The Butterfly Dance: (A Tale from the Hopi)

by Gerald Dawavendewa

Third in the acclaimed Tales of the People series, this tale of a young girl's first Butterfly Dance captures the spirit of the Hopi culture. With its bright, stylized illustrations and distinctive Native voice, this appealing book gives a vivid sense of stepping into another culture. It chronicles one important day seen through the eyes of a young Hopi girl named Sihumana, or "Flower Maiden,"  who is a member of the Rabbit Clan and winningly portrayed as a rabbit. After going with her grandfather to greet the sun and bless the day, Sihumana travels with family to another village to take part in the traditional Butterfly Dance, performed late each summer in order to bring rain to the dry lands of the Southwest. The tale ends happily with the sound of rain on the roof and the promise of butterflies in the days to come.

About the Tales of the People series

Created with the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI), Tales of the People is a series of children's books celebrating Native American culture with illustrations and stories by native artists and writers. In addition to the tales themselves, each book also offers four pages filled with information and photographs exploring various aspects of Native culture, including a glossary of words in different Indian languages.

Genres: Picture Books, Native American, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2001

Reviews

[Tova · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is older than I am. Sheesh. But if Holetsi is a bear, but her father is bunny how could she be bear. I don't think that computes. Mating a bear and a bunny would be impossible. So, how does she exist?

[Aolund · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sihumana is looking forward to participating in the Butterfly Dance for the first time. Participating in the Butterfly Dance is not only a way for her to connect with her family and broader Hopi community, but also to celebrate all of the growing things that bring nourishment and delight to her people. The characters in The Butterfly Dance are drawn as animals, with rabbits, bears, and other creatures (denoting their Hopi clan), in rich colors. A sweet and enriching story of celebrating family, community, and the turn of the seasons. Back text includes further information about the Butterfly Dance and the Hopi people.

Themes: Dance, Family, Community, Seasons
Age range: Preschool-Elementary

[Jody Kyburz · Rating 3 out of 5]

The illustrations are something to spend time on. The text is an overview. I learned new things.