later published as a "Little Golden Book" and is called either "Hiawatha" or "Little Hiawatha". It was also published as a record and book that you could follow along with a narrator as you read.
According to the book, all Hiawatha wanted to do is become a brave hunter. He searches the forest for his prey. When Hiawatha is scared by a cricket, the forest animals laugh at him and Hiawatha chases a rabbit until he corners him and pulls his bow and arrow. The rabbit begins to cry and Hiawatha cannot shoot. Hiawatha then decides he doesn't want to be a hunter and breaks his bow. He then follows tracks to bear's cave and must run from the bear. The forest animals save Hiawatha and he returns to his birch canoe that is in the river and heads home.
The racial undertones are present on the cover of this book (that is still available NEW). Little Hiawatha is shown wearing no shirt, an Indian headband complete with a single feather, moccasins, and pants adorned with a tribal decoration on the bottom. Hiawatha also is carrying a bow and quiver.
Other than the clothes that Hiawatha is wearing and references to his canoe, the story is fairly harmless and does not focus on any stereotypical portrayals. Hiawatha is the only character other than the forest animals. The website American Indians in Children's Literature lists the book on their site but does not reference any stereotypical aspects of it. They show the cover only and no discussion or inside quotes. "'I' is not for Indian: The Portrayal of Native Americans in Books For Young People" asks questions of what to look for in books that discriminate against Native Americans. One of the questions is, "Is there anything that would make a native American child hurt or embarrassed to be what he/she is?" I cant say for sure if this would be embarrassing for a child. It's a pretty simple story and other than Hiawatha's clothes, there are no real derogatory references.
The original publish date of this story is 1953 and the illustrator is not credited. The original cartoon was released in 1937.
Reference List
Caldwell-Wood, Naomi and Mitten, Lisa. (June 29, 1991). Selective Bibliography and Guide for "I" IS NOT FOR INDIAN: THE PORTRAYAL OF NATIVE AMERICANS IN BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE [Bibliography]. Retrieved from http://www.nativeculturelinks.com/ailabib.htm
