Dreambirds
   David Ogden
   Illustrations by Jody Bergsma
  1997 Illumination Arts, Bellevue WA USA
   ISBN: 0935699090


On Natsama's seventh birthday his beloved grandmother gives him a gift: "At the beginning & ending of every day, dreambirds spread their wings. One wing reaches out to the sun & the other reaches out to the moon. Whoever finds a dreambird receives a great gift."

Natsama's grandmother Holima, is a wise, moon-eyed medicine woman, who teaches him the ways of nature, taking him on long treks to gather herbs for healing. One of the skills Holima shows him is the difference between hearing & listening.

As the seasons pass, Natsama becomes a fine hunter, proud of his prowess in the ways of animals, birds & fish, yet it does not seem enough. He still remembers his grandmother's story about the dreambirds.

When Natsama is sixteen he demands of his grandmother that she show him how to find the dreambirds. Holima cautions him that tracking the dreambirds requires patience & humility, things such a proud hunter will not find easily. Natsama boasts that he will find a dreambird & claim his gift.

In his search Natsama meets with taunts from villagers & doubts about his grandmother's truth. When he follows her instructions he seemingly finds nothing.

Natsama encounters obstacles & setbacks returning to his grandmother's lodge each time demanding explanations. She offers him her wisdom & he becomes even more determined.

How Natsama discovers the dreambird & its gift makes for a wonderful, evocative tale illuminated by powerful visions.

Dreambirds is a wonderfilled vision quest & a splendid tool to teach youngsters the quest for spirit. Pride, arrogance & stubbornness are tempered into perseverance, insight & patience by the fire of the quest. Lessons better taught by family members than schools.

David Ogden's lyrical, simple story is brought to light by Jody Bergsma's incredible artistry. Each page is pure beauty.

More from Illumination Arts Publishing Company: Cornelius and The Dogstar; All I See Is Part Of Me; Fun Is A Feeling; How Far To Heaven?
(03/12/00)

Rebecca