Genre 2 Traditional Literature: A Book Written by Paul Goble

Dream Wolf

1. BIBLOGRAPHY
Goble, Paul. 1997. DREAM WOLF. Aladdin Picture Books. ISBN 0689815069.

2. PLOT SUMMARY
In this Plains Indian tale, a young boy named Tiblo and his little sister Tanski get lost in the hills while picking berries. Night falls and the two kids find refuge in a cave. While asleep Tiblo dreams that a wolf is watching over them and keeping them warm. When the two awake, he realizes it wasn't a dream at all. The wolf guides the two children back home. For this great act of kindness the wolf is showered with honor and gifts and the beginning of a special kinship with the wolf and the wolf people is formed.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This Indian tale is a great revision of The Friendly Wolf (Bradbury, 1974). Goble shares the tale of the beauty and wonderment of a relationship between man and animal. The lives and legend of this Indian tribe has been magnificently captured in Goble's illustrations. Goble's depiction of a "good wolf" offers a contrast to the idea that a wolf's main mission is to roam where few men dare, then to conquer and destroy. The wolf in this story is far less terrifying. In this heartfelt story readers have the opportunity to see and feel the special kinship between a village of people and a wolf. The text in this story keeps the reader engaged. This tale celebrates the American Plain Indian people and illuminates the beauty of the relationship between man and nature. It is very easy to read and kids of all ages would enjoy reading this Indian tale. This story will definitely stir up a desire to learn more about the Indian culture.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
"Straightforward, rich emotions.... magnificent picture book."
Publisher's Weekly

5.CONNECTIONS
A Few Books Written by Paul Goble:
Red Hawk's Account of Custer's Last Battle 1969
Her Seven Brothers 1988
I Sing for the Animals 1991
Love Flute 1992
Mystic Horse 2003
All Our Relatives: Traditional Native American Thoughts about Nature, World Wisdom 2005

Related Activities:
After reading this selection have students to list animals that are helpful.
(guide dogs, horses)
Compare and contrast the wolf to other animals.
Explore different cultures.