Buffalo Wild!

by Deidre Havrelock, Azby Whitecalf (Illustrator)

An exuberant celebration of the Buffalo’s return to the wild.

Since Declan was born, his kokum has shared her love of Buffalo through stories and art. But Declan longs to see real Buffalo. Then one magical night, herds of the majestic creatures stampede down from the sky. That’s when things really get wild!

Azby Whitecalf’s playful illustrations add to the joy and reverence in Deidre Havrelock’s picture book debut. A reprinting of the Buffalo Treaty and an author’s note describe the importance of Buffalo to Indigenous Peoples and efforts to revitalize the species.

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Indigenous, Childrens, Nature, Canada, Native American

32 pages, Hardcover

Published September 7, 2021

About the author

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Reviews

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book to my three year old grandson, but he was a bit too young to understand it. I then read it to the older two and my seven year old grandson really enjoyed it. It is book that is set during a dream, but has a tie to what is happening in his real life. Declan wants to see a real buffalo, as his kokum (grandmother) tells him stories of the buffalo roaming wild when she was young. One night, one magical night, herds of buffalo stampede down from the sky and that’s when things really get wild! This is a cautionary tale for all of us. So many animals in the world are extinct already and many more on the verge of becoming lost to us forever. Buffalo are coming back, slowly, but we have a long way to go, as they were hunted nearly to extinction by early Europeans. The Buffalo is very important to the indigenous people of North America and there is information in the back pages about that importance as well as a reprinting of The Buffalo Treaty. The illustrations were wonderful. They were extremely colourful, with pastel colours, which added to that dreamlike feel. I like that both the author and illustrator are Indigenous Canadians. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.

[Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a gorgeously illustrated story about buffalo returning by an Indigenous author. It's bright and colorful and will keep the attention of children. Own Voices representation is important, and this one will make a good addition to any library, public or private.

This unbiased review is based on a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.

[Moonkiszt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Featured in a grandma reads session.

My reading group enjoyed this read and was doubly engaged by the bright artwork, whimsical and sweeping across the pages, with a dash of "where's Waldo??!" thrown in with the buffalos to find in all the artwork. Sometime blatant and mainstage, and sometimes in the lightest of strokes, but a buffalos are celebrated. We got into the head of Declan, who leads us into his telling us all he knows about buffalos and what they mean to his family and his culture.

We read the Buffalo Treaty included at the end, one of the olders reading it - a youthful voice laying out a bright contrast to my elderly woman crackly sing-song. . .leaving all of us imagining wavy green prairies where a river of huge brown creatures sing their own kind of song under bright blue skies.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute, colorful picture book about a boy who wishes for the buffalo to return and they do. This is in celebration of the buffalo returning to the land, although not quite in numbers they used to be.

It is cute, how, when the buffalo return to the sky that a few remain behind, and the Kokum and the boy accept them for what they are

I love how the grandmother just accepts that some buffalo have appeared while she was asleep, and destroyed her garden and trampled her gazebo.

Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.

[Amanda Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved getting wild with Buffalo Wild! :). A wonderful story that celebrates (in the authors words) "the return of Buffalo from the edge of extinction", along with honoring the Buffalo Treaty, between the Buffalo and First Peoples of North America. On a more broad level, the story celebrates our connection to the natural world and encourages readers to honor and reflect on our own role in taking care of our planet and precious species. I also enjoyed following the special bond between the main character, Declan and Kokum. Their relationship can remind us of the stories and teachings we can learn from our elders if we take time to ask questions and listen. Havrelock did a wonderful job creating a connection to the characters and the natural world and Azby's cool color palette of blues, reds, and violets create a mythical and mystical feel, setting the tone for the themes in the story. With expanded back matter the story would also make for a great addition to curriculums to expand teaching and learning around the culture and communities of Indigenous Peoples.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read as part of our current geography study. The vivid artwork was so fun, my kids enjoyed spotting the buffalos hidden throughout, and the back matter with the author’s personal connection to buffalo was appreciated.

[Tracy Gold · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully written and illustrated book that will be a wonderful way to teach children about Indigenous Peoples in North America and their relationship with buffalo and the natural world. In this book, we see a wild return to the times when buffalo ran wild in North America, and then see a hopeful ending where humans and buffalos more peacefully coexist. Non-fiction back matter add depth and allow for further exploration into the fight against extinction for buffalo.

