The Boy Who Made Dragonfly: A Zuni Myth

This book is a wonderful rendition of an ancient Zuni story. The hero, a young boy, takes care of his toddler sister when they are mistakenly abandoned by the tribe. The story is full of wonderful lessons about appreicating life's blessings, the importance of generousity, and caring for your family. Along the way you will get a sense of the Zuni way of being in the world.

We bought this for our daughter since she loves dragonflies. Tony Hillerman has wrote many good books for adults and we thought we would try this children's book. It is a Zuni story of creation and has good morals and teaches how we should live and not be greedy. I recommend this book for all.

"And because you have made me out of unselfish love you have touched me with life" This is a transcript of a story that was verbally passed down through the generations of the Zuni. It was recorded in 1883 by Frank Hamilton Cushing. He had become a chief Priest of the Bow society of the Macaw Clan. The story is based on a drought that happened to the Ha'wi-k'uh about 1300; before the coming of the Europeans (1539-1540). ------------------------- The basic tail is of a people that treated food like mud, and were extremely rude to their corn sprits that were in the form of two old ladies. Only two children and a discarded old woman paid them any respect. This was very bad as the Zuni is part of nature and therefore nature and strangers are to be treated with respect. Thus the story is of the drought that sent the people away and leaving the two children and old lady behind. ---------------------- The version I read was illustrated by Lazlo Kubinyi. It is out of print so I am ordering the one illustrated by Janet Grado. Other things I found interesting is that some of the places and things we read about in this story became titles of Hillerman books.

Hillerman brings to life this story from the Zuni, a Pueblo People of New Mexico. As the cover jacket says, this is "intended to teach both history and morality of a people", like an Old Testament story. The strength of the young boy who constructs a toy insect out of corn, is both touching and has lessons for us now in how we treat others and our resources. The drawings by Janet Grado, add nicely to the story, particularly the portraits of the corn maidens and the old woman. Although suitable for children, fans of Toni Hillerman will also enjoy this.

This retelling of a Zuni tale is very refreshing....an excellent book to share with your children. The story is strong in its content, and the life examples of cause and effect, how one behavior causes negative results, and how a positive behavior can cause a positive result. This legend brings the reader into the lives of an ancient people, and one young boy. You share the journey, and rejoice in the conclusion.I have shared this book with many friends, all of whom enjoyed the book. I would compare this book, in quality of writing and content, to Mary Stewart's "A Walk In Wolf Wood".