Knots on a Counting Rope (Reading Rainbow Books) - Softcover

Bill Martin Jr.; John Archambault

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0805054790 ISBN 13: 9780805054798

Publisher: Square Fish, 1997

Synopsis

In Knots on a Counting Rope, Bill Martin, Jr. and John Archambault tell a poignant story about a boy’s emerging confidence in facing his blindness in this beautiful children’s picture book illustrated by Ted Rand.

By the warmth of a campfire beneath a starry night sky, a Navajo youth named Boy-Strength-of-Blue-Horses listens to the tale of his birth from his grandfather. Although blind, the boy learns that he has the strength to cope with his condition and meet any challenge that comes his way.

“The powerful, spare, poetic text is done full justice by Rand’s fine full-color illustrations...The love, hope, and courage expressed are universal.”― Booklist (starred review)

About this title

About the Author:

BILL MARTIN JR (1916-2004) was an elementary-school principal, teacher, writer and poet, with doctorate in early childhood education. In addition to the beloved Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?, Martin's books include Listen to the Rain and Knots on a Counting Rope.

John Archambault is a poet, journalist, and storyteller who collaborated with Bill Martin Jr. and Ted Rand on several books, including The Ghost-Eye Tree and Here Are My Hands.

Ted Rand (1915-2005) was a prolific artist whose illustrations appeared in magazines, newspapers, and children’s books. In addition to his work with Martin and Archambault, Rand illustrated My Buddy and Salty Dog.

From School Library Journal:

Kindergarten-Grade 4 Boy-Strength-of-Blue-Horses begs his grandfather to tell him again the story of the night he was born. In a question-and-answer litany, the boy and his grandfather share the telling of the events on that special nightthe wild storm; the frantic ride for the grandmother/midwife; the birth of the frail, sickly boy; and the blessings of the blue horses. Through a staccato dialogue, readers learn how the boy, who was born blind, teaches his horse to run the trails. They enter a race, and although the boy does not win, his grandfather tells him that he has ``raced darkness and won.'' The boy and his grandfather each have such a distinctive voice and cadence that there is no need of imposing qualifiers such as ``he said.'' The story unfolds naturally, exhibiting the love between the boy and his grandfather. The illustrations, executed in strong watercolors, capture the beauty and strength of the southwest. Through form and color, Rand creates enduring mountains, fluffy clouds floating in a brilliant blue sky, and the gritty textures of the earth. The people exhibit character, individuality, and pride. And the loving bond eloquently expressed in the text is also reflected in the profiles of the two seated figures surrounded by the glow of the campfire. Parents and grandparents should share this book, and then their own stories, with children. Karen K. Radtke, Milwaukee Public Library
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Square Fish
• Publication date: 1997
• ISBN 10: 0805054790
• ISBN 13: 9780805054798
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: Ted Rand