Crow Chief: A Plains Indian Story - Hardcover

Goble, Paul

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0531085473 ISBN 13: 9780531085479

Publisher: Orchard Books, 1992

Synopsis

A retelling of a Plains Indian myth follows Crow Chief, the leader of the then white-feathered crows, as he and his flock warn a herd of buffalo of the approach of hunters and are themselves camouflaged by their whiteness against the sky.

About this title

From Kirkus Reviews:

Still another handsomely presented Native American tale from the prolific Caldecott medalist. A careful introductory note describes it as ``one of the many wonderful triumphs of Falling Star, the Savior,'' probably originating as an explanation for the customs and failures of the buffalo hunt; it also explains why crows are black. One ambitious crow repeatedly warns the buffaloes when hunters are coming; the children cry with hunger until, in response to the women's prayers, Falling Star arrives to show the men how to disguise themselves as buffaloes for the hunt. He also catches the wicked crow and, refusing to kill him, ties him to the tipi poles, where he must sit blackening his feathers in the smoke and smelling the cooking aromas and until he too knows hunger. Goble tells the story with his usual simplicity and verve; the illustrations, in his signature style, kindle new admiration with their decorative repetitions (especially of the buffalo and the crows), entire landscapes suggested by a few carefully placed silhouettes, and the extraordinarily subtle use of bright colors, including many different reds. Vintage Goble. (Folklore/Picture book. 4-10) -- Copyright ©1992, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

From School Library Journal:

Grade 1-4-- In ancient times, according to this Plains Indian myth, crows were white. Crow Chief was so good at warning buffalo when hunters were near, that their hunts failed and the humans went hungry. In answer to the people's prayers, a savior named Falling Star comes to them. He creates a ritual that brings him close to the buffalo spirits, allowing him to catch Crow Chief. The hunters are now successful, and the crow's punishment is to watch the feast, tied to the tipi poles, where the smoke of the cooking fire turns his feathers black with soot. Falling Star eventually frees him, with the admonition that, ``The Creator told us to share and live like relatives together.'' Goble's familiar, stylish, ink-and-watercolor designs evoke, rather than reproduce, Plains art. The palette is intense and varied, the figures stylized but not static. Pleasing pictures, a worthy message, and a simple story set in clear, large type combine to make this one of Goble's most attractive books to date. --Patricia Dooley, University of Washington, Seattle
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Orchard Books
• Publication date: 1992
• ISBN 10: 0531085473
• ISBN 13: 9780531085479
• Binding: Hardcover