Beyond the Ridge

by Paul Goble, Paul Goble (Illustrator)

Overview

Beyond the Ridge shows “Goble at his best” (SLJ) in this beautiful, comforting, and simple book to help children of all ages process and grieve the loss of a loved one.

Paul Goble’s stunning picture book brings a piece of Plains Indian tradition to life in a way that is certain to comfort children who have experienced loss and the heartbreak it brings.

Following the spirt journey of an elder woman after she’s passed, Beyond the Ridge will help young readers understand the journey of life through the eyes of a daughter who hears the call of her mother.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780689717314
Publisher:	Aladdin
Publication date:	09/30/1993
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	32
Sales rank:	491,318
Product dimensions:	9.25(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.20(d)
Lexile:	AD640L (what's this?)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Paul Goble has received wide acclaim for his magnificent books, including Buffalo Woman, Dream Wolf, Her Seven Brothers, and the winner of the 1979 Caldecott Medal, The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses. Commenting on his work in Beyond the Ridge, Horn Book Magazine said, "striking elements synthesize the graphics with the narrative and spiritual aspects of the text." The New York Times Book Review noted that his technique is "a marriage of authentic design and contemporary artistry, and it succeeds beautifully." Paul Goble's most recent book for Bradbury Press, I Sing for the Animals, was called "a lovely, small book that movingly conveys profound belief in the goodness of creation" by Kirkus Reviews, and School Library Journal said it "fits as easily in the hand as Goble's meditations about the natural world do in the heart."

Paul Goble has received wide acclaim for his magnificent books, including Buffalo Woman, Dream Wolf, Her Seven Brothers, and the winner of the 1979 Caldecott Medal, The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses. Commenting on his work in Beyond the Ridge, Horn Book Magazine said, "striking elements synthesize the graphics with the narrative and spiritual aspects of the text." The New York Times Book Review noted that his technique is "a marriage of authentic design and contemporary artistry, and it succeeds beautifully." Paul Goble's most recent book for Bradbury Press, I Sing for the Animals, was called "a lovely, small book that movingly conveys profound belief in the goodness of creation" by Kirkus Reviews, and School Library Journal said it "fits as easily in the hand as Goble's meditations about the natural world do in the heart."

Editorial Reviews

There is no death; only a change of worlds--Goble delivers these reassurances to readers in his latest book, once more based on the customs of the Plains Indian people. The book reads like a prayer, expressing specific beliefs about dying as well as the story of a woman who is called by her long-dead mother to go ``beyond the ridge.'' The world she discovers--after a steep climb--is abundantly beautiful, and there she finds the familiar faces of people who have passed that way before her. Meanwhile, in her tepee, her loved ones recognize that she is dead, and give her a ceremonial burial. Graceful illustrations, displaying colorful beadwork on clothing and bountiful flora and fauna in each scene, further illuminate the words. The characters move elegantly through the rites, while the text whispers the meaning of symbols. A generous, encompassing view of death and dying, Goble's work is one of resonant tranquility. All ages. (Feb.)

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

Gr 2-6-- Once again Goble has created a stunning picture book interpretation of an aspect of Plains Indian tradition. The story at the heart of this book is the death of an old woman and her subsequent spirit journey. Once she is safely ``beyond the ridge'' the story focuses on the woman's family and how ritual helps them mourn and then accept her passing. The art work is Goble at his best. Clear colors and meticulous details make his paintings come alive. Clouds break like waves across the expanses of sky. The Great Plains shimmer with changing light, and there is a pervading sense of the unity of all creation. The story is bracketed by several passages in italics on life and death written by traditional native Americans. Attributions are made only in small print on the back of the title page, and so the individual voices seem to merge with the voice of the storyteller. Unfortunately, these sections are too repetitive to read out loud in one sitting; a wise librarian will be selective in reading these passages. Nonetheless, this book is a wonderful acquisition. Goble's portrayal of native American beliefs is accurate and respectful. And the universal wisdom the book contains will give comfort and insight on a subject that troubles readers of all ages. --Carolyn Polese, Gateway Community School, Arcata, Calif.

School Library Journal