The Man Who Dreamed of Elk Dogs

Caldecott winner Goble (The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses) presents another group of stories from Plains Indians. The titular tale explains the coming of horses (‘elk-dogs’). Many other stories concern themselves with animals, and some with spirits. An appropriately wee tale relates an incident involving a mouse chief. All the stories are accompanied by Goble’s stunning paintings, which employ simple lines and earthy, matte colors. Goble is not Native American, but has won praise from the Native community for his cultural accuracy. A foreword by Menominee Indian and children’s literature professor Lauren Waukau-Villagomez endorses his work; a page of references lists his sources. The book is text-intensive, but the illustrations invite reader engagement.

The Man Who Dreamed of Elk-Dogs & Other Stories from the Tipi is a collection of 23 traditional stories from traditions of the Blackfoot, Lakota, Assiniboin, Pawnee, Winnebago, Omaha, Hidatsa, and Cheyenne nations. Sensitively retold and magnificently illustrated by Caldecott-medal winner, author/artist Paul Goble, The Man Who Dreamed of Elk-Dogs & Other Stories from the Tipi continues to create beautiful, authentic renditions of valuable pieces of Native American wisdom in ‘perfect attunement with the natural world around them.’ A treasure to be shared with all ages, here are 23 traditional stories from multiple Plains Indian tribes, illustrated with 45 brilliant color paintings and a stringent foreword that unequivocally describes Goble's stories and illustrations as ‘culturally correct and significant,’ while ‘His depiction of Native Americans is respectful and fair.’ Foreword author Lauren Waukau-Villagomez goes on to say that although Paul Goble is no Native American, ‘he has the heart of a Native American.’ The Man Who Dreamed of Elk-Dogs & Other Stories from the Tipi continues this valuable practice in contributing gems and nuggets of preserved Native American stories and teaching tales, with the voice of a careful story teller who shows respect for the authentic voice of Native peoples. An interesting addition to these stories is the italicized asides that the author uses to explain some of the important concepts or beliefs illustrated by the story, or to underline inconsistencies or differences between views held by different tribes and peoples. This beautiful edition is sure to enrich all multi-cultural children's collections in libraries [that are] personal, public and educational.