McDermott, Gerald. 1974. Arrow to the sun. New York: Viking Press.
recommended for: Kindergarten through 2nd grade
"Long ago the Lord of the Sun sent the spark of life to earth." In this Caldecott Award (1975) book, the recounting of a Pueblo Indian tale tells how the spark became a boy, and how the boy endured scorn and hardship to find his father. The Wise Arrow Maker perceives that the boy is from the Sun and assists him to return there and confront his father. Through even more trials, the boy perseveres and earns his father's acceptance, and is again sent to earth, to take the Sun's spirit to the world of men. There he is received with celebration.
From first glance, it is the illustrations in this book that catch and hold our attention. Using geometric shapes and earth colors associated with the Southwest Indians, McDermott manages to create an amazing vitality and depth of image that bring the spare, terse text to life. To those who take the time to examine the artwork, the story does indeed become an amazing re-telling of this Indian folklore.
This is another of the treasures in my school library that I haven't been aware of. I look forward to sharing the Indian folktale, but even more, the incredible art and detailed illustrations, with my students as we enjoy this outstanding example of traditional fantasy in a picture book.
Key words: Pueblo Indians, myths, Caldecott Award winners, art and illustration
recommended for: Kindergarten through 2nd grade
"Long ago the Lord of the Sun sent the spark of life to earth." In this Caldecott Award (1975) book, the recounting of a Pueblo Indian tale tells how the spark became a boy, and how the boy endured scorn and hardship to find his father. The Wise Arrow Maker perceives that the boy is from the Sun and assists him to return there and confront his father. Through even more trials, the boy perseveres and earns his father's acceptance, and is again sent to earth, to take the Sun's spirit to the world of men. There he is received with celebration.
From first glance, it is the illustrations in this book that catch and hold our attention. Using geometric shapes and earth colors associated with the Southwest Indians, McDermott manages to create an amazing vitality and depth of image that bring the spare, terse text to life. To those who take the time to examine the artwork, the story does indeed become an amazing re-telling of this Indian folklore.
This is another of the treasures in my school library that I haven't been aware of. I look forward to sharing the Indian folktale, but even more, the incredible art and detailed illustrations, with my students as we enjoy this outstanding example of traditional fantasy in a picture book.
Key words: Pueblo Indians, myths, Caldecott Award winners, art and illustration
