The Legend of the Indian Paintbrush

Different from all of the other boys in his tribe, Little Gopher was destined to be a maker and an artist, rather than a warrior—something confirmed by his tribe's shaman, and by his own Dream-Vision. Working away at his painting, he struggled to capture the colors of the sunset, as foretold he would do in his vision, until one evening he finally had his reward, gifted with magical brushes filled with gorgeous paint—brushes that allowed him to truly create the masterpiece of his dreams. It was only on the next day however, that the truly miraculous nature of this gift was revealed, as those brushes were transformed into gorgeous flowers on the hillside, leading Little Gopher to receive his new name: show more He-Who-Brought-the-Sunset-to-the-Earth...

In his 1983 picture book, The Legend of the Bluebonnet: An Old Tale of Texas, author/illustrator Tomie dePaola retold the traditional Comanche folktale concerning the origins of the bluebonnet flower—the state flower of Texas. Published a number of years later, in 1988, The Legend of the Indian Paintbrush explains the origin of the state flower of Wyoming. According to his author's note at the end of the book, the source for this story was a collection of articles by a Texan author, Ruth D. Isely, entitled Texas Wild Flowers: Stories and Legends (the Indian Paintbrush also being commonly found in that state), which was published by the Austin Independent School District, in 1965. Unfortunately, this volume doesn't appear to have ever been published commercially, and looks difficult to find, so it would be a challenge to determine what sources Isely used, assuming she listed any. I found myself a little bit disappointed that no specific cultural origin for this story was given, unlike the Bluebonnet tale, which was apparently Comanche. Saying it is a "Plains Indian" tale doesn't really help. Leaving that aside, although I didn't find it quite as poignant and appealing as dePaola's earlier work of flower folklore, I did enjoy this one, and would recommend it to young flower and/or folklore lovers, young would-be artists, and anyone seeking stories about Wyoming's state flower. Reading this and preceding book has made me wonder if I can find picture books about all fifty state flowers... I do love a themed reading project, after all. show less

“The legend of the Indian paintbrush” is a folk tale retold through a children’s book. The book tells the story of a young Indian boy who isn’t a warrior but found his meaning and place in life. The two biggest things in this story appeals to me and I would hope the students who are similar to me, it would appeal to them too. My family comes from Native Americans or Indian heritage however how little it may be. This connection drew me to it and I was happy to learn more about my heritage. One thing that excited me from a big picture point of view was the fact that they were depicting Indians in a different way than the typical cowboys and Indians, or Pocahontas type of story. This folk tale dove into how the Native Americans show more viewed the world and it was interesting to see it from their point of view. It was also refreshing to read a story about Indians because from what I have seen there aren’t as many Native American children books. The second thing that I felt was powerful was the message of the story. The message being even if you are not the biggest kid, not the strongest, or the fastest you can still do great things just by being you. Which is what the main character did and he brought joy and art to their world. So the world thanked him by giving the people new colorful flowers, and his tribe later gives him a name more fitting of what he had done for his people. show less

The Legend of the Indian Paintbrush is a story about a Native American boy who is seeking to find his meaning of life. At the beginning of the book he is confused why he is different from the other children in his tribe because he is not a good hunter like the others. Little Gopher finds his meaning and happiness from discovering the gods want him to be a painter and paint the beautiful horizon but he can not find the right colors to do so because the horizon has the boldest and brightest of colors. One day he discovers that the wild flowers have grown all over the hillside and provide him with the right colors he needs.

I liked this book for several reasons. The book is a retelling of an old Native American folk tale. I liked that the colors used in the illustrations of the book change depending on what is happening in the story. For example, when the story begins out the colors used are dull beige and brown. When Little Gopher receives his prophecy in the Dream Vision that he should become a painter, the colors in the sky are bright and colorful – full of reds and oranges. When Little Gopher paints the same bright colors reappear. I also enjoyed that the sentence structure was simple enough for young readers but still detailed and full of imagery. For example, the prophets told Little Gopher “you will paint a picture that is as pure as the colors show more in the evening sky”. Another description of the colors was “the deepest purples of the rocks, the reddest berries, the brightest flowers”. This helps readers visualize the colors and help enhance the story. I also enjoyed the hopeful message that the folk tale sends to young readers. Little Gopher was not as strong as the other boys and could not be a warrior, but he still found something he was great at and helped the people in his tribe. The folk tale’s message is to encourage children to use their individual talents to make their world a better place. show less

This author is known for writing and illustrating folklore. In this book, he focuses on the story of a little boy who lived on the plains. His trible lived in a circle of teepees. Most of the other boys were pursuing active feats of riding horses, running, shooting their bow and arrows, and wrestling with each other.

Because this young boy was much smaller, he felt different and not part of the group. His name was Little gopher and he was very artistic. The wise man (shaman) of the tribe told him his gift was very special and his place is different from the others, and he will be thought of for his artistic talents.

Going to the hills alone to discern his path and how he fits in with the tribe, he had a dream vision. He watched the clouds show more and saw a young Indian maiden and old grandfather. She helped him with his talent of painting the animal skins. The grandfather gave him tools and the young maiden instructed him to find a white buckskin to paint the colors of the sky.

His dream came true when he was given special paintbrushes and pots of paints. He found a white buckskin. Thereafter he beautifully painted the stories of the people. When he was finished with the paintbrushes, he placed them in the ground. They became lush flowers that covered the ground. The people called him He Who Brought the Sunset to the Earth. show less

Summary:The story begins with a Native American child who longs to be like the other warrior children, but seems to smaller and always be lagging behind. Through the help of the Shaman and the boys dream vision he is able to find comfort in his own ability to be a painter, and to be able to record the tribes hunts, deeds of the warriors, and shamans so they will live throughout history. The boy is challenged to paint a picture of the sunset, although he struggles, he never gives up. He efforts are rewarded by all the colors needed to paint the sunset.
Person Reaction: This book is completely heart warming. The illustrations are gorgeous, and the over-all story just feels to authentic. I think it is incredible that the boy was not made to show more feel less of himself for being different. Instead, he was encouraged by those around him to continue to fulfill his talent of being a painter. It was accepted to go against the grain, which is not very common. The story is definitely about staying true to yourself, even when the temptation is there to be someone you are not. It is also a story of perseverance. The boy did not give up on painting the perfect sunset, and because of this was rewarded with all of the colors of the sunset. The was the paintbrushes then turned into flowers that would go onto bloom every spring is a wonderful touch as it shows the mark the boy is already leaving on the world, and for his tribe.
Extension Ideas:
1. I could ask the children what some of their talents are and ask them how they could use those talents to help those around them.
2. The class could work together to paint a giant sunset. This would show them teamwork as well as all of the beautiful colors that are in a sunset.
3. It would be neat to see if we could somehow recreate the look of the skin canvas for a painting activity. show less

Gifted author/illustrator Tomie dePaola retells a Native American story concerning the Indian paintbrush plant's name. The story is well-told, and the illustrations are beautiful.