The Man Who Dreamed of Elk Dogs

Caldecott winner Goble (The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses) presents another group of stories from Plains Indians. The titular tale explains the coming of horses ( elk-dogs ). Many other stories concern themselves with animals, and some with spirits. An appropriately wee tale relates an incident involving a mouse chief. All the stories are accompanied by Goble s stunning paintings, which employ simple lines and earthy, matte colors. Goble is not Native American, but has won praise from the Native community for his cultural accuracy. A foreword by Menominee Indian and children s literature professor Lauren Waukau-Villagomez endorses his work; a page of references lists his sources. The book is text-intensive, but the illustrations invite reader engagement.