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Frog Brings Rain

Patricia's new picture book -
bilingual in Navajo and English

" In this traditional Navajo tale, a burning branch sets the mountaintop on fire, which threatens the village of the First People. First Woman asks the Bird People, to help by carrying a jug of water, and, finally, a small gray bird agrees but ends up scorching her breast; she becomes Robin Redbreast. First Man asks the Insects and then the bear, lion, and wolf. All say no. First Woman asks the Water People -- a snail, a beaver, an otter, and a muskrat. None will help, including Turtle. Finally, she discovers Frog. After soaking his spongelike coat with water, Crane carries him to the mountain to douse the fire, creating black mist on the north side of the mountain, blue mist on the south, white on the east, and yellow on the west. In gratitude, First Woman gives Crane the name "Rainbird" and Frog the power to "call the rain." This story, written in both English and Navajo, is vibrantly illustrated with neon-colored, folk-inspired art on vivid backgrounds."

Spur Storyteller Finalist Award for Frog Brings Rain. Click to see the 2007 Spur Awards.

Frog Brings Rain wins an Aesop Accolade Award for 2006 granted by the American Folklore Society. Click for details.