"Spotted Flower and the Ponokomita" Tells of Life on the Northern Plains Before the Horse
When the book "Spotted Flower and the Ponokomita" came out twenty-five years ago, author K. Follis Cheatham never imagined it would be a constant seller into the 21st century.
Helena, MT (PRWEB) December 16, 2004 -- The middle-school chapter book
"Spotted Flower and the Ponokomita," is set in the early 18th century--the era
when the American Indians of the Northern Plains got their first look at a horse
(ponokomita). Ms. Cheatham's story tells the adventure of a Blackfoot girl who
comes across a horse and takes it back to her people. It also describes a
lifestyle that existed thousands of years before the horse arrived to the
area.
"When I first jotted down the story idea, I had my own kids in
mind," Cheatham says. "I wanted them to know a history that isn't often
presented, especially about the Blackfoot Nation--part of our family
ancestry."
First published in 1978 by Westminster Press, the book sold
well, but he publisher phased out the line of books that included her title.
However, interest in the book continued. "This book is recommended for any child
seeking to learn more about life among the early Montana Indians and makes a
valuable contribution to the collection of children's books dealing with
Montana," wrote a Great Falls Tribune reviewer.
When her supply of the
book was down to less than a dozen, Cheatham decided to publish a revised
edition, with cover and illustrations by nationally noted American Indian artist
Louise Ogemahgeshig Fischer. Extensive end notes were added, and Cheatham also
wrote a Teacher's Supplement with more history notes and project
ideas.
Midwest Book Review, Children's Bookwatch remarked, "'Spotted
Flower and the Ponokomita' would make a welcome addition to a classroom or
home-schooling Native American studies curriculum supplemental reading list, as
well as any school or community library collection."
With this second
edition, Cheatham also developed a lively historical presentation entitled "Dog
Days to Horse Culture" where she talks about the rich culture of Northern Plains
people before the horse came along. This presentation has been selected for the
Montana Committee of the Humanities 2004-2006 Speakers' Bureau and is listed in
their current catalog. "I refer to the program as my dog and pony show," says
Cheatham. Along with maps and pictures, she uses toy animals to show how dogs
carried packs and a horse (to scale) pulled a travois.
"Spotted Flower
and the Ponokomita" was Cheatham's first book, and in the ensuing years she has
published numerous poems and articles in national magazines, and eight other
books--several for young people. Her 1982 title "The Best Way Out" (out of
print) was voted a top-50 social studies book by the National Council for the
Social Studies—Children's Book Council Joint Committee. "Dennis Banks Native
American Activist" a middle-school biography, was Finalist for the 1998 SPUR
Award. Cheatham's 2001 title "Crocodiles," part of Lucent Books' Endangered
Species series, can be found in many schools and libraries.
"Spotted
Flower and the Ponokomita" (ISBN 0-9714287-1-9) is available at regional
bookstores; autographed copies can be purchased online at WritersWest.com.
Contact K Follis Cheatham through her web site to schedule her presentation or
an autograph session. www.kaios.com/karyn/
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Source : http://www.prweb.com/releases/2004/12/prweb188539.htm