For most people, being swept away in a horse stampede during a raging thunderstorm would be a terrifying disaster. For the young Native American girl in Paul Goble's 1979 Caldecott-winning masterpiece, The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses, it is a blessing. Although she loves her people, this girl has a much deeper, almost sacred connection to her equine friends. The storm gives her the opportunity to fulfill her dream--to live in a beautiful land among the wild horses she loves.

With brilliant, stylized illustrations and simple text, Paul Goble tells the story of a young woman who follows her heart, and the family that respects and accepts her uniqueness. Considering how difficult it is for some communities to allow friendships to grow between people of different cultures, this village's support for the girl's companions of choice is admirable. Goble's bold paintings reflect this noble open-mindedness. The young horse fanatic of the house will joyfully add this book to his or her collection. Children are passionate people; they will relate. (All ages) --Emilie Coulter


From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 2-Paul Goble's beautifully-told, Caldecott Award-winning book (S&S, 1978) receives a fine treatment in this book and tape set. It is the tale of a Native American girl whose tribe follows the buffalo. She tends the horses, and grows to love them so much that eventually she joins them. Accompanied by Native American music, the story is clearly and lovingly read by Lance White Magpie, and sound effects help bring it to life. One side of the tape includes page-turn signals, while the other does not. Audio quality is excellent. This would make a good listening center for units on Native Americans, art, or horses.Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary School, Federal Way, WA Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.


Book Description
"There was a girl in the village who loved horses... She led the horses to drink at the river. She spoke softly and they followed. People noticed that she understood horses in a special way." And so begins the story of a young Native American girl devoted to the care of her tribe's horses. With simple text and brilliant illustrations. Paul Goble tells how she eventually becomes one of them to forever run free.


Card catalog description
Though she is fond of her people, a girl prefers to live among the wild horses where she is truly happy and free.

FROM OUR EDITORS

A Native American girl loves horses and spends all her free time with them. When a storm hits, she and her horses are forced to flee and they end up lost, but a handsome stallion, the leader of the wild horses, welcomes her to live with them. Gradually the girl relinquishes her life with her people, and years later, turns into a beautiful mare herself. Goble writes exclusively about Native American and his art reflects their culture and customs.

ANNOTATION

Though she is fond of her people, a girl prefers to live among the wild horses where she is truly happy and free.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

A Plains Indian girl is lost in the mountains during a storm. A wild stallion becomes her friend and she decides to ride free with the herd even after she is found. ". . . Storytelling and art express the harmony with and the love of nature which characterize Native American culture".--The Horn Book. Caldecott Medal; ALA Notable Children's Book. Full-color illustrations.

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly

Pink Pig, a tiny carving made from rose quartz, is Amanda's only companion and a character in an imaginary worlda world that makes it possible for the girl to cope with her own life, on her own terms. PW called this ``a moving and many-faceted story about extremely well-created characters.'' (10-13)

Children's Literature - Marilyn Courtot

In this Caldecott Medal book, Goble tells the story of how a girl so loved horses that, according to this Native American legend, she eventually became one. Beautiful, bright color illustrations on every spread expand upon the spare, but effective text. A true delight for those who love folklore and horses. The text closes with two Native American songs celebrating horses. 1993 (orig.

AudioFile