THE RETURN OF THE BUFFALOES

In a companion to Buffalo Woman (1984), Goble retells and illustrates an extraordinary story central to the spiritual and cultural life of the Lakota people. The story recalls a time of famine when the people suffered from the absence of wandering buffalo herds. Two strong young men are sent out to search for the beasts and come upon the Washun Niya, or "Breathing Hole," a cave in the Black Hills of South Dakota. They encounter the mystical Buffalo Woman who, after hearing their tales of desperation, promises to "send out my Buffalo People." Goble is customarily generous with supporting information on the Plains Indians: Children can discover the Lakota design elements he incorporates into the art, learn how to make parfleche (an intricately decorated rawhide container for dried meat) and appreciate the use these native people made of every part of the buffalo. Attractive, absorbing fare. (Picture book. 5-10)