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Description
Award-winning Lakota author-artist S. D. Nelson shows what wisdom can be learned from animals in this universal, strikingly illustrated picture book about connecting with the natural world.
From our animal brothers and sisters, young readers can learn the Lakota Way, an ancient principle that transmits the virtues and values we should all strive to include in our own lives. If we watch and listen to their teachings, they will prepare us as we make our way through the joys and challenges of our mysterious, wondrous world.
Award-winning author and illustrator S. D. Nelson conveys the concept of the Lakota Way through energetic illustrations and a simple text that names each animal in both English and Lakota, helping children to embrace these Indigenous principles in their daily lives.
Lakota translation by Dakota Goodhouse
Mother Bear watches over her cubs, guiding us to walk with strength and protect those who need protecting. Otter, the playful swimmer, reminds us that games and laughter are good for our hearts. And as Tadpole transforms into Frog, he demonstrates we'll make changes in our lives too.
Publication date
March 17, 2026
Genre
Fiction
Page Count
48
ISBN-13
9781419764448
Publisher
Harry N. Abrams
Series
The Lakota Way
BISAC categories
JUV002000 - Juvenile Fiction | Animals | General JUV011040 - Juvenile Fiction | People & Places | United States - Native American JUV029010 - Juvenile Fiction | Nature & the Natural World | Environment
Library of Congress categories
Animals Picture books Indians of North America Wisdom Animal fiction Lakota Indians
Horn Book Magazine
Readers will embrace the universal messages of interdependence between humans and animals while practicing their Lakota language skills...detailed and heartfelt
Publishers Weekly
Starred Review
Lakota creator Nelson (Grandma's Tipi) kicks off this lively connection-oriented survey of animals and their characteristics with a line describing the Lakota Way: \"If you look with your eyes and listen with your ears, our animal relatives will share their ancient wisdom with you. A spirit line connects us as we journey together.\" The following spreads each focus on a specific animal (named both in English and translated into the Lakota by Dakota Goodhouse), as well as its traits, ending with qualities that readers might emulate. \"Strong\" buffalo, used in the making of clothes and tipis as well as for nourishment, \"guides us to SHARE and BE GENEROUS.\" The hummingbird, \"like a tiny, whizzing whirlwind,\" teaches readers to act \"with great ENERGY and STRENGTH.\" Per an author's note, Lakota pictographs and ledger-book drawings inspired the acrylic illustrations that appear throughout, which are layered with organic textures and outlined shapes. A raccoon, drawn amid blue spirals, eats an ear of corn; a mother bear watches over two cubs surrounded by lines of movement; and animalia and human figures recur throughout. Just right for the youngest readers, it's an enjoyable work that incorporates a range of beings and teachings to \"prepare us for the joys and challenges in this wondrous and mysterious world.\" Ages 4-8. (Mar.)
Copyright 2026 Publisher's Weekly, LLC Used with permission.
School Library Journal
Starred Review
Gr 1-5--An imaginative and touching story of the ways in which animals have inspired human behavior and society. Using Lakota pronunciations and vocabulary, the book guides readers through creative illustrations linking humans and nature. Animals and insects are used to teach valuable lessons about trust, change, and kindness: "Turtle is the guardian spirit who teaches us to give comfort to others." The illustrator uses emotionally potent scenes that perfectly capture the culture of the Lakotas. Simple, elegant sentence structures are easy to follow, even for emergent readers. VERDICT By inviting children to understand the teachings of animal brothers and sisters, this book works for units on nature, animals, and Indigenous culture, and is a compelling work for all collections.--Sarah Nashak
Copyright 2026 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
Kirkus
Starred Review
A stunningly illustrated tale that does double duty as a primer on animal names and guidance on how to lead a good life...A masterful must-read for young readers navigating their world.
ALA/Booklist
"An eloquent picture book inviting contemplation and conversation."
S. D. Nelson is a member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe in the Dakotas. He is the award-winning author and illustrator of numerous children's books, including Black Elk's Vision, Gift Horse, Coyote Christmas, and The Star People. He lives in Flagstaff, Arizona.
