Baby Rattlesnake

As a former preschool teacher, I have read and told this story to many children. They so easily relate to Baby Rattlesnake and his desire to have something that he is not old enough to be responsible with. I have also recorded, in my own voice, this story for my granddaughters adding sound effects for Baby Rattlesnake's rattle. Wonderful Native American story.

Great introduction to myths, legends, and Native American storytelling. This is appropriate for even very young children. The classic lesson of learning to wait until you are ready for something can be enjoyed by adults with their children.

Many preschoolers will certainly relate to the main character's recognizable struggles with self-control and aggressive urges. Baby Rattlesnake wants a rattle of his own even though his family and all the other snakes know he's not old enough to respect the rules of rattling. His troubles begin when the community's elders finally let him have a rattle and he ventures forth in the dessert to scare someone with it. Unfortunately, he picks the WRONG human, with laugh-out-loud results. The story is told nonsentimentally in simple, crisp prose by Native American author Te Ata, a professional storyteller. In addition to being bright and appealing, the Southwestern-influenced illustrations can be used to teach colors, patterns and shapes. A unique, quality picture book that deserves a wider audience. Brief depictions of Native Americans are positive and non-stereotyping.