The Legend of the Bluebonnet by Tomie DePaola

DePaola, T. (1996). The legend of the bluebonnet: An old tale of Texas. New York: Penguin Putnam Books for Young Readers.

She-Who-Is-Alone is a young, Comanche girl living in a tribe were there had been no rain. Drought had stricken the people because they had not given back to the land. After much sadness and death, Great Spirit informs shaman, who informs the tribe, the only way the earth and people would be restored is if a beloved possession was sacrificed. She-Who-Is-Alone knew in her heart it was her doll that had to be sacrificed. The drought had killed her mom, dad, and grandparents. The extraordinary doll was created by her mom, and her dad had given the doll blue feathers. When the tribe fell asleep she lit a fire and asked the Great Spirits to accept her sentimental doll, which she quickly tossed in the fire. The next morning, the land was covered with beautiful bluebonnets, green grass, and a rain cloud dumping water amongst the land. The tribe was forever grateful for the girl they now call, One-Who-Dearly-Loved-Her-People. The bright pop of blue from the bluebonnets, against the earthy tones, allow the illustrations of the bluebonnets to enhance the setting and storyline. The legend of the bluebonnet is a folktale which has been told for many years. The rustic color tones and shading give the illustrations a vintage, yet authentic feel. After She-Who-Is-Alone gives insight into why and how much she loves and cherishes her doll, the shaman informs the tribe they must sacrifice a valued possession, which foreshadows, of whose possession might be sacrificed. I would recommend this to early elementary teachers to use as an introduction when teaching about Texas and our state flower.