The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses by Paul Goble is the story of a young native American girl whose life was changed by the animals she loved. While her people had many horses and used them to carry supplies and hunt buffalo, the girl had a special love and understanding of them. It was her desire to spend so much time with them that led her to become lost from her people for a long time. Her people searched for her, not knowing that she was safe and being protected by the creatures she loved, especially by one special horse, a beautiful spotted stallion. Eventually she is found by her people. After returning to her her village, her people wisely acknowledge that the girl's true happiness lies beyond what they can provide for her.
This beautifully illustrated (by the author) book is free from any type of negative racial or cultural stereotypes. At the same time, the illustrations give a picture of the dress and lifestyle of native Americans. The main emphasis of the story is on a young girl who has a great love for her animal friends. The native American culture is filled with such stories and horses have always been an important part of their culture.
Paul Goble has done a beautiful job with this book. The young girl could be any young girl in any culture who has a dream. I think most children can identify with the young girl, especially if they have ever had a pet.
This book is a winner of the Caldecott Medal. I would recommend it for children in Kindergarten through grade 3.
Keywords associated with this book: horses, native Americans, Indians of North America, buffalo, fairy tales.
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