The Legend of the Indian Paintbrush by

The Legend of the Indian Paintbrush

In spring, the hills and meadows of Texas and Wyoming are ablaze with the reds, oranges, and yellows of the Indian Paintbrush. How this striking plant received its name is told in an old Indian legend.

Many years ago, when the People traveled the Plains, a young Indian boy had a Dream-Vision in which it was revealed that one day he would create a painting that was as pure as the colors of the evening sky at sunset. The boy grew up to become the painter of the tribe, but although he found a pure white buckskin for a canvas and made paints from the brightest flowers and the reddest berries, he could not capture the sunset.

How the young Indian artist finally fulfills his Dream-Vision is lovingly told and illustrated by Tomie dePaola, in words and pictures that capture the spirit and beauty of this dramatic legend.

Reviewed by cherryblossommj on

4 of 5 stars

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I remember this one from my childhood. After we finished reading it my 3.5-year-old (AppleBlossom) went on to tell me how she was going to capture the colors of the sunset on paper. (2013)

This morning (2020) while reading Benjamin West and His Cat Grimalkin, we finished reading the A-Leafing chapter where Benjamin paints with his Native friends. It was perfect timing to pull out these folklore Indians of North America books. Bittersweet to remember the recently deceased Tomie dePaola as we talked about the Indian Paintbrush and Texas Bluebonnet. We finished it up with a similar but newer tale of strawberries.

My copy is from the Imagination Library.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 5 February, 2013: Finished reading
  • 5 February, 2013: Reviewed
  • Started reading
  • Finished reading
  • 5 February, 2013: Reviewed