Product Description

A grandmother's love is forever

In this mystical story of remembrance and tradition, Sister Girl and her brother, Young Wolf, wander far from their village and face great danger, including stampeding animals and a wall of fire. The children barely save themselves, and as night approaches, they find themselves alone in the barren and unforgiving wilderness. How will they find home? As the stars shine brightly, the spirit of their grandmother, Elk Tooth Woman, appears to guide them: "The Star People are always with you. Look up, and you will see me among the stars."

S. D. Nelson's compelling illustrations, inspired by the ledger-book style of the Plains Indians, capture the beauty of humans and nature existing as one.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #475177 in Books
• Published on: 2003-09-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 36 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780810945845
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

From School Library Journal
Grade 1-4-A young Lakota Indian girl narrates the story of how she and her little brother, Young Wolf, survive a prairie fire. They had wandered away from their village, entranced by the changing cloud shapes created by the Cloud People. They fall into a river and are guided home by their deceased grandmother, one of the Star People, who are the spirits of the Old Ones. The acrylic illustrations are inspired by the Native American ledger-book art of the late 1800s, with figures in profile, vivid colors, and bold shapes. The art enhances the text by blending the supernatural world with that of the children's reality. When Sister Girl and Young Wolf are lost, they are depicted in a heavenly space whirling and swirling with star groups outlined to show animals like the eagle, wolf, elk, and horse. According to the author's note, the Lakota Indians refer to clouds and stars as "Cloud People" and "Star People." A solid addition to collections of Native American tales and an enjoyable read-aloud.
Linda M. Kenton, San Rafael Public Library, CA
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
PreS-Gr. 2. While exploring the land around their village, two young Plains Indians--Sister Girl and her little brother, Young Wolf--stray too far. After narrowly escaping a roaring prairie fire, the siblings find themselves lost and frightened in the dark, open land until the Star People, "the spirits of the Old Ones who once walked on the earth," offer comfort and guidance home. In clear, captivating language, Nelson, the creator of Gift Horse (2000) and a member of the Standing Rock Sioux tribe, tells a stirring, original story based on Lakota legend. An extensive author's note introduces Ledger Book Art, the nineteenth-century Plains Indian style of art that influenced Nelson's acrylic paintings. The graphic, stylized scenes tend to blur individual faces, but the swirling images of the celestial dance beautifully reflect the story's celebration and awe of the natural world. A fine choice for story hours, this will also find wide curricular use. Gillian Engberg
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

About the Author
S. D. Nelson, a member of the Standing Rock Sioux tribe, is of Lakota and Norwegian descent. His previous book for Abrams, Gift Horse, won a Parents' Choice Award; Library Journal said, "This story, fluid in both narrative and illustrations, elucidates with grace and clarity a way of seeing the world. " S. D. Nelson lives in Flagstaff, AZ.

Customer Reviews

Mother Earth and Father Sky.
S.D. Nelson shares the wonder of the prairie and the Native American peoples. The importance of family is the heart of this story. The grandmother guides her grandchildren home when they are lost. The children learn that they are part of their family, the earth and the sky. The art work is outstanding and I look forward to more books by S.D. Nelson. Gift Horse is another of his excellent books.

Based on Lakota legend
Parent's Choice award-winning author S. D. Nelson (who is also a member of the Standing Rock Sioux tribe in the Dakotas), presents The Star People: A Lakota Story. Based on Lakota legend, The Star People tells of a brother and a sister who become lost, and must find their way home, with guidance from the heavens themselves. Nelson's warm, multicolored illustrations bring this fantastic picturebook work of Native American folklore to life.

The Star People: A Lakota Story
The Star People is a touching children's book about a Native American brother and sister growing up on the Great Plains. This story contains many important lessons including familial love, appreciation for the beauty of the earth, and the importance of all living creatures. The illustrations are colorful, unique and vibrant. They capture the essence of the main characters, Sister Girl and Young wolf, and their wild surroundings.
This is truly a heart warming book that will leave both adult and children readers feeling the magic of the stars, plants, and animals that surround us all.