From School Library Journal
Grade 1-5–Based on an ancient legend, this story tells of a young man who is sent to find buffalo. Through a dream/vision, he saves the Cree people from starvation by actually finding the animals when it seemed there would be none to provide for winter survival. Told in the quiet, spare style of many Native American tales, this story stays calm even in the face of great trouble. The illustrations of the prairie beautifully capture the light and feel of the region in fall. Immediacy is retained by the use of the present tense throughout the book. Full-page layouts increase the sense of open space, although the text is difficult to read when it is placed on darker colors. Used as a read-aloud, this title provides an evocative introduction to the life on the plains and the ways of these people.
–Cris Riedel, Ellis B. Hyde Elementary School, Dansville, NY Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Gr. 1-3. The Cree people have not seen buffalo all summer. Now in the Moon of Changing Leaves, the people must find the herds if they are to have food for the winter. After discovering a white stone in the shape of a buffalo, young Sky Running dreams of great buffalo herds in enemy territory known as the Badlands. Despite the danger, his tribe sets off toward the buffalo, never encountering the enemy but eventually finding vast herds of the animal. The colorful, double-page paintings by Native American artist Lonechild are especially effective when showing the landscapes of the northern Plains and the haunting Badlands region. Skillfully told and illustrated, this memorable tale is based on a traditional Cree story about the power of prayers and dreams to ensure people's survival.
Karen HuttCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
