The Legend of the Bluebonnet

DePaola, T. ( 1983). The Legend of the Bluebonnet. New York, NY: Scholastic.

During the time of drought and famine, She-Who-Is-Alone has lost her entire family. All she has left is her doll her mother made for her long ago.  The People, or Comanche tribe, must offer the Great Spirits a burnt offering to make the rains return to the land.  One evening, she unselfishly burns her doll to offer the ashes to the Spirits.  She scatters the ashes to the north, south, east, and west. When she awakens the next morning, she sees blue flowers covering the hills and fields around her.   Then the rains return to the land.  From that day on, she was know by her people as "One-Who-Dearly-Loved-Her-People."

Every Texas child should know this legend of our beloved state flower, the Bluebonnet.  Here is a Native American folktale that shows selflessness and bravery by a young orphan girl.   Her story can teach us that at times, we must make sacrifices for the common good.   Teachers can use this book for several different studies such as folktales, Texas symbols, Native Americans, or even an author study on Tomie DePaola.   This is a book that should not be missed!