Canku Ota - A Newsletter Celebrating Native America
February 26, 2000 - Issue 04


Featured Artist - Paul Goble
By Vicki Lockard

Paul Goble is an award winning author and illustrator of children's books. Goble, a native of England, studied at the Central School of Art in London and later worked in that city as a furniture designer, industrial consultant and art instructor. He has lived in the United States since 1977 and became a citizen in 1984. Lincoln, Nebraska had been the artist's residence until he moved to Rapid City, South Dakota in 1998.

Goble's life-long fascination with Native Americans of the plains began during his childhood. He became intrigued with their spirituality and culture. His illustrations accurately depict Native American clothing, customs and surroundings in brilliant color and detail. He researches ancient stories and retells them for his young audience in a manner sympathetic to Native American ways. He has always said that he particularly writes and paints to encourage Indian children to be proud of their culture.

He said, "I feel that I have seen and learned many wonderful things from Indian people which most people would never have the opportunity to experience. I simply wanted to express and to share these things which I love so much."

He initially visited the United States in 1959 and published his first children's book while still living in England. Red Hawk's Account of Custer's

"Victory Dance" from "Lone Bull's Horse Raid"

Last Battle (1969), told from a Native American point of view, was the first of three stories relating to nineteenth century life. Since then his books have featured traditional Native American stories and reflect a belief in the interrelationship of all living beings.

"The Buffalo People" from "Buffalo Woman"

Goble has received a number of honors for his books including the prestigious Caldecott Medal presented each year to the most distinguished children's picture book. It was awarded for The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses (1978).Paul Goble's books have won praise from the American Library Association, the National Council of Social Studies, the International Reading Association and the Children's Book Council. His books have also been chosen for the Library of Congress' Children's Book of the Year award and as a Reading Rainbow selection by Public Broadcasting.

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