[Jocelyn Rish · Rating 5 out of 5]

A joyful story of connecting with nature and your culture. Buffalo have always been part of Declan's life, but he longs to see them roaming wild again. When his Kokum tells him the Buffalo will return home one day, Declan wishes it would happen now. That night - with his help - they return from the starry sky. And they are a bit more than he bargained for as things get Buffalo wild, when they trample fences and gardens. Eventually, Declan figures out a resolution, leaving a few Buffalo behind to connect Declan with his ancestors. Deidre Havrelock's whimsical text is full of wild joy, and the back matter is an excellent resource to learn more about the relationship between Indigenous Peoples and Buffalo. And Azby Whitecalf's vivid illustrations have a beautiful dreamy color palette with funny moments woven through the pages.

[Carmen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a gifted copy of Buffalo Wild! From Annick Press in exchange for an honest review.

Declan has always been connected to buffalos since he was born. His kokum has shared stories with him about these magnificent creatures and how they used to roam the land they now live on in massive numbers. Declan is entranced by this idea and in the middle of the night, he dreams of setting the buffalos free again so that they are able to return home. And they do — in massive, wondrous, and wild numbers that soon has Declan asking the Creator to bring some home again. This is a magical, fun, and wondrous picture book that shares the history of the buffalo in North America and its connection to the Indigenous Peoples of this land.

[Adrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buffalo Wild! is indeed a wild story and a reminder to be careful what you wish for, especially when what you wish involves millions of large wild animals! With bright illustrations, this story is a colorful adventure with fantastical elements; so much so, that I initially thought Declan was merely dreaming! As the author states in her note, this is a heart's wish; and would be a great starting point for a discussion about how we live and share resources with our animal friends in the natural world. [Are they allowed to stay if they trample our gazebo? ;-) ] Many thanks to Annick Press for access to a digital ARC for review.

[Novel Obsession]

Declan has grown up with his kokum’s stories and art depicting the buffalo. The buffalo have always been an important part of his life, but he wasn’t prepared to be face to face with a herd. When a stampeded of magical buffalo come down from the sky, things begin to get wild for Declan. Deridre Havrelock and Azby Whitecalf have created a fantastic Own Voices picture book for young children, with bright, vivid illustrations and plenty of informational matter at the end. We need more Indigenous representation in children’s books.

Disclaimer: An advance copy was provided by the publisher. Originally posted at Novel Obsession.

[Theresa Trinder · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Happy, wild wonderment” is how the author describes her first encounter with buffalo—and is what readers will likely feel upon their first encounter with this beautifully unique book. Declan’s grandmother, Kokum, describes to him the majesty of the buffalo and their eventual return to our world. His imagination takes her story a step further, and the result truly wild. It’s fun to see the wonder through Declan’s eyes as the animals stampede Kokum’s yard and to feel the pride as he figures out a solution. A modern fable of sorts, it’s a remarkable work about the buffalo and the First Peoples of North America—and about knowing your past and realizing your dreams.

[Scott Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Declan’s love of buffalos began early with tales of them from Kokum, his grandmother. But when he learns that they now roam the stars instead of the land, he has one wish--that they come home. One night his wish comes true as he mystically releases them with the help of his lacrosse skills. He soon finds out that only the Creator can tame such a wild herd. In the end, it’s Declan who goes wild when a few are intentionally left behind. Readers of all ages will love this beautifully re-envisioned folktale told and illustrated by native voices. The text concludes with a touching author’s note, a note on the Buffalo Treaty, and the treaty itself.

[Nic · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely book. Written by an indigenous author about an animal that is important to her culture, this is exactly the sort of Own Voices representation that I want to include in my libraries. Backmatter gives excellent information about the significance of buffalo and other historical context. Other reviewers have stated that they walked away with questions, but those were clearly answered in this backmatter. The illustrations are also charming, dreamlike and lovely like the dream they are meant to be.

ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for review via NetGalley.

[Caity · Rating 5 out of 5]

The artwork is absolutely stunning and radiates joy. It works so well to convey the important spiritual bond Declan feels with the buffalo and his happiness and wonder when he sees them. This ties into the larger message about the importance of the buffalo to Native Americans. While this is a fairy short story the author provides more information on the spiritual significance of the buffalo, making this a great resource for talking about the importance of First Nations culture and the conservation and care of the buffalo. Overall I highly recommend this beautiful book.

[Christine Zandt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story will sweep you in with its swirling blues, purples, and pinks. Like a dream, the text transports you to another time, one when buffalo roamed freely--except, in this story, they are sky buffalo entrapped by the stars.

I like how we are shown that, through the care of people, buffalo were brought back from the edge of extinction. The Buffalo Treaty of 2014 is included at the end.

This book will appeals on many levels: caring for our planet, multigenerational relationships, and storytelling.

