A Rainbow at Night: The World in Words and Pictures by Navajo Children [Hardcover]

Bruce Hucko (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 6 and up

A Rainbow at Night is a lively collection of art by Navajo children. Their imaginative paintings and drawings introduce readers to their world. Through their eyes readers will learn about some of the special traditions of Navajo life--while discovering the universality shared by children of all backgrounds. Here we meet Earl who describes the importance of the desert landscape in Navajo; Valerie who talks about traditional Navajo art and rug weaving; and Vanessa who warns about watching too much TV! The images are accompanied by photographic portraits of the artists and personal descriptions of their work. In addition, Bruce Hucko offers further insight into the Navajo culture and suggests art projects relating to each image that invite children of all ages and cultures to get out their art materials and create!

The images in this book are part of a larger exhibit of Navajo children's art entitled "Have You Ever Seen a Rainbow at Night?" First exhibited at the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian in Santa Fe, New Mexico and in Native People's Magazine, the exhibit is currently touring the United States.

Awards and honors for A Rainbow at Night:
School Library Journal, starred review
1998 Skipping Stones Honor Award
Parent Council Ltd. - Outstanding

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 2-7. After teaching, or "coaching," art in various Navajo communities in Utah for 10 years, Hucko helped put together an exhibition called "Have You Ever Seen a Rainbow at Night?" in which Navajo children expressed themselves through graphic arts and words. This book presents 23 full-color reproductions of drawings and paintings from the collection, along with a black-and-white photo of each artist, his or her comments about the picture, Hucko's introduction to themes found in each piece of art, and ideas for readers to think about or draw. This is a rich collection of the work of very talented children (ages 6-13) that will appeal to many ages. Younger children will enjoy it best with adult direction, but all will gain insight into the artists' world and appreciation of their creative talents. A unique addition to any collection.?Darcy Schild, Schwegler Elementary School, Lawrence, KS
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 4^-6. Using their words and their paintings, 23 Navajo children, ranging in age from 5 to 13, share views of home and family, daily activities, and myth and culture. Cathlena, age 8, tells of Water Ox, a mythological creature who makes trees grow; Steward, 12, depicts an evil Navajo chiindi; 8-year-old Trista writes and paints the story of round dancing at a pow-wow. The illustrations aren't simply isolated examples of children's art; rather they make visible connections between communal values and specific aspects of Navajo culture and life. Photos of the young artists appear alongside their work. Hucko, who served as the children's "art coach," supplies background and guidance to help children better understand and relate to the pictures and text. An unusual collection that will be welcomed by both students and teachers, particularly those interested in art, myth, and history. Karen Morgan

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 6 and up
  
• Hardcover: 48 pages
• Publisher: Chronicle Books (December 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0811812944
• ISBN-13: 978-0811812948
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 9.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,346,769 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely children's art, thought provoking, September 18, 2005

By 

Marcia Lindberg "isabellaview" (Traverse City, MI USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Rainbow at Night: The World in Words and Pictures (Hardcover)

This is a wonderful book--a collection of art made by Navajo children along with pictures and quotes from the kids who made them. There is also a bit of narrative to give "food for thought" for that picture AND questions to pose to a child. For example, one artwork is of a snake. The girl artist talks about how she saw a snake down through the metal grate of her porch and it inspired this piece. The narrative talks about Navajo beliefs about the powers that animals possess. The questions at the bottom ask the child viewer/artist: what wild animals live in your backyard? If it had a special power in nature, what would it be? Draw the animal and pattern it with a design you find around your home. Write a story about that animal...etc. Very creative book...