Mystic Horse

Goble, Paul

ISBN 10: 0060298146 ISBN 13: 9780060298142

Publisher: HarperCollins, 2003

Synopsis

From the first brilliant rush of horses to the triumphant sight of beautiful bays, chestnuts, shiny blacks, whites, grays, and paints galloping across the pages, Paul Goble's very special book will delight all who love horses and all who love stories that tell of the spiritual connection between people and animals.

His magnificent, detailed paintings evoke an almost forgotten world as he recounts a stirring legend based on the oral tradition of the Pawnee. Focusing on a poor boy and his grandmother, adventure begins when the boy discovers an old, limping horse. Though ridiculed by his tribe, the boy cares for the horse and brings it back to health. In turn, the animal helps his friend achieve greatness, only to be betrayed. The boy's remorse is sincere, but will he be forgiven?

Captivating readers, Caldecott medalist Paul Goble shows how a loving friendship changes the lives of a people.

About this title

About the Author

Paul Goble grew up in England, where he developed a deep interest in the culture of the Plains Indians. In 1977, he came to live and study in the Black Hills of South Dakota.

Greatly influenced by his adoptive father, Chief Edgar Red Cloud, and other Native American people, Paul Goble has created an outstanding body of work that celebrates Plains Indian culture. His distinguished books include the Caldecott Medal-winning The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses, Buffalo Woman, Dream Wolf, Her Seven Brothers, Adopted by the Eagles, and Storm Maker's Tipi.

Paul Goble says, "Throughout my books I have tried to reflect the special Indian feeling of mystical relationship with nature." The New York Times describes Paul Goble's work as "a marriage of authentic design and contemporary artistry," declaring, "it succeeds beautifully." His artwork resides in a number of collections and institutions, including the Library of Congress and the South Dakota Art Museum.

Paul Goble lives in the Black Hills of South Dakota with his wife, Janet. He was recently named an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters by South Dakota State University inBrookings.

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 4-Powerful, evocative endpapers showing surging horses, winging their way across raging seas and starry skies, draw readers into the spirit world of the Pawnee. With this opening, Goble brings to life the legend of the magical steed that gifted the tribe with "a herd of spirited horses." As the story opens, a poor boy and his grandmother struggle to keep up on foot as the rest of the tribe moves from place to place on horseback. One day, the boy finds a starving, limping horse and nurses him back to health, ignoring the jeers of others who insist he is wasting his time. In return, the animal gives him speed and cunning to spur his people on in battle. The boy, however, ignores the steed's final instructions and is devastated when the beloved animal dies as a result of his heedlessness. Later, he is forgiven and the stallion returns from the spirit world to reward his former benefactor with a herd of wild horses. Employing the same technique as in The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses (Bradbury, 1982), Goble uses the white outlines that are part of his signature style and marries traditional and stylized flat patterning with occasional shading to suggest rounded forms. By combining gouache and watercolor, he alternates areas of opaque and transparent color, evoking a sense of both airiness and solidity perfectly suited to the mystical and earthbound worlds depicted in this tale of generosity, bravery, and forgiveness. Extensive historical notes attest to the author's comprehensive research.
Laurie Edwards, West Shore School District, Camp Hill, PA
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0060298146
• ISBN 13: 9780060298142
• Binding: Library Binding
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 40
• Illustrator: Goble Paul