Iktomi and the Boulder: A Plains Indian Story

Goble, Paul

3.69

117 ratings by Goodreads

9780531083604: Iktomi and the Boulder: A Plains Indian Story

ISBN 10: 0531083608 ISBN 13: 9780531083604

Publisher: Orchard Books, 1988

Iktomi, a Plains Indian trickster, attempts to defeat a boulder with the assistance of some bats, in this story which explains why the Great Plains are covered with small stones.

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From Publishers Weekly:

The coyote is a familiar trickster in Native American myths and legends, and now Goble introduces readers to another genuine mischief-maker from the Plains Indian tales. A man named Iktomi sets off in full finery to visit friends and relatives in the next village. During the course of his travels, he gives a large boulder his blanket, which is making him hot, and then takes it back when he needs shelter from the rain. The angry boulder rolls after Iktomi and pins him to the ground, until Iktomi provokes some bats by hurling insults at them, which he claims he heard from the boulder. The bats go after the rock until it is mere pebbles, strewn everywhere. Although the story doesn't mention the idea of "Indian-giving" anywhere, the concept is a motivating force in the plot. Iktomi's story is a hilarious departure from Goble's other, more traditional tellings (the recent Her Seven Brothers , and the Caldecott Medal-winning The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses ). Comic asides abound, and the typeface cues readers as to places where improvisation is allowed. With all the somber myths and legends around, Iktomi's tale will elicit guffaws, a reward this troublemaker justly deserves. A Richard Jackson Book. Ages 3-7.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal:

Kindergarten-Grade 4 The vain Iktomi has overdressed for his journey. When he grows too warm, he offers his blanket as a gift to a boulder. But when it begins to rain, Iktomi pretends the gift was only a loan. While congratulating himself on his foresight to bring the blanket, the boulder comes to reclaim his gift. Iktomi tries to elude the boulder, but it pins his legs. As the moon rises, bats appear and Iktomi tricks them into attacking the boulder, which the bats break into small stones. This is why bats have flat faces and there are rocks scattered over the Great Plains. Goble has adapted his usually formal narrative style to suit this boisterous trickster tale. The type is large, and the narrative voice is informal, offering numerous asides from Iktomi and the storyteller. Goble's signature ink and vivid watercolor illustrations contain more movement than usual, and fewer stylized symbols are in evidence. A substantial forward gives background information on Indian trickster characters and on Iktomi in particular. A deft blending of text and illustration which will appeal to a wide audience. Karen K. Radtke, Milwaukee Public Library
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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