THE LEGEND OF THE BLUEBONNET: AN OLD TALE OF TEXAS by Tomie dePaola

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
DePaola, Tomie. 1992. The Legend of the Bluebonnet: An Old Tale of Texas. New York, NY: G.P. Putnam’s Sons. ISBN 0698113594

2. PLOT SUMMARY
When a long drought leads to famine, the Comanche People ask the Great Spirits for guidance. The Great Spirits tell the shaman that the People must sacrifice that which is most valuable to them to atone for their selfishness. While everyone else rationalizes why they need not part with their prized possessions, She-Who-Is-Alone sacrifices the one thing that links her to her now departed family- her beloved doll. Because of her selfless deed, the Great spirits send the needed rain along with the bluebonnet flower as a sign of their forgiveness.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
It is evident through both the text and illustrations that a great deal of research about Comanche customs, religious beliefs and rituals was required in the writing of this tale. (Indeed, dePaola includes an author’s note at the conclusion of the story which has information about the flower, sources and the Comanche People.) For example, the opening page (which consists primarily of dialogue) transports the reader to a Comanche rain dance. His description of She-Who-Is-Alone’s doll includes the materials out of which it is made. These details impart more valuable information than the storyline alone.

The folkart style illustrations appear deceptively simple. While the impassive and unchanging expression of the heroine is somewhat irksome, other subtle details show complexity- the blue sheen of She-Who-Is-Alone’s hair in the sunlight, the way the stars slowly appear and then gradually fade as morning approaches.

At first glance, this picture book might seem geared toward younger children, but it is in reality probably more appropriate for older children who can understand and appreciate the message of the story. (Younger children might be confused or even frightened.) While the story explains the origin of the Texas state flower, it is really about sacrifice.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Booklist: "An ideal complement to Native American and Texas studies..."

5. CONNECTIONS
*Read this book in conjunction with a Native American (plains or Comanche in particular) unit
-Make a Native American doll
-Make a tipi
*Writing- What would you sacrifice?
*Bluebonnet art- popcorn and blue powdered tempera
*Read other books about Native American legends:
The Legend of the Indian Paintbrush by Tomie de Paola ISBN 0698113608
Thirteen Moons on Turtle’s Back by Joseph Brushac ISBN 0698115848
How the Stars Fell Into the Sky: a Navajo Legend by Jerrie Oughton 0395779383
*Read other folktales by Tomie dePaola:
The Legend of the Poinsettia ISBN 0698115678
The Legend of Old Befana ISBN 0152438173
Jamie O’Rourke and the Big Potato ISBN 0698116038