The Return of the Buffaloes

Biblographic Information
Goble, Paul. 1996. THE RETURN OF THE BUFFALOES. National Geographic Society. Washington, D.C. ISBN 079222714X

Plot Summary
A tribe has been many moons without food. The buffalo, the deer and all other game are gone. Children are crying out in hunger. The tribe must do something to find food. Two young warriors are sent out to look for the buffalo. The young men wander and wander. Just as they agree they would rather die than return to the camp without food, they meet a mysterious woman who ushers them into her cave. Actually, it is a tipi, and thousands of buffalo are painted on the walls. She asks them why it took them so long to find her and she promises them she will send the buffalo soon. The young men race back to the camp. Immediately, all the members of the tribe pack up gifts to take back to the woman. Though they all wait outside her tipi…rather, a cave now…she does not come out. The gifts are left and the tribe returns to camp. In the middle of the night a great storm begins crashing all around the campsite. Only, instead of thunder and lightening, it is the buffaloes who have returned.

Critical Analysis
The language of this story is so beautifully woven that it is hard to separate the tale from the geometric shapes and designs from the pictures of this literary tapestry. The details in the India ink and watercolor pictures from the plains sage brushes to individual leaves create realism in a surreal pictorial style. The composition in the beginning pictures emphasizes the vast emptiness of the sky in relation to the extreme hunger of the tribe. The carefully sculptured text shows compassion, caring, and a deep rooted trust in the mystery of life and is conveyed through simple language that is appropriate for all age levels. Although one might be tempted to brush the tale away because of the tribe being ‘rescued’ by an outside sage, this tale eloquently describes the quiet pride and unwavering honor of the Native Americans.

Review Excerpts
Hornbook: “Goble's illustrated retelling of this Lakota myth is respectful and dignified, and he has included story sources and an extensive note on the role of this myth in the lives of the nomadic peoples of the High Plains. Parfleche designs painted from 1875 to 1930 by Plains Indian women embellish Goble's handsome, authentic, highly stylized illustrations. The result is a blend of story and information, of illustration and decoration, of myth and meaning.”
Kirkus review: “Goble is customarily generous with supporting information on the Plains Indians: Children can discover the Lakota design elements he incorporates into the art, learn how to make parfleche (an intricately decorated rawhide container for dried meat) and appreciate the use these native people made of every part of the buffalo. Attractive, absorbing fare.”
School Library Journal: “The strong symbiotic relationship between Native Americans and the natural world is apparent in both the myth and the accompanying information. Goble’s signature style is evident in his hues of vivid colors, stylized images, and traditional motifs. The large India-ink and watercolor illustrations effectively contrast the natural world with Indian decoration. ...in a book that is entertaining, informative, and inspirational.”

Connections
Follow up the reading of this story with additional Native American tales.
THE SOUND OF FLUTES AND OTHER INDIAN LEGENDS ISBN 0394831810
PAUL GOBLE GALLERY: THREE NATIVE AMERICAN STORIES ISBN 0689822197