Arrow to the Sun: A Pueblo Indian Tale. Gerald McDermott. Illus. by Gerald McDermott. New York: The Viking Press, 1974. 42 pages. $16.99 (Hardcover). ISBN 0-670-13369-8. Grades K-3.
Long ago a boy, the Boy, was given to a young maiden in the pueblo. As the Boy grew, he longed to search for his father. His quest took him high and low until he learned he must go higher, for his father was the Sun, the mighty Lord. Before he is accepted as such and fulfills his destiny he must complete four challenges. Gerald McDermott beautifully retells this Pueblo Indian tale, emphasizing the importance of the source of all life, the Solar Fire. The story jumps off the page as he draws on traditional Pueblo art through blending vibrant colors, unique shapes and symmetry in the illustrations. The rich black background makes each brightly colored image pop, ensuring the reader sees how each image is constructed through careful placement of geometric figures. The illustrations are crucial to making this eloquent, easy to tell tale come alive. The mystery, heritage, and tradition of the Pueblo Indians are vast, but McDermott does a great job of enlightening children with Arrow to the Sun. Recommended
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