Roadrunner's Dance [Hardcover]

Rudolfo Anaya (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up

Because Rattlesnake has taken over the road and will not let any of the people or animals in the village use it, Desert Woman enlists the aid of the other animals to create a strange new creature with the necessary tools to overcome Rattlesnake.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Caldecott Medalist Diaz's (Smoky Nights) stylized art fittingly amplifies Anaya's (The Farolitos of Christmas) spirited pourquoi story about the first roadrunner and his victory over a tyrannical rattlesnake. Incorporating Southwestern motifs, his paintings dramatically juxtapose electric hues with earth tones and radiate a golden light. His Rattlesnake, the self-proclaimed "king of the road," dazzles with fluorescent patterns on his flesh as he prohibits anyone or anything from traveling past him. Anaya's nimble narrative describes how sage Desert Woman molds clay from the Sacred Mountain and shapes a creature she hopes will be a match for the snake. A handful of animals each give the new creature a gift: Raven plucks long, black feathers from his own tail; Heron offers a long, thin marsh reed to represent the creature's long beak. From these elements, Desert Woman fashions a curious-looking bird she names Roadrunner. Diaz paints each creature's contribution in layers, almost like cut paper, to create a collage-like appearance for the animals' collaborative effort. Though at first clumsy, Roadrunner follows his creator's repeated instructions to "practice" until he becomes graceful and can stand up to Rattlesnake, who finally agrees not to frighten travelers on the road. Though the volume is most memorable for Diaz's graphics, Anaya's tale delivers a lively lesson in perseverance. Ages 5-9. (Aug.)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 3-In this original folkloric tale, Desert Woman creates "a new animal," with input from the existing desert creatures, to stand up to Rattlesnake, the self-styled "king of the road." She gathers clay from the Sacred Mountain and forms the body, allowing each of the others to "bring a gift for our new friend." Deer gives him slender legs to run fast; Eagle gives him strength; Heron, a long beak; Coyote, sharp eyes; and, from Desert Woman herself, comes the gift of dance. This resulting bird is called Roadrunner, and with his assorted traits, he makes a comic and awkward sight, tottering and falling on his face. Desert Woman exhorts him to practice, and "with time, he was swirling and twirling like a twister," and ready to stand his own ground. In the ensuing contest between Roadrunner and Rattlesnake, the bird outmaneuvers his opponent, much to the delight and relief of the animals. Diaz's lush illustrations are highly stylized and done in a rich, showy palette. Rattlesnake is a bright amethyst with jewel-toned decorations while the figure of Desert Woman is appropriately magical. A glowing golden haze outlines all of the figures, and the text is printed on a sandy background. While this title does not claim the authentic provenance of Te Ata's Baby Rattlesnake (Children's Book Press, 1989), it would be a handsome and humorous accompaniment to that title in programs about the American Southwest.
Kate McClelland, Perrot Memorial Library, Old Greenwich, CT
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Hyperion; 1 edition (August 2, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786802545
• ISBN-13: 978-0786802548
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 9.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,145,894 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A nice gift for a birder to give to children., January 3, 2005

By 

Heather R. Hurley (Palm Springs, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Roadrunner's Dance (Hardcover)

Are you looking for a special book to share the magic of desert birds with a child or grandchild? You may find that Roadrunner's Dance is just what you are looking for. In this Southwestern creation tale, Desert Woman creates a new animal to help keep the bully, Rattlesnake, under control. She gives the creature gifts from Quail, Raven, Owl, Blue Jay, Heron and Eagle. The result is Roadrunner, an awkward conglomeration of parts, who in the end, prevails over the fearsome rattlesnake. The book's illustrations are bright and have a magical feeling.

Although Rudolfo Anaya is best known for his highly recommended novels for teens, this book is suitable for children ages 4-8. I think this would make a lovely gift.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars wonderful fantasy story about community and cooperation, December 20, 2010

By 

P.Detemple "boyzmom" (boston) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Roadrunner's Dance (Hardcover)

My 2 sons, now 7 & 8, have LOVED this book for over 3 years now. The illustrations are wonderful, it has a nice ending, and provides interesting facts about roadrunners.

This is a great gift for anyone interested in Native American folk tales, birdlife of the SW USA, and stories where an evil-doer, in this case the bully-rattlesnake, is overcome and taught a lesson.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Illustrations, great story for my students., September 5, 2010

By 

ARTTREK - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Roadrunner's Dance (Hardcover)

Loved the pictures and the story. I am using it with a unit with my students. Couldn't find this book locally.