[Susan Underbrink · Rating 3 out of 5]

A big thank you to NetGalley and Annick Press Ltd for the ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. This is a children's book. The illustrations are beautiful. But quite frankly, I did not understand the story. Are they Native American? What was the significance of the Bison to the family? Why do they not use the correct name of the animal? They are bison not buffalo. I am not sure about this book. For me it was just ok. Left me with many questions. 3 stars

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Declan gets more than he bargained for when he wishes the Buffalo can come home after Kokum tells him about how humans and Buffalo once roamed together. Chaos ensues and things get Buffalo Wild! The story is both fun and educational, and readers can learn more about the history of Indigenous Peoples and Buffalo in the author's note. I love the whimsical ending and the gorgeous purple illustrations.

[Deb Adamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This indigenous story was written as a celebration of the return of the buffalo as the population faced extinction. The author was inspired to write the story because of her love of Buffalo from a young age as well as the importance buffalo played as a resource to indigenous peoples. The dreamy quality of the text paired with the equally dreamy illustrations provide scenes that beckon the reader from page to page to the satisfying conclusion.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this title from NetGalley simply because it was about buffalo! My college mascot was the bison and I've been enamored with them since a child and my hometown zoo had bison. Written and illustrated by two First Nations members, this introduces children to the indigenous worship of the buffalo and weaves a tale of their near extinction and return to the wild. It is whimsical and fun, while being educational on many levels as well.

[Patti Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love buffalos and this book is the perfect celebration of these beautiful beasts that were on the brink of extinction but have made their way back! Through beautiful images and descriptions, Declan's dream draws the reader in for an exciting buffalo adventure filled with color and movement. But unlike other dreams, some buffalo get to stay even after Declan wakes, and that is the best gift of all! A great addition to libraries, classrooms, and family storytimes!

[Alison Marcotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this picture book! Everything about it — the story and writing style, the joy and exuberance of the main character Declan, the backmatter, the illustrations, and the color palette — is breathtaking. This is a picture book that will stick with you, and you'll think about months or years after having read it, and want to read it again. Every classroom and library should have "Buffalo Wild!"; I think this book will become a classic.

[Katarina Penfold · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore the author's note, because I also saw my first Buffalo at Elk Island National Park in this protected wilderness area. They were so much bigger than I expected, happy, healthy, and wonderful to look at. I have now gone many times since, and picking up this book made me realize how much I love Buffalo.

Such a sincere story, with beautiful purples, blues, reds, and yellows to create a painting on the page. Walking you step by step with the wishes of a small child to see Buffalo run wild

[Joni Owens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful story and illustrations. The story is wonderful and I especially loved the information included at the end of the book. I was able to explain to my son a little about the Buffalo treaty (hes 7 so we didn’t get too into it, though the information is there if you wanted to know more) and what it means for an animal to be in danger of becoming instinct.

[Phaea Crede · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy of this awesome book. The story was magical and a little bit sad, and full of hope! The history of buffalo and their loss in the US is a well-known one to me, but it was wonderful to see that relationship played out with an indigenous child protagonist, especially with the uplifting ending. This one is not to be missed!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely book that takes a turn into the fantastical when a young boy who has a strong connection to buffalo dreams them down from the sky. While his Kokum (Cree for Grandmother) sleeps, the wild buffalo get out of hand, causing so much mayhem that he asks the creator to take them back. Happily, just enough of them are left behind to help them both stay "Buffalo Wild!"

[Moni Ritchie Hadley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Declan wishes to see real buffalo, the animal he has only heard about from kokum. Spoiler alert—his wish comes true! But the situation gets a bit out of hand prompting Declan to take action. This wild and dreamy tale includes educational back matter highlighting the Buffalo Treaty and the important relationship of this animal with indigenous peoples.

[Shauna Morrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a wonderful story about Buffalo and their importance to Indigenous peoples. It was creative and imaginative. The illustrations in this book are so vibrant and beautiful, I loved the color palette.

I loved the author's note and the information on the Buffalo Treaty (learned something new!).

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

My mom, who grew up in South Dakota where there is a lot of indigenous culture, always read, to me, picture books featuring Native American stories, culture, and people. Buffalo Wild! would have been a perfect addition for that, and I can't wait to see more people accepting the beauty of indigenous culture through stories like Buffalo Wild!

[Ana Siqueira · Rating 5 out of 5]

This indigenous story about buffalos and kids will take you on a fun trip through beautiful words and illustrations. When the buffalos are back they might cause mayhem. But when some of them stay and some go back to the creator, we can celebrate a happy ending for these animals so important to native Americans and endangered. Beautiful and important.