Antelope Woman

Book Review:

This story begins in a valley where very special young woman lived. Young men from other villages who were interested in her came to see her. A young man from another village came one day to speak to the People of her village. He gave them advice about hunting and protecting their families. He reminded them to have respect for all things great and small. The young woman heard the advice he had given the People. Intrigued, she followed him to his village. The young woman witnessed the young man transform into an antelope by running though four hoops. Knowing he had been followed, the young man motioned to the young woman to follow him. This way, she was able to experience life with the antelope family. From this experience, she wished to share her new knowledge with her own family-the knowledge that all things great and small should be honored. What happens next in her village is a surprise. After marrying the young man she bears twins. The reaction of her people is one of rejection, because of the twins. The young man and young woman are forced to make a drastic decision. What will become of the couple? The grandfather concluded the story with the lesson learned: "We must be thankful to the creator, who gives us all things great and small and who teaches us to honor them all."

The author does a wonderful job of illustrating the story. His bright colors and detailed drawings are vivid portraits of the written word. Without a doubt, the illustrations capture the attention of the reader. This is a book definitely worth reading.

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