Tasunka: A Lakota Horse Legend

K-Gr 4—Legend has it that long before the Spanish brought horses to North America, the Lakota people tamed wild horses and brought prosperity to their tribe. But they misused the gift of Tasunka, the horse, and were made to go without these animals for hundreds of years. This lovely bilingual (English-Lakota) picture book conveys the speed and grace of the horses as well as their importance to the Lakota nation. Though the language is formal, it clearly communicates both the story and the lesson that great gifts must be shared. Illustrations and text also provide many clues about the customs and values of the Lakota, from their skill with hunting and handling animals to the emphasis on family and community. Montileaux, an Oglala Lakota artist and storyteller, uses sweeping ink lines and swathes of prairie color, stylized in the manner of traditional ledger art. His style captures movement and gesture—including deliberate stillness—particularly well. Front and back matter include an informative introduction, a note on the illustrations, and resources for further reading.—Sarah Stone, San Francisco Public Library