Beyond the Ridge [Paperback]

Paul Goble (Author)

Book Description

"The concept of the long climb of someone who is dying is one which we can understand. You walk gradually, and seemingly endlessly, upwards to a distant ridge." This is a vision of that other land Beyond the Ridge.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

There is no death; only a change of worlds--Goble delivers these reassurances to readers in his latest book, once more based on the customs of the Plains Indian people. The book reads like a prayer, expressing specific beliefs about dying as well as the story of a woman who is called by her long-dead mother to go "beyond the ridge." The world she discovers--after a steep climb--is abundantly beautiful, and there she finds the familiar faces of people who have passed that way before her. Meanwhile, in her tepee, her loved ones recognize that she is dead, and give her a ceremonial burial. Graceful illustrations, displaying colorful beadwork on clothing and bountiful flora and fauna in each scene, further illuminate the words. The characters move elegantly through the rites, while the text whispers the meaning of symbols. A generous, encompassing view of death and dying, Goble's work is one of resonant tranquility. All ages.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Grade 2-6-- Once again Goble has created a stunning picture book interpretation of an aspect of Plains Indian tradition. The story at the heart of this book is the death of an old woman and her subsequent spirit journey. Once she is safely "beyond the ridge" the story focuses on the woman's family and how ritual helps them mourn and then accept her passing. The art work is Goble at his best. Clear colors and meticulous details make his paintings come alive. Clouds break like waves across the expanses of sky. The Great Plains shimmer with changing light, and there is a pervading sense of the unity of all creation. The story is bracketed by several passages in italics on life and death written by traditional native Americans. Attributions are made only in small print on the back of the title page, and so the individual voices seem to merge with the voice of the storyteller. Unfortunately, these sections are too repetitive to read out loud in one sitting; a wise librarian will be selective in reading these passages. Nonetheless, this book is a wonderful acquisition. Goble's portrayal of native American beliefs is accurate and respectful. And the universal wisdom the book contains will give comfort and insight on a subject that troubles readers of all ages. --Carolyn Polese, Gateway Community School, Arcata, Calif.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Aladdin (September 30, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0689717318
• ISBN-13: 978-0689717314
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 9 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.3 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #827,152 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Paul Goble is an award winning author and illustrator of children's books. He has won both the Caldecott Medal and The Library of Congress' Children's Book of the Year Award. To date, Mr. Goble has illustrated over 30 books. He has given his entire collection of original illustrations to the South Dakota Art Museum in Brookings, South Dakota.

Goble, a native of England, studied at the Central School of Art in London. He has lived in the United States since 1977 and became a citizen in 1984. Goble's life-long fascination with Native Americans of the plains began during his childhood when he became intrigued with their spirituality and culture. His illustrations accurately depict Native American clothing, customs and surroundings in brilliant color and detail. Goble researches ancient stories and retells them for his young audiences in a manner sympathetic to Native American ways. Goble lives with his wife in Rapid City, SD.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A lesson about death for youth, May 18, 2000

By 

zach (Massachusetts) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Beyond the Ridge (School & Library Binding)

This book by Paul Goble teaches about the Native American view of what death is and how it effects us. It is a heartfelt book and one that everyone would do well to pick up and read, young and old. Death is something that none of us can avoid and a book that leaves you with a positive outlook on the inevitable should be applauded and revered!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best Book About Loss, January 30, 2002

By 

Elkdreamer (CO United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Beyond the Ridge (Hardcover)

Paul Goble's "Beyond the Ridge" is a beautiful, comforting, simple book for children of all ages who have experienced the loss of a loved one.
This book is taken from a Native American story about the death of a woman and her journey beyond the ridge into the realm of spirit. Voices call her, and animals guide her, and the familiar scenery nourishes her as she travels home from the mundane world into the land of her ancestors.
The beautiful illustrations, simple and direct language, and comforting nature of this story encourage us to regard death as a process of adventure into greater territory than our bodies can permit.
I keep copies of this book in paperback to give to friends who have experienced a loss (because I so frequently loaned my own hardback copy that I feared it would break down from overuse.) I replenish my stock by ordering a few copies at a time, and I keep them on my bookshelf to share with others when words fail me. Everyone who has received (or borrowed) this book from me has reported feeling consoled and uplifted - even as they faced the death of their loved one - by the beauty of this simple childrens' book. Adults often become childlike when confounded by grief, and the nature of this book is to approach the issue through simplicity and grace, so it works for all of us.
I never want to be without a copy of this book on hand.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Dealing with death, June 18, 2001

By 

"mighty2" (Newport Coast, California United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Beyond the Ridge (Paperback)

I used this book to ease my young sons through the deaths of their maternal grandfather and paternal grandmothers about 10 years ago. I found that I was the one gaining great comfort! Unfortunately we are now going through another round of deaths. I ordered 5 copies and have given them to friends and relatives to help ease their pain.