CROW CHIEF

Still another handsomely presented Native American tale from the prolific Caldecott medalist. A careful introductory note describes it as "one of the many wonderful triumphs of Falling Star, the Savior," probably originating as an explanation for the customs and failures of the buffalo hunt; it also explains why crows are black. One ambitious crow repeatedly warns the buffaloes when hunters are coming; the children cry with hunger until, in response to the women's prayers, Falling Star arrives to show the men how to disguise themselves as buffaloes for the hunt. He also catches the wicked crow and, refusing to kill him, ties him to the tipi poles, where he must sit blackening his feathers in the smoke and smelling the cooking aromas and until he too knows hunger. Goble tells the story with his usual simplicity and verve; the illustrations, in his signature style, kindle new admiration with their decorative repetitions (especially of the buffalo and the crows), entire landscapes suggested by a few carefully placed silhouettes, and the extraordinarily subtle use of bright colors, including many different reds. Vintage Goble. (Folklore/Picture book. 4-10)