Sing Down the Rain

by Judi Moreillon, Michael Chiago (Illustrator)

The Tohono O'Odham Indians who live in the Sonoran Desert prepare for the rains necessary to provide fruit for the Saguaro Wine Ceremony, their most important harvest celebration

Genres: Picture Books, Native American

32 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1997

Reviews

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

A rhyming picture book with choral interludes, coupled with gorgeous illustration, is just a treat! An Arizona audience will surely recognize the pictorial storytelling, and those who don’t, they get a peek at O’odham culture that thrives here in southern Arizona. Perfect for sing along and perfect for a classroom.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Very near to my home in Tucson, Arizona, is the Tohono Chul Park. I think there must be some relation between it and the Tohono O'odham people discussed in this story/song. As a result, I enjoyed reading it and learning more about this Native American tribe.

I would recommend reading the last pages first, though, since there is an explanation on how the story/poem works when performed orally. When I reread it after reading this explanation, I found the poem/song to be much more enjoyable, rather than simply repetitive.

[Brett Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gorgeous picture book about an age-old desert tradition.

[Romandruid · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely book! Poetic and lovingly illustrated!

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

While in the Sonoran Desert, I came across this book. What a feast for the eyes and what a rhythmic way to tell about one tradition found in the Tohono O'Odham Indian community.

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow.