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The Gift of the Sacred Dog
A brave boy goes into the hills and prays for help for his people. A rider on a magnificent animal comes to him and says: "This animal is called the Sacred Dog. He can do many things your dogs can do and also more...He is as the wind: gentle but sometimes frightening." The clouds close and suddenly one by one countless Sacred Dogs course down from the sky. And so the courage of one determined boy is rewarded by the Great Spirit: The horse, or Sacred Dog, is given to his tribe.
32 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1980
2 people are currently reading
306 people want to read
About the author
Paul Goble
60 books102 followersPaul Goble was an award winning author and illustrator of children's books. He has won both the Caldecott Medal and The Library of Congress' Children's Book of the Year Award.
He gave his entire collection of original illustrations to the South Dakota Art Museum in Brookings, South Dakota.
Goble, a native of England, studied at the Central School of Art in London. He became a United States citizen in 1984. Goble's life-long fascination with Native Americans of the plains began during his childhood when he became intrigued with their spirituality and culture.
His illustrations accurately depict Native American clothing, customs and surroundings in brilliant color and detail. Goble researched ancient stories and retold them for his young audiences in a manner sympathetic to Native American ways.
Goble lived with his wife in Rapid City, SD.
He gave his entire collection of original illustrations to the South Dakota Art Museum in Brookings, South Dakota.
Goble, a native of England, studied at the Central School of Art in London. He became a United States citizen in 1984. Goble's life-long fascination with Native Americans of the plains began during his childhood when he became intrigued with their spirituality and culture.
His illustrations accurately depict Native American clothing, customs and surroundings in brilliant color and detail. Goble researched ancient stories and retold them for his young audiences in a manner sympathetic to Native American ways.
Goble lived with his wife in Rapid City, SD.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
April 30, 2025
A story about what life was like for the American Plains Indians before the horse was brought to America, and the legend of how they found the horses.
I'd never thought about what life must have been like for them without the horse?
Excellent author's note, on the copyright page!
I'd never thought about what life must have been like for them without the horse?
Excellent author's note, on the copyright page!
September 10, 2024
4.75 rounded ❤️
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December 16, 2011I'm pretty sure this is the volume I read.
It's natural that something as important as the recolonization of the Great Plains by horses would spawn folk-tales and myths.
This version is probably typical: but it's almost certainly inaccurate in many ways. It doesn't take into account the agency of humans in the reimportation of horses (horses originated in North America, and they and several of their ancestors migrated to the Asian/European steppes--where the modern horse (Equus caballo) survived because it was adopted by steppe dwellers (at first for milk, hair, etc probably: then later, as they were bred bigger and stirrups were developed, as riding animals).
They were spread throughout Eurasia and northern Africa in graded steps (such as the Hyksos and their chariots), and when Europeans started to move to the Americas in large numbers, they were imported as plowbeasts, wagon beasts, and cavalry. They were also introduced to Australia, where some went feral.
It's essentially an accident of history that the peoples of the Great Plains proved so amenable to equestrian life. But the impact was so great that the people tended to denigrate the life of their pedestrian ancestors.
Undoubtedly life was improved with the arrival and adoption of the sacred dog: but the people before that were probably not such paupers as is implied. They probably had an adequate life, if far from perfect.
But there were a lot of other factors in play that didn't make it into the hagiography. The Great Plains had been becoming drier over the centuries since the end of the last Ice Age. This was generally true in the 'intermountain west'. In prairies, it probably led to more shortgrass prairie, and less long grass land.
Also, with the arrival of Europeans in numbers, plagues spread ahead of them--as also did honeybees ('the white man's flies'), and clover. These spreads would have had variable impacts on indigenous peoples: but mostly bad effects.
The assumption that it was always the case that nomadic
hunter-gatherers converted overnight to equestrian hunters is provably false. In at least one case in the historical record, sedentary farmers came back from a trading journey to find their farms and homes ransacked. They picked up what was left, took to their horses, and became equestrian hunters from then until they were confined to reservations.
As a fairy tale, this is adequate. But it needs another volume of elaboration to restore the original complexity.
It's natural that something as important as the recolonization of the Great Plains by horses would spawn folk-tales and myths.
This version is probably typical: but it's almost certainly inaccurate in many ways. It doesn't take into account the agency of humans in the reimportation of horses (horses originated in North America, and they and several of their ancestors migrated to the Asian/European steppes--where the modern horse (Equus caballo) survived because it was adopted by steppe dwellers (at first for milk, hair, etc probably: then later, as they were bred bigger and stirrups were developed, as riding animals).
They were spread throughout Eurasia and northern Africa in graded steps (such as the Hyksos and their chariots), and when Europeans started to move to the Americas in large numbers, they were imported as plowbeasts, wagon beasts, and cavalry. They were also introduced to Australia, where some went feral.
It's essentially an accident of history that the peoples of the Great Plains proved so amenable to equestrian life. But the impact was so great that the people tended to denigrate the life of their pedestrian ancestors.
Undoubtedly life was improved with the arrival and adoption of the sacred dog: but the people before that were probably not such paupers as is implied. They probably had an adequate life, if far from perfect.
But there were a lot of other factors in play that didn't make it into the hagiography. The Great Plains had been becoming drier over the centuries since the end of the last Ice Age. This was generally true in the 'intermountain west'. In prairies, it probably led to more shortgrass prairie, and less long grass land.
Also, with the arrival of Europeans in numbers, plagues spread ahead of them--as also did honeybees ('the white man's flies'), and clover. These spreads would have had variable impacts on indigenous peoples: but mostly bad effects.
The assumption that it was always the case that nomadic
hunter-gatherers converted overnight to equestrian hunters is provably false. In at least one case in the historical record, sedentary farmers came back from a trading journey to find their farms and homes ransacked. They picked up what was left, took to their horses, and became equestrian hunters from then until they were confined to reservations.
As a fairy tale, this is adequate. But it needs another volume of elaboration to restore the original complexity.
March 19, 2017
Summary: A young boy and his people have been searching for the buffalo herds in the Great plains. They have walked in all directions till them and there dogs were too weak and tired to continue. The lack of food was becoming a dire needed so a brave boy goes to the highest hill and prays to the Great Spirit. A mysterious rider on a beautiful animal emerges from the clouds and shares “This animal is called the sacred dog. He can do many things your dogs can do and also more.” The boy doesn’t recall falling asleep however when he wakes up he couldn’t believe his eyes!
Opinion: Before reading this book, I have never heard this folktale before. I thought the book was interesting with the illustrations but I didn’t like the plot. The book was simple yet drug out, the family was hungry, boy asks the great spirit for buffaloes, the next day the great spirits send a herd of sacred dogs. This could have been told in less words and still have had the same impact.
Theme: This picture book is a based on Native American legend. The Native American cultures hold a deep, abiding respect for the earth, animals, and people, especially children, and this association affects all aspects of their lives. This is present when the boy states he has never seen any animal so magnificent. In other words, the rider explains if we take care of him they’ll take care of you. The boy tells his people “ We must look after them well and they will be happy to live with us.” They are so grateful
Character: We are introduced to the tribes of nomadic buffalo hunters who lived on the great plains. The actions of A young brave boy helps dignifies his character when he can no longer hear his family whimper for food any longer; so he takes it upon himself to go talk to the great spirits. He travels through the hills to the tallest he can find.
Traditional tale: Based on the presentation, traditional tales are stories that have been heard by the teller and then retold in other words. This is a folktale about the emergence and influence of horses on the lives of the Native American tribes living on the Great Plains. It is a retelling of a Sioux Indian Legend.
Color: The crisp imagery sends the reader right into the story and the brightly colored illustrations add to this beautifully written tale. The color palette in this book is very vibrant. Even the darker blues, greens, browns, black are accompanied by lighter colors to make the images stand out. For instance, on opening seven the horses are colored purple,red, orange and black with green accents surrounded by a bright yellow sky with light blue clouds. The contrast of the colors makes the horses pop, the illustrator might have done this to draw the reader's attention to the magnificent sacred dogs.
Composition: In opening two, there are roughly fifteen individuals dressed in a buffalo mask. The characters are dancing to try and bring back the buffalo herds. All illustrations are full bleed, with a two page spread. They were created by what looks like a sketch then filled in with water colors. The characters are positioned in the center of the two page spread, overlapping in the gutter of the page. The positioning of the characters shows that the illustrator wanted to emphasize the importance of that scene in the picture book.
Opinion: Before reading this book, I have never heard this folktale before. I thought the book was interesting with the illustrations but I didn’t like the plot. The book was simple yet drug out, the family was hungry, boy asks the great spirit for buffaloes, the next day the great spirits send a herd of sacred dogs. This could have been told in less words and still have had the same impact.
Theme: This picture book is a based on Native American legend. The Native American cultures hold a deep, abiding respect for the earth, animals, and people, especially children, and this association affects all aspects of their lives. This is present when the boy states he has never seen any animal so magnificent. In other words, the rider explains if we take care of him they’ll take care of you. The boy tells his people “ We must look after them well and they will be happy to live with us.” They are so grateful
Character: We are introduced to the tribes of nomadic buffalo hunters who lived on the great plains. The actions of A young brave boy helps dignifies his character when he can no longer hear his family whimper for food any longer; so he takes it upon himself to go talk to the great spirits. He travels through the hills to the tallest he can find.
Traditional tale: Based on the presentation, traditional tales are stories that have been heard by the teller and then retold in other words. This is a folktale about the emergence and influence of horses on the lives of the Native American tribes living on the Great Plains. It is a retelling of a Sioux Indian Legend.
Color: The crisp imagery sends the reader right into the story and the brightly colored illustrations add to this beautifully written tale. The color palette in this book is very vibrant. Even the darker blues, greens, browns, black are accompanied by lighter colors to make the images stand out. For instance, on opening seven the horses are colored purple,red, orange and black with green accents surrounded by a bright yellow sky with light blue clouds. The contrast of the colors makes the horses pop, the illustrator might have done this to draw the reader's attention to the magnificent sacred dogs.
Composition: In opening two, there are roughly fifteen individuals dressed in a buffalo mask. The characters are dancing to try and bring back the buffalo herds. All illustrations are full bleed, with a two page spread. They were created by what looks like a sketch then filled in with water colors. The characters are positioned in the center of the two page spread, overlapping in the gutter of the page. The positioning of the characters shows that the illustrator wanted to emphasize the importance of that scene in the picture book.
March 14, 2025
3/12/2025 - The illustrations are so amazing and moving! Excellent story.
January 14, 2025
The story about a horse. How the Great spirit gave Sacred dogs, the horses, to his people. I enjoyed the easiness of the tale and illustrations.
April 23, 2016
The Gift of the Sacred Dog by Paul Goble is one of those very rare children's books that will also appeal to adults, especially those interested in Native Americans, world mythology, ecology and horses. That's probably why it was one of the books featured on the late-lamented PBS series Reading Rainbow.
Without giving too much away, the "Sacred Dog" is a horse. Although horses evolved in North America, they went extinct by the time the Native American tribes appeared. When the first Spanish explorers arrived in the New World, they brought the horse home and transformed many Native American tribes.
Looks Familiar?
"The Gift of the Sacred Dog" (1984) is one of the acclaimed books by Caldecott Award-winning author and artist Paul Goble. His most famous book was "The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses" (1978), which is another look at how horses impacted the lives of a Native American tribe. Most of his books involve Native American legends. He uses a very bright and crisp style of artwork taken from traditional Native American art. His first Native American themed book was published in 1969 when he was about 36 years old.
Goble's artwork is very distinctive. Although much more detailed than traditional Native American art, most illustrations look as if they could have been taken off of a war shield or a teepee. He has over 25 books out illustrating beloved Native myths and stories, including "Lone Bull's Horse Raid" (1973), "Buffalo Woman" (1984), "Star Boy" (1983), “Crow Chief: A Plains Indian Story" (1992) and "Death of the Iron Horse" (1999).
About Paul Goble
It may surprise any reader of "The Gift of the Sacred Dog" to discover that Paul Goble was not a Native American and was born in Haselmere, England in 1933. He later moved to the Black Hills of South Dakota. After reading a couple of his books, anyone can be forgiven for thinking that he was at least part Native American. He has, however, according to his Wikipedia entry, been adopted by a Chief from the Black Hills area.
