School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 2-- A Native American legend that will be a fine read-aloud because of the smooth text and songs with repetitive chants. The Rainbow Crow brings fire on a burning stick from the Great Spirit in the sky to the snow-covered woodland animals. Because of the smoke he inhales as he flies back to the woodlands, he unselfishly loses his beautiful voice. No longer is he a rainbow-colored bird, but a black crow. His crackly ``caw'' and plain black feathers give him his freedom, however, for man, who has not yet arrived in the woodlands, will not hunt crow. Because Crow cannot sing, his feathers are black, and his meat tastes like fire and smoke, he will be free. Thus is his unselfishness rewarded. The illustrations, done in a primitive style, create a true sense of the Pennsylvania Lenape Indians and their winters. Raccoon, deer, beaver, fox, and pheasant are all clearly depicted in soft colors. --Kathleen Riley, Hilltop Elementary School, Beachwood, Ohio (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
This beguiling fable tells how the selfless crow lost his brilliant plumage when he interceded with the Great Sky Spirit on behalf of his animal friends--who were being buried in a snowstorm. Ages 3-7. (July) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Kirkus Review
How the crow. once rainbow-feathered, was singed black while bringing fire to the animals. During the first winter, snow falls for the first time. Fearing that they will be buried as it deepens, the animals send Crow as messenger to the Great Sky Spirit. He returns with the gift of fire, but loses his sweet voice and brilliant plumage in the process. In an introductory note, Van Laan explains that she heard this story from a Lenape Elder and was given permission to adapt it for publication. Her text is effective for reading aloud or storytelling. (The rhythm and rhyme scheme of Crow's song to the Great Sky Spirit does interfere with the story's flow, but the other animals' chants work better.) The colorful illustrations, in a primitive style, are appealingly innocent; the image of the rainbow-feathered crow trailing fire is especially striking. A good story for all ages; especially appropriate for the beginning independent reader. Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
Brilliant colors against pale blue backgrounds elicit the right mood for this northeastern native American tale about Crow, who receives the gift of fire from the Great Sky Spirit. [BKL Je 1 89]
