In spring, the hills and meadows of Texas and Wyoming are ablaze with the
reds, oranges, and yellows of the Indian Paintbrush. How this striking plant received its
name is told in an old Indian legend.
Many years ago, when the People traveled the Plains, a young Indian boy had a
Dream-Vision in which it was revealed that one day he would create a painting that was as
pure as the colors of the evening sky at sunset. The boy grew up to become the painter of
the tribe, but although he found a pure white buckskin for a canvas and made paints from
the brightest flowers and the reddest berries, he could not capture the sunset.
How the young Indian artist finally fulfills his Dream-Vision is lovingly told and
illustrated by Tomie dePaola, in words and pictures that capture the spirit and beauty of
this dramatic legend.
