The Great Race of the birds and animals

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Goble, Paul. 1985. THE GREAT RACE OF THE BIRDS AND ANIMALS. New York, NY: Aladdin Books. ISBN 0689714521

2. PLOT SUMMARY
This is a myth that has been told by the Cheynne and Sioux people about a Great Race that took place between the two-legged and four legged animals. In the beginning the buffalo were devouring people and the creator saw that the people were distressed. The creator decides to hold a race that will determine who will have dominion and be the guardian of all creatures. With the help of a magpie, man wins the race.

3. CRITICAL ANAYLSIS
This story is a myth retold by the Cheyenne and Sioux people. The primary theme is to explain how people became guadians of the buffalo and other animals. The backdrop is set on the central plains. The conflict between the antagonist (buffalo) and the protagonist (humans) develop quickly and early in the beginning along with how the dispute will be solved. This story does evolve but tends to do it slowly. There is the element of personification through the animals. They have the ability to choose sides, make plans and talk. The paragraph length and text are simple enough to keep the attention of most young children. Some younger readers might be disturbed by the beginning when it talks about buffalo eating people.
Throughout the book , Paul Goble’s folk-art paintings enhance the stories theme. The warm and vivid reds, yellows, oranges and green colors that are used within the illustrations correlate with the southwestern tone. The one draw back for some younger children may be the beginning pictures that show the buffalo attacking people. This may be a little disturbing for younger readers.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Publisher’s Weekly: “Caldecott Medalist Goble's captivating retelling of this Cheyenne and Sioux myth is enhanced by his characteristically vivid folk-art paintings.” Ages 5-8.

5. CONNECTIONS
Activity to use: Split students into small groups and give each group a Native American Myth to read. After students have read their myth have them work together to create a skit about the myth. Students will then present their skit to the class.

Other Stories:
Goble, Paul. BUFFALO WOMAN. ISBN 978068911091
Goble, Paul. THE LOST CHILDREN: THE BOYS WHO WERE NEGLECTED. ISBN 9780689819995
Goble, Paul. DREAM WOLF. ISBN 9780689815065