Customer Reviews

Rainbow Crow (Dragonfly Books)

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

 

 

The Rainbow Crow is a beautiful native legend describing how the crow acquired his characteristics.

Being a teacher I found this book an excellent way to teach children about "not judging others(mainly on their appearance) without knowing the whole story". In today's society the crow is thought to be loud, ugly and annoying to humans. This book helps us to see that everything has it's place in life, and that appearance can be more than just beauty or ugliness. The Rainbow Crow helps us to see the price the beautiful rainbow coloured, song-like voiced bird risked everything he had (without thought for himself) to save the earth's environment.

I love all animals, and think that this story personifies the idea of all creatures having a role in the world ecosystem. Perhaps we as humans should look at the "Rainbow Crow" as a role model to help save our environment regardless of the cost.

A great read for adults and children alike!!!

This was one of my daughter's favorite books 20 years ago. I was delighted to find it still available for my little great nieces. It is a retelling of the Lenape people's tale about sacrifice for one's friends and learning to appreciate each other for more than how pretty they are. This Native American story explains how the crow came to be black, despite beginning as a gorgeous rainbow colored bird, as he becomes covered in soot while helping others survive. It teaches the lesson that we should be valued on what we do more than how we look. Olivia and Katie love it.

The essential story is about the first coming of snow. The animals of the forest are unable to deal with this new thing that is growing so high it threatens to smother even the tallest of them. Rainbow Crow,because he flys so well, offers to go to Creator to find an answer to the problem.

In the beginning, Rainbow Crow is very beautiful. He has many colors, as well as a beautiful long tail. His voice is exquiste. Creator's solution to the problem, however, threatens all of these things. Winter cannot be stopped, but the warmth of the Sun will help the animals live through it. Creator gives Rainbow Crow a bit of the Sun to take back to the animals who are now freezing to death.

The piece of the Sun is very hot as Rainbow Crow begins his journey back to the earth. It does not take long for him to realize he will either have to sacrifice some of himself, or save himself and sacrifice those who are depending on him. Rainbow Crow chooses to do what he must to bring life to his friends and family.

In the end, the animals do receive the warmh they need to live through the winter. Rainbow Crow, however, has lost his beautiful tail, his gorgeous colors, and his incredible voice. He does still have a bit of color hidden in the sheen of the black, though, to remind people of what he once was, and of the sacrifice he made.

I found this to be an excellent story of courage, compassion, and committment. It is written here in a way that children as well as adults can understand. The illustrations are eye catching and add much to the story as it is being told.