Dragonfly’s Tale

Once, many lifetimes ago, the people known as the Ashiwi offended the spirits who had given them bountiful harvests. When the Corn Maidens withdrew their blessings, hard times came to the Ashiwi. It was left to a boy and his little sister, with the help of a wonderful insect fashioned from cornstalks, to restore the good fortune of their people. 

The Ashiwi were blessed with food and yet, they were not willing to help two beggar women. An elder said, “These women are too lazy to grow their own corn. They are like hungry coyotes looking for an easy meal.” Instead of helping the woman, the Ashiwi wasted precious food. The people wanted to show off their good fortune, so they invited neighboring tribes to watch a fake battle. “Everyone laughed as they ducked flying bread and biscuits. One team hurled balls of dough, while the other threw globs of batter.” Because of the Ashiwi’s behavior, the Corn Maidens caused famine, which eventually caused the people to leave the village in search of food. 

Based on a traditional Zuni tale, this story reflects the original teller’s concern with kindness to others and respect for nature’s gifts. The clear, light, and rugged landscape of the American Southwest shines forth from Rodanas’ richly colored illustrations. Although Dragonfly’s Tale is a picture book, it is best suited for older readers because the text-heavy pages have 3 to 7 paragraphs that use complex sentences and advanced vocabulary.  

Dragonfly’s Tale is a beautiful fable that teaches the importance of being kind to others. It is only the kindness of two siblings that brings the Corn Maidens’ blessing back to the Ashiwi people. After the famine, “the people were careful not to take the Corn Maidens’s gifts for granted.” Young readers will cheer for the brother and sister who save their village and enjoy learning how the dragonfly came into existence. The tale has been kept alive by storytellers because of its timeless message. Even today, The Dragonfly’s Tale will help children appreciate their blessings.  

Sexual Content  

• None

Violence  

• None 

Drugs and Alcohol  

• None 

Language  

• None 

Supernatural 

• The Corn Maidens visit the city disguised as beggars. When they see the Ashiwi people wasting food, “like the windblown smoke, they banished.” The Corn Maidens cause a famine.  
• A boy makes a beautiful toy made out of cornstalk and gives it to his sister. The toy becomes a dragonfly. The insect flies to the Land of Everlasting Summer to ask the Corn Maidens for help.  

Spiritual Content  

• When winter ended, “the priests sang their most sacred chants and danced their most powerful rituals.”