The Legend of the Bluebonnet [Paperback]

Tomie dePaola (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up

This favorite legend, based on Comanche lore, tells the story of how the bluebonnet, the state flower of Texas, came to be. A "Reading Rainbow" Review Title. An American Bookseller Pick of the List Book. A Booklist Children's Editors' Choice. A NCSS Notable Children's Trade Book. Full color.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Puffin (April 16, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0698113594
• ISBN-13: 978-0698113596
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 8 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #61,746 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #19 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > People & Places > Multicultural Stories > Native North & South Americans
  • #20 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Literature > Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths > Multicultural
  • #24 in Books > Children's Books > Travel & Cultures > Multicultural Stories > Native North & South Americans

More About the Author

"Tomie dePaola was born in Meriden, Connecticut, in 1934 to a family of Irish and Italian background. By the time he could hold a pencil, he knew what his life's work would be. His determination to create books for children led to a BFA from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York, and an MFA from the California College of Arts & Crafts in Oakland, California.
It drove him through the years of teaching, designing greeting cards and stage sets, and painting church murals until 1965, when he illustrated his first children's book, Sound, by Lisa Miller for Coward-McCann. Eventually, freed of other obligations, he plunged full time into both writing and illustrating children's books.
He names Fra Angelico and Giotto, Georges Rouault, and Ben Shahn as major influences on his work, but he soon found his own unique style. His particular way with color, line, detail, and design have earned him many of the most prestigious awards in his field, among them a Caldecott Honor Award for Strega Nona, the Smithsonian Medal from the Smithsonian Institution, the Kerlan Award from the University of Minnesota for his ""singular attainment in children's literature,"" the Catholic Library Association's Regina Medal for his ""continued distinguished contribution,"" and the University of Southern Mississippi Medallion. He was also the 1990 United States nominee for the Hans Christian Andersen Medal for illustration.
Tomie dePaola has published almost 200 children's books in fifteen different countries. He remains one of the most popular creators of books for children, receiving more than 100,000 fan letters each year.
Tomie lives in an interesting house in New Hampshire with his four dogs. His studio is in a large renovated 200-year-old barn.
- He has been published for over 30 years.
- Over 5 million copies of his books have sold worldwide.
- His books have been published in over 15 different countries.
- He receives nearly 100,000 fan letters each year.
Tomie dePaola has received virtually every significant recognition for his books in the children's book world, including:
- Caldecott Honor Award from American Library Association
- Newbery Honor Award from American Library Association
- Smithson Medal from Smithsonian Institution
- USA nominee in illustration for Hans Christian Andersen Medal
- Regina Medal from Catholic Library Association

"

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An engaging and enlightening Read!, November 2, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Legend of the Bluebonnet (Paperback)

After bravely sacrificing her most valued possession to end her tribe's suffering, a young girl awakens to find a reward of her selflessness--thick clusters of vivid blue flowers spread all over the Texas hills. In dePaola's The Legend of the Bluebonnet, an unseasonably long drought orphaned the Native American girl, leaving her with only memories and a warrior doll. Yet, when the Great Spirits request a sacrifice to restore life to Earth, She-Who-Is-Alone courageously volunteers her doll as the burnt offering and scatters its ashes to the wind. This wonderful tale of Comanche folklore explains the origin of the bluebonnet, the Texas state flower, while paying homage to the Comanche value and respect for family, community, and Earth. DePaola's powerful retelling and majestic full-page paintings compliment each other, capturing the traditions of Comanche people and Texas landscape. Realistic and engaging use of language, singing "Great Spirits, the land is dying. Tell us what we have done to anger you" maintains the flavor of oral tradition. The writing attends to cultural songs, dances, and prayers; while the illustrations depict cultural dress and lifestyle. In his thorough source note, dePaola mentions his tireless research in an effort to accurately portray the Comanche customs and base the legend on the original Indians. The Legend of the Bluebonnet appeals to children of younger ages with its simple language and graphic pictures; its pourquoi nature satisfies even adult readers.

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A sad but inspiring and very beautiful story., February 27, 2002

By 

David J. Gannon (San Antonio, TX USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Legend of the Bluebonnet (Hardcover)

Every spring, throughout central Texas where I live, we are blessed with one of mother nature's great floral displays--Texas Wildflower Season. For three to four weeks in April and May the countryside--as far as one can see in all directions--is a rainbow of color as billions of wild flows bloom. Chief among these are the Bluebonnets, the Sate Flower of Texas.

The Legend of the Bluebonnet is the retelling of the old Indian legend of how this event came to occur. It relates the story of She-Who-is-Alone, an orphaned Indian girl being raised by her tribe during a time of extreme drought and famine. This young girl is the sole remaining member of her family--the others have all died in the famine.

The tribe calls upon the Shaman to commune with the Great Spirits to divine what it is the People must do to regain harmony with nature. The Shaman states that a "great sacrifice" needs to be made. How She-Who-is-Alone acts upon that message is how the Bluebonnets come to be ion Texas.

This is a very sad and hear-rending story in large part, though it is also incredibly heartwarming and inspiring as well.

This has always been one of my kid's favorite books--my wife's and mine as well. However, it is probably a book best left to a bit older child--say 8 and above. Once you start reading it though, you will never stop. You will read it many time to your children--and your grandchildren.

This book is a treasure.

35 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Not for little ones, May 3, 2001

By 

Jennifer L. Rogers (St. Louis, Mo USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Legend of the Bluebonnet (Paperback)

First, let me say that I love Tommie dePaola's books. He is a tremendously talented artist and this is, like all of his books, a beautifully told and illustrated story.

However, we received this book as a gift for our two-year-old. Drawn to the illustrations, she wanted me to read it to her immediately. Big mistake. I ended up with a frightened, confused child (and a book that is now on the top shelf of her closet). She-Who-Is-Alone is, after all, alone. She is surrounded by adults who don't seem to care about her and, at the end, sacrifices the last tangible memory of her family. As an adult, this is a touching and inspiring story (it's hard to read without crying). But for a small child, it's a representation of their worst nightmares with an ending that, for modern children, does not allay their fears.

By all means, buy this book, for yourself or an older child (like 8 or 9). It is not an appropriate gift for the younger set, though.