Review: DePaola, T. (1996). The legend of the bluebonnet: An old tale of Texas.

DePaola, T. (1996). The legend of the bluebonnet: An old tale of Texas. New York, NY: Penguin Putnam Books for Young Readers.

(Original work published 1983)

A retelling of a folktale hailing from the Comanche People about the origins of the Texas state flower, this narrative centers on the brave and selfless actions of one young girl.  Called She-Who-Is-Alone by her People, this girl has been herself very grievously affected by the drought and famine plaguing her tribe--she has been orphaned, all of her family gone “like shadows,” and has only a small warrior doll by which to remember them.  She cherishes her one small possession and memento, its head festooned with blue jay flowers, but is keenly observant of and concerned for her suffering People and their dying land.

Beautiful full-page illustrations show the girl struggling with the idea of the Great Spirits and what the shaman must do, even as her departed family members, depicted in graytones, watch her actions.  As she thinks of them, she also meditates on the words of the shaman that they “must sacrifice” by burning their “most valued possession” in order to restore life to the land and the People.

Although many of the People express greediness over their own valued possessions, She-Who-Is-Alone sneaks out during the night to the place where the Great Spirits had spoken, and under a starry sky, humbly offers up her doll and sole belonging, burning it in offering as she reflects on her People’s suffering and loss.  When she scatters its ashes to “the Home of the Winds” and falls asleep, she wakes to a transformation--the land has been restored and is now covered as far as the eye can see in beautiful wildflowers, derived of her doll’s beautiful blue feathers, and because of her sacrificial offering, the flowers return to cover the land every spring.

A long-time artist and art teacher, Tomie DePaola became a children’s author well known for his innumerous legend- and folktale-themed retellings, especially of various cultures and histories, and this contemporary classic is a prime example.  His distinctive use of line and color have won him a Caldecott Honor Award for his illustrations, and he has also received a Newbery Honor for his unique voice and writing, among many other accolades. His themes often focus on the idea that true wisdom can be found at any age, including children, when one is gracious and kind.

To read more about Tomie dePaola (pronounced Tommy da-POW-la) and hear about his latest books including Quiet, click here: Tomie dePaola (The Children's Book Podcast #474)