Writers are often urged to "show, don't tell." Goble is able to do that very well. He is able to get right to the heart of a story and keep it riveting without the use of flowery language, silly rhymes or other contrived methods found in a lot of children's books.
This writer used to proudly own a hardback first edition of "The Gift of the Sacred Dog". Although I was stupid enough to lose it, I remember the book vividly. Although it has been many years since I last held the physical copy of the book, I can still remember the story. It stays with you.
Without giving too much away, the "Sacred Dog" is a horse. Although horses evolved in North America, they went extinct by the time the Native American tribes appeared. When the first Spanish explorers arrived in the New World, they brought the horse home and transformed many Native American tribes.
Looks Familiar?
"The Gift of the Sacred Dog" (1984) is one of the acclaimed books by Caldecott Award-winning author and artist Paul Goble. His most famous book was "The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses" (1978), which is another look at how horses impacted the lives of a Native American tribe. Most of his books involve Native American legends. He uses a very bright and crisp style of artwork taken from traditional Native American art. His first Native American themed book was published in 1969 when he was about 36 years old.
Goble's artwork is very distinctive. Although much more detailed than traditional Native American art, most illustrations look as if they could have been taken off of a war shield or a teepee. He has over 25 books out illustrating beloved Native myths and stories, including "Lone Bull's Horse Raid" (1973), "Buffalo Woman" (1984), "Star Boy" (1983), “Crow Chief: A Plains Indian Story" (1992) and "Death of the Iron Horse" (1999).
About Paul Goble
It may surprise any reader of "The Gift of the Sacred Dog" to discover that Paul Goble was not a Native American and was born in Haselmere, England in 1933. He later moved to the Black Hills of South Dakota. After reading a couple of his books, anyone can be forgiven for thinking that he was at least part Native American. He has, however, according to his Wikipedia entry, been adopted by a Chief from the Black Hills area.
Writers are often urged to "show, don't tell." Goble is able to do that very well. He is able to get right to the heart of a story and keep it riveting without the use of flowery language, silly rhymes or other contrived methods found in a lot of children's books.
This writer used to proudly own a hardback first edition of "The Gift of the Sacred Dog". Although I was stupid enough to lose it, I remember the book vividly. Although it has been many years since I last held the physical copy of the book, I can still remember the story. It stays with you.
March 11, 2017
Nice vibrant pictures. Caldecott Medalist in 1979. Good title that ties into the story.
I definitely think this is a good book for grades P-3 due to the large 2-page pictures and story line. The book is also a great way to explain to children how, and why, the Sioux people believed in their "great spirit," how they described something they have never seen before, and how stories are passed down from generation to generation.
I definitely think this is a good book for grades P-3 due to the large 2-page pictures and story line. The book is also a great way to explain to children how, and why, the Sioux people believed in their "great spirit," how they described something they have never seen before, and how stories are passed down from generation to generation.
December 25, 2012
The thunderbird and horse cloud illustrations were particularly beautiful.
January 23, 2023
Paul Goble had a deep admiration for Native Americans, their stories, and their art and culture and in all his stories he gives them the utmost respect. The Gift of the Sacred Dog (1980) tells the story of a boy who belongs to a tribe that's fallen on hard times, with the buffalo nowhere to be found the tribe starving. When the boy goes into the mountains and prays for the sacred dogs (horses) they come out of the sky and help aid the men of the tribe to ride off to follow the buffalo for survival. Lucious colors and illustrations as always. The only thing that I think kept me from rating it higher is that it didn't have much of a conflict. A tribe is starving, a boy prays for sacred dogs, and they come. The end. Goble is a wonderful writer and illustrator. Check him out. He wrote many wonderful books for children. My rating - 3/5
May 6, 2023
The is a story of Native American folklore about a boy who goes to pray to the Great Spirit for help in feeding his people because the buffalo could not be found to use for food. The Great Spirit sends horses, which are called Sacred Dogs and are fast enough to help round up some buffalo. I really like the way this story is written. The author comes straight to the point of the story with the first sentence, "The people were hungry." The author describes the hunger really well and shows how deeply it affects even the animals. The colorful illustrations of nature add a simple beauty to the telling of this story and help the story come alive with lots of movement and emotion. This gives children a story of hope and can bring their attention to the suffering of their fellow man.
