Greet the Dawn: The Lakota Way

Kirkus Review says, "Nelson, a member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, skillfully melds modern and traditional images of people in lush acrylics painted on textured paper. Interspersing the story are songs in the Lakota language, placed alongside English translations. These lovely bits of verse ("At dawn / may I roam / against the winds / may I roam") accompanied by colorful depictions of the ancestors singing and drumming in a circle enhance the connection between generations." (Picture book. Ages: 4-7)

S.D. Nelson's "Greet the Dawn" distills the traditional Lakota world view into beautiful paintings that simultaneously take youngsters into another realm while visually anchoring them in the Lakota present - the school bus and pick up trucks provide real life context for the story. Nelson succeeds in teaching the Lakota way in richly layered paintings replete with symbols and images revered by his tribe. It's the kind of book adults can read to young people knowing that the artwork will enchant the viewer while the overall message of 'balance in all things' comes through the text. The pictures and text complement each other very well. It is interesting that Nelson paints people in various deep shades of color, including some obviously Caucasian types to show that the Lakota people have intertwined their DNA and culture into other races and creeds. But the book shines as a visual testament to what the author reveres in his own Lakota heritage: respect for all living creatures and humility and sensitivity to the smallest and simplest experiences, such as waking to the dawn and savoring the sounds and scents of nature.

This was for my classroom library. The 2nd graders study the Lakota as part of the curriculum. Of course, the curriculum only allows for what the Lakota were doing in the 19th century. And, of course, my students are thinking the Lakota are still living and dressing as they did in the past. I liked this book because it showed my students Lakotas of today. When we read it, there were a lot of "Oh, I thought they still did like the past. They do stuff like us!"

Gorgeous illustrations and melodic text interspersed with the Lakota language celebrate Native Americans. Native Americans aren't just a people of the past. The books make it clear that they are here and now and are still sharing their stories, songs, language and their reverence for all of nature in their native country.

It’s a weird book and doesn’t give much description of the Lakota way that a child can understand

Hardcover with matching dust jacket, this gorgeous book is wider than it is high. Every page, and I mean EVERY page, is completely illustrated. And oh my! The full-colour illustrations are astounding - bright, beautiful depictions filled with meaning and expression of the spiritual experience of living a balanced life the Lakota way.S. D. Nelson begins with an introduction that prepares the reader for the wonder about to be discovered on the following pages. Each page is part of the story in motion - fluid, rhythmic, almost alive with the tale being shared. The reader learns a little about the Lakotas and what it is to be in harmony with all of Nature.Today most Lakota people live in three of the states of the USA, and in one of the provinces of Canada.Some of the story is told in the beautiful Lakota language with English translation. One can almost hear the rhythm of drums and chanting voices.S. D. Nelson of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe is an award-winning author and illustrator of numerous children's books. Greet The Dawn The Lakota Way is one to treasure, which I hope you will discover for yourself.

What a beautiful story and theme. The art is incredible. A great story for any time of the year. Makes a great gift!