The Legend of the Bluebonnet by Tomie DePaola

1. Bibliography
DePaola, Tomie. 1983. THE LEGEND OF THE BLUEBONNET: AN OLD TALE OF TEXAS. New York: Penguin Putnam Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0698113594

2. Plot Summary
In this delightful story by Tomie DePaola, he tells of a little girl who will help end the drought that her Indian tribe is suffering through. The drought is brought on by selfish acts, and to restore there life an offering must be made. She-Who-Is-Alone will sacrifice her dearest possession of a warrior doll to assist her tribe. Falling asleep on the hill, she wakes to the beauty of green grass and blue flowers known as the bluebonnet to Texas. As the tribe celebrates, the rain returns, and the little girl is praised for mighty sacrifice.

3. Critical Analysis
Based on the Comanche Indian legend, Tomie DePaola gives an appealing version of the creation of bluebonnets. He tells of a little girl who will surrender her warrior doll to a burnt offering, because her tribe has been committing selfish acts against Earth, and he portrays how a simple gesture can mean so much. The writing is done in a straightforward, but fulfilling way that just grabs the reader.

The illustrations created by DePaola add a sense of spirit to every page. This allowing the story to come alive and giving the reader a chance to become fond of the little girl. The illustrations add beauty to the book and the words itself, and this book is one to enjoy at any age.

4. Review Excerpt(s)
CHILDREN’S LITERATURE: “Tomie DePaola provides a charming retelling of the Native American legend about the origin of Texas' state flower, the bluebonnet.”
BOOKLIST: “The simplicity and beauty of the story echoes in DePaola’s effectively composed illustrations…An ideal complement to native American and Texas studies.”

5. Connections
*Other books written by Tomie DePaola
THE LEGEND OF THE INDIAN PAINTBRUSH. ISBN 0698113608
THE LEGEND OF THE POINSETTIA. ISBN 0698115678
*Other books similar to THE LEGEND OF THE BLUEBONNET.
HOW THE STARS FELL INTO THE SKY: A NAVAJO LEGEND. ISBN 0395779383
THE GIFT OF THE SACRED DOG. ISBN 0020432801
ARROW TO THE SUN: A PUEBLO INDIAN TALE. ISBN 0140502114