Title: Who Blows the Wind
Author: Raven Karla Welch Reithmeier
Publisher: Raven Karla Welch Reithmeier Publishing
ISBN: 978-195416879
Pages: 26
Genre: Children’s Books/Young Adult
Reviewed by: Nicole Olson
Hollywood Book Reviews
A beautifully illustrated book by author Raven Karla Welch Reithmeier, Who Blows the Wind explores nature through the adventure of Little Brother, who finds it in his heart to begin a conversation with a tree. The story begins when he asks the tree about the wind. The tree sends him off to the rain and he continues to be sent among the treasures of nature and learns about Mother Earth’s many wonders and how they connect with life on Earth.
This is a vital read for all young people; for they are who will inherit the earth. An excellent book in any classroom, be it literature or science. There is much for students to learn in this book, including listening to your heart, enjoying all that nature has to offer, and finding wisdom in your surroundings.
The beautiful illustrations in the book are a breath of fresh air – especially to students accustomed to reading text books and other literature without colorful drawings. I believe no one is ever too old to read a picture book and it is wonderful that the author included beautiful artwork in this simple, yet compelling story.
The author repeats a pattern with every nature element that Little Brother visits as this is a great thing to examine in a literature class. Raven Karla Welch Reithmeier’s pattern in her story mimics patterns in nature, which each “character” describes. The water cycle is just one of these patterns – something that each student becomes familiar with in science class.
There is a great deal students can learn about cultural appreciation as well. History classes teach us about Native Americans but how often do we read their stories? Listen to their pleas? This book is a call to all of us, to find it in our hearts to speak to nature and to listen to what she has to say.
This book appeals to many generations. Young adult readers and children can share this book with younger brothers and sisters and show them the beautiful pictures. They can begin to plant seeds of wisdom about nature to younger children who cannot read on their own yet. This is a great book to read at any age where much can be learned from the story and the intricate pictures. Parents and teachers have the chance to remember some of the lessons they have learned in the past about Native Americans and perhaps repair any misrepresentations they have learned in the past. Who Blows the Wind holds much power and gives a voice to nature.