Buffalo Dreams

By Kim Doner

Book Overview

The Bearpaw children learn of a white buffalo calf that is born on a ranch far from their home. The family leaves on a spontaneous pilgrimage in their camper to take gifts to the newborn. The children had grown up with the story of the White Buffalo Calf Woman, the powerful spirit who saved a starving tribe in ancient times, and had been reborn in the form of a white buffalo. But the white calf is protected by its large mother. What will happen to the children in the moonlight inside the corral? A contemporary story that resonates with young readers of all backgrounds is based on an oral story passed down in the Bearpaw family. The White Buffalo Calf Woman, the powerful spirit who had saved a starving tribe in ancient times, had been reborn in the form of a white buffalo calf. Now that story seems to be coming true for the Bearpaw children. The book includes the retelling of the original legend of the White Buffalo Calf Woman as well as step-by-step instructions with illustrations showing how to make your own dreamcatcher.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 155868476X
• ISBN13: 9781558684768
• Release Date: September 1999
• Publisher: Westwinds Press
• Length: 40 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.2" x 11.0" x 8.5"
• Age Range: 7 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 2 to 7

Customer Reviews

Buffalo Tears

This book made me cry it was so good!!!! I am going to write a skit about it.

Buffalo Dreams is grounded in Native American Spirituality.

BUFFALO DREAMS is grounded in Native American (Sioux) spirituality including a retelling of the legend of the White Buffalo Calf Woman. The newborn white buffalo calf is the focus of the story, but Sara, the protagonist, learns something about herself as she touches the magic of the calf. Sarah says, "Maybe magic doesn't make you do something special. Maybe you do something special, and it makes magic." Young readers, with an adult's help, can make a dreamcatcher using Doner's clear instructions. The illustrations are delightful, particularly the buffalo clouds. Doner states in the author's note: "For a culture to thrive, Story must be breathed into the mouths of the next generation and ever passed on." BUFFALO DREAMS is a such a story.