
Reach for this book when your child is caught in a cycle of comparison or struggling with a 'me too' attitude that leads to overstepping their own boundaries. It is a perfect choice for the child who is currently preoccupied with being the best or the center of attention, offering a gentle, humorous way to discuss the importance of being true to oneself rather than imitating others to gain status. McDermott's vibrant adaptation of a Zuni folktale follows Coyote, whose vanity and desire to fly like the crows lead him into a series of ridiculous and eventually painful mishaps. While the crows are initially helpful, they eventually tire of Coyote's boasting and play a trick of their own. It is an excellent tool for teaching accountability and humility, wrapped in a visually stunning package that feels like a celebration of Southwestern indigenous art.
Coyote falls from a great height but is uninjured, only losing his colorful fur.
The story deals with pride and social consequences metaphorically. There is no permanent harm, but the physical fall represents a significant social and personal failure. The story draws from Zuni spiritual traditions, which may be a new concept for some children.
An elementary student who frequently brags about their skills or feels intense jealousy toward peers who have natural talents they haven't yet mastered.
Read cold. The vibrant illustrations are the star here, featuring geometric patterns inspired by Pueblo pottery. A parent who just watched their child have a meltdown because they weren't 'the best' at a new activity, or a child who is constantly interrupting others to boast.
For 4-year-olds, it is a funny 'splat' story about an animal. For 7 and 8-year-olds, the social nuance of the crows' annoyance and Coyote's vanity becomes a deeper conversation about friendship and honesty.
McDermott's use of brilliant, saturated colors and traditional Zuni design elements creates a visually rich experience that highlights the universal themes of the 'trickster' archetype, making it easy for modern children to identify.
Coyote, characterized by his insatiable ego, becomes obsessed with flying like the crows. He pester the birds until they share their feathers with him. However, Coyote's constant boasting and attempts to outshine the birds lead the crows to take their feathers back mid-flight, resulting in a tumble that leaves Coyote with a dusty coat and a bruised ego.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
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