Greet the Dawn

K-Gr 5—Portraying the precepts of Lakota philosophy with a harmonious interplay of glorious images and crisp poetry, Nelson expresses his vision of how gratitude for nature's bounty and appreciation of "Wakan Tanka," or the Great Mystery, enhances human life. His introduction effectively explains the Circle of Life, giving many examples of the literal and metaphorical circles that seem to inspire his illustrations, which depict circular dewdrops, drums, and celestial bodies—even the words themselves arc across some pages. However, other elements are a bit harder to understand, and a lack of clear transitions makes readers work to find connections among Nelson's ideas. The simplicity of the main text resolves any lingering confusion; the author intersperses ancestral songs that celebrate dawn, sun, and moon with his own free verse in praise of all the gifts nature shares with humans over the course of a day. The real star of the book, though, is the artistry of Nelson's breathtaking paintings. His appreciation of nature is apparent in the dynamic vistas that sweep across each spread; sky and earth are full of movement and pattern, and washes of color vary in mood and shade to portray muted sandy deserts, vibrant tropical blooms, and deep velvety midnights. The author concludes with a note that describes his inspirations and techniques and acknowledges the people who influenced his understanding of the Lakota Way.—Kate Hewitt, Far Brook School, Short Hills, NJ