Iktomi and the Buzzard: A Plains Indian Story [Hardcover]

Paul Goble (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up

Iktomi the trickster tries to fool a buzzard into carrying him across the river on the buzzard's back. Asides printed in italics may be used by the storyteller to encourage listeners to make their own remarks about the action, as in traditional Iktomi storytelling.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In his fifth Iktomi story, Goble sends the Sioux trickster flying on board a buzzard. Touchdown does not go as expected, however, as Iktomi cannot resist insulting the buzzard and is pitched head-first into a hollow tree. With his customary bold colors and pristine page design, the Caldecott Medalist strikingly presents Iktomi in eagle feathers on his way to a powwow. Less successful is the interactive text in this installment. Passages in gray type, according to an introductory note, aim to "encourage listeners, young and old, to make comments"; these are generally innocuous and occasionally distracting. On the other hand, Iktomi's thoughts, rendered in small type next to the illustrations, cheapen the story with an injection of very low comedy ("They say Buzzard SMELLS his prey. . . . Did I forget my roll-on?"). Iktomi is not the only one to sink in this outing. Ages 4-7.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 6-Once again his excessive pride brings the irrepressible Iktomi down- but this time the fall is really a long one. On his way to a powwow, and dressed to show off his great talent for Eagle Dancing, he comes to a river that is too wide to cross. He talks Buzzard into flying him across, but then makes fun of the bird's unattractive appearance. The result is a well-deserved comeuppance, which Iktomi (naturally) refuses to take to heart. Told with verve and humor, the text is beautifully augmented by Goble's India ink, watercolor, and gouche illustrations. The complex language won't deter young elementary students' comprehension, and older children who enjoy folklore that is a bit sophisticated will also be entertained. A sure hit where Goble's other Iktomi books have been popular, this is also a fine introduction to this traditional Lakota figure, an overconfident but lovable trickster.
Ann Welton, Terminal Park Elementary School, Auburn, WA
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 1 pages
• Publisher: Orchard Books (NY) (March 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0531068129
• ISBN-13: 978-0531068120
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,836,588 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.