The Man Who Dreamed of Elk-Dogs & Other Stories from the Tipi

Gr 2–5—For his third collection of "Stories from the Tipi," Goble has selected 23 traditional tales that reflect the diversity of the folklore of the Great Plains. Stories drawn from the oral traditions of the Blackfoot, Lakota, Pawnee, and other Plains nations illuminate the beliefs, values, and histories of these cultures. Though dreams and dreamers are a thematic thread, the stories are diverse in topic and varied in length. Goble's signature illustrations provide artistic unity, balancing the brevity of the stories with imaginative details and warm, inviting colors. Gentle, chatty introductions to several of the stories supply cultural context while preserving the oral tone of the collection. Model source notes appear at the end, confirming Lauren Waukau-Villagomez's assertion, in her foreword, that Goble's "stories and illustrations are culturally correct and significant." This book serves as an excellent introduction to the rich cultural traditions of the Great Plains, and as a valuable resource for storytellers looking for respectful renditions of Native American tales.—Rachael Vilmar, Easter Shore Regional Library, Salisbury, MD