Buffalo Woman

He is a favorite from many approaches: Native American folklore, attractive art, great read-aloud choices.

Mr. Goble is to be applauded for his engaging stories and fine, impressive illustrations. All children should own at least one of his books. I think my daughter likes Buffalo Woman best because the child, who is the main character, saves the day. A young hunter, waiting at a stream, sees his prey, a buffalo, slowly approaching for a drink and tightens his arrow against his bow. To his surprise, now he sees nothing but a beautiful woman and "he knew at once that he loved her." She tells him she comes from Buffalo Nation and they she was sent because he had always had good feelings for her people being a good and kind man. "My people wish that the love we have for each be an example to both our peoples to follow." They marry and have a son, Calf Boy, but the hunter's people are cruel to his wife and child. So they run away and turn back into their true form, buffalo. The man loves them more than anything and chases after them. He finally finds them (after they'd escaped him several times) and his son, Calf Boy, gives him some "tips" [this is what makes the story in my opinion] to help save his father from the buffalo and unite, not just his family but the entire herd and the hunters that hunt them. [Another interesting part of the story.] I think there's a strong underlying message in this story, not just for us to respect and protect animals but to respect and love each other. "Mitakuye oyasin--We are all related." o8E Soar!

I am a faithful listen of Don Imus' show "Imus In The Morning". One morning he was talking about this book and how much his son Wyatt loved it. He started telling the story, but just stopped short of the end. I was so intrigued I ordered one up!The book, although for a child, teaches a valuable lesson about relationships and how strong their bonds can be. I don't have children, but think should be required reading for our youth. I'm 33 years old (at the time of this revies) and I practice some of the ideals revealed in this innocent children's book.