Traditional Literature - The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses

Bibliography
Goble, Paul. 1978. The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses. by Paul Goble. New York: Aladdin Paperbacks. ISBN 0689716966

Plot Summary
The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses is a retelling of a Native American tale about a girl's love and special understanding of wild horses. One day, while she takes a nap among the grazing horses, a storm comes and separates the girl and pack of horses from the tribe. She lives contentedly with the horses until one day members of her tribe find her. They take her home to reunite with her people, but she becomes lonely and ill, because she longs to live with the wild horses. Sensing her special connection to the animals, her people allow her to return to roam free with the wild horses where she feels a true sense of belonging and happiness.

Critical Analysis
Paul Goble's retelling of this Native American folktale is smoothly done. The main character's special love for and connnection to the wild horses is truly felt throughout the story. The text lends itself to be read aloud and enjoyed, especially by those with a fondness for animals.

The illustrations are perfectly executed to compliment the text. The southwestern style watercolor paintings beatifully depict the Native American culture and the bold colors enhance the reader's feeling of the true beauty of nature.

Review Excerpt(s)
Horn Book - "Both storytelling and art express the harmony with and the the love of nature which characterize Native American culture."

Connections
*This is a great book to use for a Social Studies unit on Native Americans.
*Other Native American folktales:
DePaola, Tomie. The Lengend of the Indian Paintbrush. ISBN 0698113608
Oughton, Jerrie. How the Stars Fell into the Sky: A Navajo Legend. ISBN 0395779383
McDermott, Gerald. Arrow to the Sun: A Pueblo Indian Tale. ISBN 0140502114