How the Stars Fell into the Sky: A Navajo Legend (Sandpiper Houghton Mifflin Books)

I actually purchased this book because I loved the cover art, and the title, "How the Stars Fell into the Sky," intrigued me. The image of the Navajo woman, star in hand, gazing up thoughtfully into the dark, "new" sky really captured and held my attention. I wanted to read this book! :) I also felt that it would be worth sharing and discussing with my students.The illustrations are amazing; they feel warm, soft, and alive--not harsh or garish at all. Each image underscores the emotions and actions of this story of First Woman who wants to communicate laws to her people---present and future--in such away as the laws would always be accessible and always be remembered. She carefully places stars in certain patterns until the impatient, meddling Coyote offers to help--which eventually brings the woman grief and human beings confusion.What's interesting about this story is the dynamic comparison / contrast that occurs with the main characters: First Man, First Woman, and Coyote. The First Man and the Coyote (Man and animal) are both extremely impatient to be getting onto other here and now "Life" activities while the First Woman considers the future, believing that writing the laws is necessary. Writing the laws requires time and careful efforts. It is a sacred duty she takes seriously. Thus, in this tale, the woman is the respectable, responsible, beyond-the-moment person and the dedicated law giver. (Some world legends and myths tend to place women in subservient roles and / or vilify them.) Her only mistake is trusting the Coyote to help her. [Perhaps, this is the warning embedded in the story: beware of "animal instincts," "urges," and haste because they can cause unhappiness, discord, and disorder.]"How the Stars Fell into the Sky" contains the following collection of universal themes that can be examined and discussed in group / class settings:First Woman is compelled to write the laws of her people. (Her mission, her divine calling)First Woman cares for her people and their welfare. (Identification with a Group)Coyote enters the scene (Animals with human characteristic--talents and flaws.)First Woman trusts the Coyote at first. (Innocence)First Woman witnesses the Coyote's tragic deed. (Experience)First Woman respects the world, nature, and all its cycles (Acceptance)Humanity has often looked to the heavens / stars for guidance.Stars are jewels of the skytrust / distrustimpatience and hastedarkness and lightorganization; chaos (confusion)

This story is short but amazing after reading it to my 5yr old he wanted to act out the book... This folklore leaves you wanting more!

Cute, short, and simple story of how the stars came to be. A fast read, good for a quick bedtime story or children beginning to read on their own

A gift for a nine year old. His mother loves the book. She said, "the pictures are so beautiful that she plans to hang them all in her classroom.

he's 4, he loves all things magical. We love learning about folklore in other cultures

I got this book for my class. It was a fun gorgeous and easy to understand book. My biological children loved this story too. I will use it again come November for Native American Heritage Month.

Sweet book & well written.

The book was a gift. The recipient enjoyed the primitive but elegant illustrations.

I enjoyed this story! My 6 year old has gotten very interested in mythology lately, so I wanted to expand her knowledge outside of just Greek and Roman myths.This book was a bit of a tough read though for younger readers, I found myself simplifying it, making it more to their level.THAT said! For older readers it was nice to read a different culture's myth about the stars.

Little one really enjoys this story and interested in folklore. Would be useful to have other stories.

I like this story and it holds the attention of my toddler.

Beautiful story, beautifully and simply illustrated. The navaho story of the creation. My daughter was captivated by it.... what more can I say?

Beautiful