Customer Reviews

Knots on a Counting Rope (Reading Rainbow Books)

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

this is a book that has more intensity and insight with each new reading. it is the story of a physically handicapped child who with the support of his grandfather takes on a difficult challege and competes to his highest potential. the story integates overcoming challenges, uncondition parental love, hard work, and aging while finishing with a realistic outcome. the reader will be moved with pride and hope.

This book explains the passing of the generations in a child's terms. The grandfather explains that he will die, and the grandson does not want to hear it. But the grandfather shows that the powerful love of the family will support and strengthen the child as he faces the challenges of life and growth. This is the only book I've encountered that makes me cry when I read it to my kids.

this is a book that has more intensity and insight with each new reading. it is the story of a physically handicapped child who with the support of his grandfather takes on a difficult challege and competes to his highest potential. the story integrates overcoming challenges, uncondition parental love, hard work, and aging while finishing with a realistic outcome. the reader will be moved with pride and hope.

An Indian boy asks his Grandfather to tell him about the night he was born, and the Grandfather ties another knot in the counting rope. The night was windy, and when the boy was born, they thought he might die. The Grandfather took him outside and two blue horses came by and gave him their strength. The boy lived, but lives in darkness. He begs for a promise that his Grandfather will always be with him, to which the Grandfather replies, "I love you, boy; that is better than a promise!" A gentle story of love and blindness, with lovely illustrations make for a memorable book.

Boy-Strength-of-Blue-Horses and his grandfather sit around the fire telling the stories of Boy's birth, his first horse and a horse race. Boy was born during a great storm and his parents feared the weak and sickly blind child would die. The next morning two blue horses galloped by and stopped to look at him, giving him his name. As Boy grows, he teaches his horse to run the trails until he enters a horse race.

Neither the authors nor the illustrator are Native American. Consequently, there are multiple inaccuracies throughout the book. First, the dialogue is unrealistic. The language used is poetic, yet primitive, which depicts the stereotypical view of Native Americans. Also, a child would not be allowed to constantly interrupt his elder. Rather than being named after his first smile, a sick child would be named immediately. Additionally, a Native American would not say that "this boy child will not die." Such a statement would be considered both an insult and a challenge to the spirits.

The illustrations do not accurately reflect the Navajo culture. The costumes worn by the Native Americans are a mixture of Navajo and Hopi celebration garb. The hairstyles are certainly not Navajo. The Navajo wear their hair clubbed and wrapped. However, throughout the book the women are depicted wearing braids while the men have their front hair braided and the rest hanging lose down their backs. Stereotypically, the grandfather and Boy wear eagle feathers sticking straight up from their hats.

Although this is a children's book & I am an adult, I have bought it many times as a gift for my friends. I read it when I need to revive my spirit. It is an absolutely beautiful book-- the words & the paintings.

My daughter falls asleep to this book every time. It is so soothing to her, and it's a touching story. I recommend this book.

Knots On A Counting Rope is a wonderful sensitive book about the relationship between a blind Indian boy and his grandfather. The grandfather patiently tells the young boy about the boy's achievements despite the fact that the boy is blind. Each time he tells the story, he ties a knot in a rope. It is a story for all ages, but it is particularly good for those eight to nine years old and up. When I read it to a class, I usually tear up, but that is alright because, as I tell the students, it is okay to cry.

One of the most beautiful children's stories I've ever read, coupled with magnificent illustrations, I bought in the big book size...its like seeing a movie on big screen as opposed to at home.

A wonderful story of a blind Indian boy who faces the challenges of life that apply to all of us.