Lakota artist and picture-book author S.D. Nelson explores the Lakota way of being in this beautifully-illustrated, spiritually resonant picture-book. Opening at dawn, when the world is made new each day, the simple but poetic narrative here touches upon the blessings offered by Father Sun and Mother Earth; explores the ties that connect all living things, whether two-legged, four-legged or creepy-crawlies; and celebrates the beauty and interconnectedness of the world around us. The narrative concludes at night, as people slip into dreams...

As Nelson makes plain in his brief foreword, the idea of the Circle of Life is central to understand the Lakota worldview, and that circle is certainly one that is part of the very structure of Greet the Dawn: The Lakota Way, which covers the events of a day (one kind of circle), the importance of community (another kind of circle) and the unity of all creation (the greatest circle). I found both text and artwork here lovely, and particularly enjoyed Nelson's use of color, and his stylized figures, inspired (according to his afterword) by traditional Lakota imagery, from the pictographic decoration of buffalo hides to the ledger book drawings of the 19th century. I also really appreciated that some of the songs included were in both English and Lakota, as I don't think I've seen very many written representations of that language. All in all, a beautiful book, one I would recommend to picture-book readers looking for titles with Native American/Lakota content, or featuring beautiful artwork. ( )

This is a beautiful introduction to the worldview of the Lakota. The text is lyrical, and the illustrations are gorgeous. The author's note about the illustrations and text as well as his introduction to the book greatly enhance the reader's understanding of his message.

I would use this book with my children as a window to another culture. On repeated readings, I would remind them that we are thankful to God, the creator of the sun and moon and all the creatures. We respect the earth because he gave it to us to care for, and we respect other people because we are all made in his image. Greet the Dawn shows how much we have in common.

This picture book is a loving visual tribute to the Lakota worldview. The text is simple and includes some verses in the native language; the pictures are gorgeous and colorful. I particularly like that the people in the book are portrayed in both traditional and modern dress. ( )

My personal response to the book: I really liked this book and would like to have it added to the school's collection. I anticipate buying it personally to compliment my Native American unit.
Curricular connections: The curricular connections include: Native American, animals, birds, insects and rhyming. I would use the book to enhance my Native American unit.

available at BirchbarkBooks. AICL recommended https://americanindiansinchildrensliterature.blogspot.com/2013/01/s-d-nelsons-gr......