Iktomi and the Coyote

In a previous misadventure, "Iktomi and the Ducks," the Trickster lost his roast duck dinner to the Coyote who is also clever and untrustworthy. Iktomi is the Trickster's name in Lakota, but in other Native American cultures he is known as Napi, Wihio, Glooscap, Nanabozon, and even Old Man Coyote. Paul Goble tells the story of their rematch in "Iktomi and the Coyote." As Goble points out, in Buffalo Days the stories about Iktomi reflected human nature and the wide range of possibilities from the divine all the way down. However, the stories that are told of Iktomi today represent him primarily in the Trickster role, forgetting that once he was a powerful force for good that helped in creating the land and taught humans how to make fire and gave them other gifts.Once again Iktomi is about walking along one day on his way to a school to read kids his books, which tell all about his brave deeds and great generosity. But when the prairie dogs start laughing at him, Iktomi decides that nothing would taste better than baked prairie dog. The problem, of course, is to catch them. The fact that the prairie dogs are taking turns being buried up to their necks in the hot ashes of their cooking fire does not dissuade Iktomi from creeping stealthily toward them. As was the case with the ducks the last time around, Iktomi actually seems to succeed in his plan. But then along comes Coyote, looking sick and starved, limping slowly and painfully along on three legs, and you know that things are going to go badly for the Trickster. Younger children might be upset by the story and some of the illustrations in "Iktomi and the Coyote," because the cute little prairie dogs do not fare well. The sight of the baked prairie dogs in the stomach of the wily Coyote (come on, you knew that particular adjective was coming) might be a bit upsetting, so be forewarned. As with the other stories of Iktomi, Goble provides text in grey italics where readers and listeners can make up their own insults about Iktomi, while the Trickster's thoughts are printed in small type. However, you should ignore those when the story is read aloud and leave it to the young readers to discover when they come back and read this story on their own.

Iktomi, the trickster of the lakota, is up to his old tricks. In his chance meeting with the prairie dogs, he demonstrates his untrustworthiness by making them up into a fine meal. However, Iktomi meets up with Coyote, equally clever and untrustworthy, and finds himself tricked! This is the sixth book of the Iktomi series by Paul Goble. The book is another masterpiece of artwork and story telling in the grand tradition of Paul Goble's award winning work. This book is a must buy for the school library, the storyteller, and parents who wish their children to read and look at a most delightful book. The best part of this beautiful artwork and story is that it tells a moral story, set in the old Indian Buffalo Days, that is as relevant today as it was back when. Highly recommened for ages 2 through 12, and of course, adults of any age. Dennis West

Iktomi, The trickster of the Lakota, is up to his old tricks. In his chance meeting with the Prairie Dogs, demonstrates his untrustworthiness by making them up into fine meal. However, Iktomi meets up with Coyote, equally clever and untrustworthy, and finds himself tricked. This is the sixth book of the Itktomi series by Paul Goble. The book is another masterpiece of artwork and storytelling in the grand tradition of Paul's Caldecott award winning work. This book is a must buy for the school library, the storyteller, and parents who wish their children to read and look at a most delightful book. THe Best part of this beautiful artwork and story is that it tells a moral story, set in the old Indian buffalo Days that is as relevant today, as it was back when. Highly recommended for ages 2 through 12, and of course, adults of any age. Dennis West Boca Raton FL.

IKtomi and The Coyote, by Paul Goble, new release by Orchard Books. IKTOMI, the trickster of the Lakota, is up to his old tricks. In his chance meeting with the Prairie Dogs, he demonstrates his untrustworthiness by making them up into a fine meal. However, IKTOMI meets up with Coyote, equally clever and untrustworthy, and finds himself tricked! This is the sixth book of the Itktomi series by Paul Goble. The book is another masterpiece of art work and story telling in the grand tradition of Paul Goble's award winning work. This book is a must buy for the school library, the storyteller, and parents who wish their children to read and look at a most delightful book. The best part of this beautiful story and artwork, is that it tells a moral story, set in the old Indian Buffalo days; that is as relevant today as it was back when. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for ages 2 through 12, and of course, adults of any age. Dennis West [email protected]