The Animals Speak

Award-winning Lakota author-artist S. D. Nelson shows what wisdom can be learned from animals in this universal, strikingly illustrated picture book about connecting with the natural world

Lakota translation by Dakota Goodhouse

Mother Bear watches over her cubs, guiding us to walk with strength and protect those who need protecting.

Otter, the playful swimmer, reminds us that games and laughter are good for our hearts.

And as Tadpole transforms into Frog, he demonstrates we’ll make changes in our lives too.

From our animal brothers and sisters, young readers can learn the Lakota Way, an ancient principle that transmits the virtues and values we should all strive to include in our own lives. If we watch and listen to their teachings, they will prepare us as we make our way through the joys and challenges of our mysterious, wondrous world.

Award-winning author and illustrator S. D. Nelson conveys the concept of the Lakota Way through energetic illustrations and a simple text that names each animal in both English and Lakota, helping children to embrace these Indigenous principles in their daily lives.