How the Stars Fell Into the Sky: A Navajo Legend by Jerrie Oughton

According to the Navajos, the jumble of stars in the night sky reflects the disorders and confusion of life itself. In this lyrical retelling Oughton--in her first children's book--paints a picture of calm deliberation as, at the beginning of the world, First Woman determines to write the laws in the sky for all to see.

So she positions her jewelry "crafting her careful mosaic on the blackberry cloth of night." Coyote offers to help with this important task but becomes impatient and sends a cascade of stars hurtling into the night, creating chaos for all time.

Oughton's text echoes First Woman's self-confidence and is sprinkled throughout with deft turns of phrase. Desimini's somber yet luminous art evokes nature's solemn beauty as it captures the silent mystery of the "rim of night." Her solid, slightly static figures firmly place this fantasy-like world of the desert in reality.

Ages 4-8.