RAINBOW CROW: A Lenape Tale

How the crow. once rainbow-feathered, was singed black while bringing fire to the animals. During the first winter, snow falls for the first time. Fearing that they will be buried as it deepens, the animals send Crow as messenger to the Great Sky Spirit. He returns with the gift of fire, but loses his sweet voice and brilliant plumage in the process. In an introductory note, Van Laan explains that she heard this story from a Lenape Elder and was given permission to adapt it for publication. Her text is effective for reading aloud or storytelling. (The rhythm and rhyme scheme of Crow's song to the Great Sky Spirit does interfere with the story's flow, but the other animals' chants work better.) The colorful illustrations, in a primitive style, are appealingly innocent; the image of the rainbow-feathered crow trailing fire is especially striking. A good story for all ages; especially appropriate for the beginning independent reader.