Product Description: In this poignant story, the counting rope is a metaphor for the passage of time and for a boy’s emerging confidence in facing his blindness.
Great Book I read the other reviews concerning the true Indian culture and how it was distorted, But.... My preschooler loves this book and so do I. Being that this geared toward young children, they don't care about who skimped on the truth. It is just a great story of a grandfather paying attention to his grandchild.
How did I miss this story? One of the most beautiful children's stories I've ever read, coupled with magnificent illustrations, I bought in the big book size...its like seeing a movie on big screen as opposed to at home.
My favorite book Although this is a children's book & I am an adult, I have bought it many times as a gift for my friends. I read it when I need to revive my spirit. It is an absolutely beautiful book-- the words & the paintings.
Totally inaccurate book Imagine a book in which Grandfather is a rabbi, Grandson is an alterboy, and they are described as "of the Quaker faith." You would still not be as far from the truth as this book. Sure it's a "heart-warming" tale. Many cultural inaccuracies are conveyed through heart-warming stories. For more detailed reference on the problems with this book, see:
Slapin, Beverly, & Seale, Doris. (1998). Through Indian eyes: The Native experience in books for children. Berkeley: University of California American Indian Studies Center.
Also check out www.oyate.org for other Native books to avoid.
Tell me the story again, Grandfather... An Indian boy asks his Grandfather to tell him about the night he was born, and the Grandfather ties another knot in the counting rope. The night was windy, and when the boy was born, they thought he might die. The Grandfather took him outside and two blue horses came by and gave him their strength. The boy lived, but lives in darkness. He begs for a promise that his Grandfather will always be with him, to which the Grandfather replies, "I love you, boy; that is better than a promise!" A gentle story of love and blindness, with lovely illustrations make for a memorable book.
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