Rainbow Crow: A Lenape Tale

Author Nancy Van Laan and illustrator Beatriz Vidal retell a traditional Native American story in this lovely picture book, describing an idyllic early time before man entered the scene, in which the animals lived a happy and comfortable life in a world that was always warm. When the first snow came, the animals soon grew concerned at its dangers, and determined to send an emissary to the Great Sky Spirit. Only Crow, at that time a gorgeously-colored bird with a sweet voice, made for a suitable emissary, and off he flew, returning with the gift of fire. But in the process of bringing this life-saving blessing to the animals of earth, his coat was burnt a sooty black, and his once sweet voice hoarsened to a croak...

Having enjoyed other show more titles by both Van Laan and Vidal, who subsequently collaborated on a number of other picture books—The Legend of El Dorado: A Latin American Tale, Buffalo Dance: A Blackfoot Legend, The Magic Bean Tree: A Legend from Argentina—and having recently read a collection of Lenape folklore (John Bierhorst's The White Deer and Other Stories Told by the Lenape), I sought out Rainbow Crow with some anticipation. I was not disappointed, finding the story engrossing and ultimately poignant, and the artwork simply charming. I appreciated the message about sacrifice here, but also about the beauty to be found in so many different kinds of ways—a lesson Crow learns when the Great Sky Spirit shows him he does not need to be rainbow-colored to be beautiful. As for the visuals, they were just lovely! The color palette used by Vidal was gorgeous, the animal figures expressive and endearing—a real treat!

All this being said, I do have some questions about the provenance of this tale. Apparently Van Laan heard a Lenape storyteller, one Bill "Whippoorwhill" Thompson, telling the story some decades ago, in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and received permission from him to retell it. John Bierhorst however, the folklorist who collected the tales in The White Deer and Other Stories Told by the Lenape, and who wrote Mythology of the Lenape, lists it as a tale of "uncertain origin," indicating it might in fact be a Cherokee tale. I am not sure where the truth lies, but have cataloged this as both Lenape and Cherokee folklore. In any case, I would still recommend this one to young folklore lovers, as it is clear it is a folktale, despite the confusion around cultural source, and is well worth seeking out in its own right, as an engaging story. show less

"Long, long ago..." the weather was always warm, and the animals were happy; the "Two-Legged" did not yet walk the earth. But one day snow began to fall, and the animals decided to send an emissary to the Great Sky Spirit. Rainbow Crow agreed to go, but the Great Sky Spirit said they couldn't stop the snow; they could only give the gift of fire so the animals could keep themselves warm. In the process of bringing the fire back to earth, Rainbow Crow turned black with soot, and their beautiful song turned into a creaky caw. Crow's consolation was that they will be safe from the Two-Legged, and that within their black feathers, tiny rainbows are still visible.

An author's note before the story credits Lenape elder Bill "Whippoorwill" show more Thompson with telling a captivating version of this story, and giving the author permission to retell it. show less

The story of crow is a staple of many North American native peoples. This wonderful Promethean tale is beautiful with beautiful illustrations. This is a Native American story about why Crow is black with a scratchy voice. Crow is an important totem to many tribes, and I think incorporating the folklore of the people students are studying is another important way to understand who they are. I also think it's important to explaining to children how many folktales are often times the result of people witnessing natural events, and making up stories to explain it. LOVE this book. I have a deep personal connection to crows so I really loved this book. I'll admit, I cried.
Reading Level: 3.9 Interest Level: K-3

A beautiful retelling of a Native American legend on how Crow came to be with his black iridescent colors and this harsh crowing voice.

This particular edition started off on an introduction who the Lenape are as this is one of their stories. It gives historical and cultural information on them before then going to provide some interesting facts about crows so children have a background of both. What I find funny is that one of the given crow facts states crows belong to the same family as ravens but then the author makes the comment that Crow and Raven are the same when they are clearly not (in most cases I would count down for this incorrect information but since of the story itself I will give it its full due).

The illustrations are show more so beautiful in this book with the bright colors, the realistic animals and the attention to detail. There is nothing missing for the reader who just may want to skim through the pages first. And what really caught my eye is there is a two-page spread of Crow sitting in the tree at the beginning of the story and also at the end but the changes to him can be seen.

The story is a bit lengthy so not perfect for very young children but older children may enjoy the story. The reading is clear and easy while giving the reader a chance to learn about the animal characters of the Lenape such as sly Coyote. The one that intrigues me is why, though, do they think that Raccoon would end up following his tail?

And finally the book ends with some questions for children to answer about the book and the idea of making a mobile based off of characters in the book if parents so wish. Altogether a wonderful book that will warm children with a very important message that our losses to sacrifice may not be actual losses upon looking at them from another viewpoint. show less

This is a beautiful story about how crows got their black, iridescent wings and their raspy, cracked caws. In the story, Rainbow Crow, volunteers to visit the spirit in the sky to put an end to the snowfall that was threatening the other animals. All the sky spirit was able to do was give him fire to bring down to the earth and melt the snow. During his journey back, the coal from the fire stained his beautiful, rainbow feathers and the smoke from the fire ruined his beautiful, musical voice.

This was probably one of my favorite reads this week because of the pretty illustration, the songs on all of the pages, and my love of birds (especially crows).

Using the legend from the Lenape Indian tribe, the author tells the story of the crow who bravely rescues forest animals from the snow storm that promised to bury them.

Before their death, the crow flies above the sky to ask the Great Spirit for help.

Providing the crow with a stick of fire, at great sacrifice, the crow carried the stick of fire to the earth, and in saving the animals, the crow developed brightly colored rainbow feathers.

The illustrations in the book are full of color which make the story a lot more interesting. Also, the book gives a lesson about courage and doing things for others.