Good Hunting, Blue Sky

by Peggy Parish, James Watts (Illustrator)

In this new edition Blue Sky announces that he will bring home some meat with his new bow and arrow. He doesn't succeed, but when a ferocious wild boar charges, Blue Sky leaps onto its back and rides it into the village.

Humorous illustrations add zip to the text, but it's the simple selection of the vocabulary and short sentences that put this story in reach of new readers."

Children's Choices for 1989 (IRA/CBC)

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Thanksgiving, Native American, History

64 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1962

About the author

Peggy Parish was the author of the children's story series Amelia Bedelia. The series was continued, after her sudden death from an aneurysm, by her nephew Herman Parish. Peggy attended the University of South Carolina and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English.

Herman honored Peggy's life in his book, Good Driving, Amelia Bedelia, by writing in its dedication: "For Peggy Parish, the real Amelia Bedelia."

-Wikipedia

Reviews

[Judy]

64 pages! That's quite a few for a beginning reader, but the graphics are numerous and large, so the text doesn't overwhelm. Kids will identify with Blue Sky and will appreciate the humor. And, I welcome books for this reading level that actually have a storyline.

The info about Native Americans (both verbal and visual) could be criticized, but overall the message is wholesome and will leave a positive impression.

[Stephi]

Of course this book needs to be read using silly voices:) this was a favourite in my family growing up and is still one of my favourites

[Nancy O'Toole]

Young Blue Sky is ready to embark on his first solo hunting trip. Only whenever he comes across an animal to hunt, things don't go quite as planned. Good Hunting, Blue Sky is update on Good Hunting, Little Indian, published back in 1962. This version has been significantly revamped, updating illustrations to better maintain cultural authenticity, and removing the word “Indian” from the title. Some readers may scorn this forced “political correctness” but others will appreciate the small changes to the narrative, as it doesn't teach small children incorrect information about Native American culture. The illustrations in this version, done by James Watts, are simple and friendly looking, filled with pastel colors and curious looking animals. Blue Sky's first solo hunt is both a humorous story, and the story of a young boy coming of age. The author makes sure to emphasize his growing independence, while keeping his parents in an important role, making this book a very good selection for a newly independent reader.

[Kris]

I'm kind of in shock that this is still in print. Peggy Parrish, of Amelia Bedelia fame, wrote this easy reader about a young Native boy. No tribal distinction. It's sort of benevolently stereotypical, I guess? It's just so...disappointing.

[Misbah]

A cute little book from my childhood. I've forgotten the story but I remember reading it and enjoying it enough to write the name down. Will most likely reread.

[Matthew S. Williams]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Blue sky brings home the bacon and earns a new name.

[Good]

Never climb a tree from a bear and never run from an angry wild animal. Boy has no confidence.

[Krista]

Such a fun read.
Blue sky goes out on his first hunt.
What an adventure!

[Amanda]

Spot is a family fave. Great for young readers, especially those who enjoy lift the flap.

[Dolly]

This is a good beginner book that shows a young Native American boy going out hunting on his own, hoping to bring home some meat for his family. His hunting trip does not go as he'd hoped, but in the end, he is rewarded. The narrative is simple and is good for beginning readers and the illustrations are colorful and cartoonish.

We enjoyed reading this book together and it reinforced some of the culture we'd learned when we read the book Sitting Bull: Great Sioux Hero by George E. Stanley.

[Rosa Cline]

This was a very unique book about and Indian boy that left out of his home to hunt his family food. It does follow him to 'hunt' but it's not graphic at all. Very fun and a 'different type' of book if you are tired of the same types of books. I did 'tag' this as Thanksgiving but it's not truly a Thanksgiving book, only would be nice to read to your children during that time of season since that seems like the time of year people want to teach children about Indians.

[Tricia]

I really value the easy reader books that interject an actual storyline and humor into the mix. This story about Blue Sky's hunting trip was a joy for my beginning reader and me!

[Morbus Iff]

One of the first longer-form books (64 pages!) J ever read. Don't think you liked it though.

[Mckinley]

Ridiculous image of indians. Funny 'hunt'.

[Michael Fitzgerald]

Some wonderful spreads. The 1989 "revision" has nothing on this one, adding in superfluous details to a simple story.

[Michael Fitzgerald]

Lame rewrite with generic cartoon pictures. The 1962 original has character and style.