Arrow to the Sun facts for kids
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| Author | Gerald McDermott |
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| Illustrator | Gerald McDermott |
| Country | United States |
| Genre | Children's picture book |
| Publisher | Viking Press |
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Publication date
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1974 |
| ISBN | 0-670-13369-8 |
| OCLC | 707401 |
| 299.7 398.2 E | |
| LC Class | E99.P9 M25 1974 |
Arrow to the Sun is a special story that first appeared as a short film in 1973. A year later, in 1974, it was released as a book. Both the film and the book were created by Gerald McDermott.
The book is well-known for its beautiful artwork. The pictures were painted using a type of paint called gouache and ink. In 1975, the book won the prestigious Caldecott Medal. This award is given to the artist of the most outstanding American picture book for children.
The story itself is a retelling of an old tale from the Puebloan peoples. Specifically, it comes from the Acoma Pueblo tribe. It tells the adventure of a mysterious boy who sets out to find his father.
The Story of Arrow to the Sun
Arrow to the Sun shares an ancient tale in a way that helps young readers understand it. It explores themes of identity, courage, and finding your place in the world.
The Plot
The story begins with a young boy who does not have a name. He is the son of the powerful Sun Lord. The Sun Lord sent a spark of life to a maiden, a young woman, in the Pueblo village. This is how the boy came to be.
Other boys in the village often tease him because he does not have a father living with him. Feeling alone and wanting to know his origins, the boy decides to search for his father.
He asks different adults in the Pueblo village for help. Finally, he speaks to the wise Arrow Maker. This special man uses his magic to transform the boy into an arrow. Then, the Arrow Maker launches him high into the sky, sending him directly toward the Sun.
When the boy arrives in the Sun, his identity is tested. To prove he is truly the Sun Lord's son, he must pass through four special ritual huts, called Kivas. These trials include:
- The Kiva of Lions
- The Kiva of Serpents
- The Kiva of Bees
- The Kiva of Lightning
After the boy successfully completes these difficult challenges, the Sun Lord finally recognizes him as his own son. The Sun Lord then sends the boy back to Earth. His mission is to bring the spirit of the Sun into the world of people.