April 2, 2021
My children and I have read many Native American folklore stories over the past few months. Although this one is interesting and has lovely illustrations, this legend felt incomplete. The people are starving and a boy goes to find help from the Great Spirits and comes back with horses. What next? Did they ever find the buffalo they were searching for? It is definitely worth a read. But, with so many powerful and clever Native American folktales, this one does not stack up.
April 30, 2018
I think this is a good book for young readers who are exploring into the world of the native people and what their beliefs were and how they worked.
Six +1Traits: presentation, sentence fluency
DRA Level: ~38
Lexile: 670L
Six +1Traits: presentation, sentence fluency
DRA Level: ~38
Lexile: 670L
September 7, 2022
The drawings appear simple at first glance, but they are filled with detail. Author/illustrator Paul Goble knows his nature, as evidenced by the different species of trees, butterflies, animals, and birds represented.
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October 3, 2023This book is about a Sioux boy saving his people from starvation. He does so by calling on the Great Spirit. The Great Spirit gifts his people Sacred Dogs, which are horses, so that they can follow the buffalo. This book can be used to analyze character traits. I just love this story!
January 10, 2020
I loved this book. It showed great traditional literature, and is a great story of Native American culture.
January 29, 2020
Paul Goble's books on the Legends of The Native Americans of the Plains are all beautiful and worth reading. We are slowly working through his collection and enjoying every single one.
May 1, 2020
I love this story from Native American beliefs!
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November 12, 2020Vfggg
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2021
How the Indians found horses.
December 31, 2021
Read aloud to niece
April 16, 2022
To the Plains Indians, horses were considered miraculous large dogs and completely changed there way of life. This is one of their stories of how they got the first horse.
October 7, 2023
Becoming acquainted with Paul Goble and his stories and illustrations has been such a DELIGHT!
March 15, 2025
3/12/2025 - Great story with beautiful illustrations. Read with Momma.
April 7, 2025
I love the art style and the storytelling this author has. Everything is beautiful!
February 22, 2017
This is a folktale about the emergence and influence of horses on the lives of the Native American tribes living on the Great Plains. The imagery sends the reader right into the story and the brightly colored illustrations add to this beautifully written tale. There is a short explanation at the beginning of the book which describes the meaning of the title and the fact that this book centers on the nomadic buffalo hunters who struggled to obtain food before the introduction of the horse by the Spanish. This story is about respecting animals and the earth.
June 6, 2008
This book tells the Native American story of the dwindling buffalo population. I've always been intrigued by Native American spirituality. I think it's beautiful how connected they are to nature and grateful for the gifts they are given - really seeing the essence of the sacrifice - thanking the horses for allowing them to hunt, thanking the buffalo for giving their lives so they can eat. It's a wonderful lesson for children (and adults) The illustrations in this book are also lovely.
Several Sioux songs appear in the back and could be sung with children.
The scenes with the many horses remind me of being at Horse Canyon, in the Canyonlands National Park in Moab, Utah. It brought back a nice memory.
Several Sioux songs appear in the back and could be sung with children.
The scenes with the many horses remind me of being at Horse Canyon, in the Canyonlands National Park in Moab, Utah. It brought back a nice memory.
April 25, 2012
Another great Paul Goble picture book that tells the story of how a brave young boy, who watched his people suffer, called to the spirits for to help in search buffalo herds that were disappearing. For his bravery, the young boy and his people are awarded the gift of a scared dog, the horse. With colorful illustrations that accompany the legendary story of the horse, it shows how the Native Indians use legends to tell the story of nature.
August 5, 2016
I remember coming across this book in my school library and immediately snatching it up because I recognized the art style from another of my favorites, The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses. Unlike that book I only had the one opportunity to read it so my memory of it isn't that strong but I do remember loving it just as much. Goble artwork was captivating and the tale being once again about horses held my attention.
I hope to one day reacquaint myself with this wonderful book.
I hope to one day reacquaint myself with this wonderful book.
November 8, 2013
A great educational book for your children over the preschool age. My 5 yr old loved it. Lots of good information with beautiful pictures that will help keep children engaged. Wonderful pictures of Native Americans and a great story about their traditions and way of life. A great addition to any children's library.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews