How the Stars Fell into the Sky: A Navajo Legend

Summary of Book

According to the Navajos, the jumble of stars in the night sky reflects the disorders and confusion of life itself. In this lyrical retelling Oughton--in her first children's book--paints a picture of calm deliberation as, at the beginning of the world, First Woman determines to write the laws in the sky for all to see. So she positions her jewelry ``crafting her careful mosaic on the blackberry cloth of night.'' Coyote offers to help with this important task but becomes impatient and sends a cascade of stars hurtling into the night, creating chaos for all time. Oughton's text echoes First Woman's self-confidence and is sprinkled throughout with deft turns of phrase. Desimini's somber yet luminous art evokes nature's solemn beauty as it captures the silent mystery of the ``rim of night.'' Her solid, slightly static figures firmly place this fantasy-like world of the desert in reality.

Author Biography

Jerrie Preston Oughton, a Georgia native, grew up in North Carolina where she graduated from Broughton High School. The English teacher who inspired noted novelist and Duke University Professor, Reynolds Price, Armistead Maupin, and novelist Anne Tyler, also touched a chord deep within Oughton. Jerrie dedicated her first book, How The Stars Fell Into The Sky to Phyllis Peacock. After graduation from Meredith College, where she was chosen Outstanding Student Teacher of the Year, Oughton taught elementary school in Raleigh.

Illustrator Biography

Lisa Desimini is the author and/or illustrator of over 35 books for children. Her book My House was one of the New York Time's Best Illustrated Books of the Year. Some of her most successful title are: Dot the Fire Dog, Anansi Does the Impossible, How the Stars Fell into the Sky, She Sang Promise, and The Great Big Green. Lisa also illustrated the covers for the Sookie Stackhouse Series, and Barbara Kingsolver's Animal Dreams, Pigs in Heaven and The Bean Trees. Lisa and her husband live in southern CA.