Knots on a Counting Rope

by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault

Book Overview

In Knots on a Counting Rope , Bill Martin, Jr. and John Archambault tell a poignant story about a boy's emerging confidence in facing his blindness in this beautiful children's picture book illustrated by Ted Rand. By the warmth of a campfire beneath a starry night sky, a Navajo youth named Boy-Strength-of-Blue-Horses listens to the tale of his birth from his grandfather. Although blind, the boy learns that he has the strength to cope with his condition...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0805054790
• ISBN13: 9780805054798
• Release Date: September 1997
• Publisher: Square Fish
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 0.29 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.1" x 9.7" x 8.0"
• Age Range: 4 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 3

Customer Reviews

My favorite book

Although this is a children's book & I am an adult, I have bought it many times as a gift for my friends. I read it when I need to revive my spirit. It is an absolutely beautiful book-- the words & the paintings.

Tell me the story again, Grandfather...

An Indian boy asks his Grandfather to tell him about the night he was born, and the Grandfather ties another knot in the counting rope. The night was windy, and when the boy was born, they thought he might die. The Grandfather took him outside and two blue horses came by and gave him their strength. The boy lived, but lives in darkness. He begs for a promise that his Grandfather will always be with him, to which the Grandfather replies, "I love you, boy; that is better than a promise!" A gentle story of love and blindness, with lovely illustrations make for a memorable book.

a book filled with everything we hope to teach our chilldren

this is a book that has more intensity and insight with each new reading. it is the story of a physically handicapped child who with the support of his grandfather takes on a difficult challege and competes to his highest potential. the story integrates overcoming challenges, uncondition parental love, hard work, and aging while finishing with a realistic outcome. the reader will be moved with pride and hope.

a book filled with everything we hope to teach our chilldren

this is a book that has more intensity and insight with each new reading. it is the story of a physically handicapped child who with the support of his grandfather takes on a difficult challege and competes to his highest potential. the story integates overcoming challenges, uncondition parental love, hard work, and aging while finishing with a realistic outcome. the reader will be moved with pride and hope.

Incredibly powerful

This book explains the passing of the generations in a child's terms. The grandfather explains that he will die, and the grandson does not want to hear it. But the grandfather shows that the powerful love of the family will support and strengthen the child as he faces the challenges of life and growth. This is the only book I've encountered that makes me cry when I read it to my kids.