The Seventh Direction: A Legend of Creation

by Kevin Locke, Kristy Cameron (Illustrator)

Overview

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection!

In this enlightening legend shared by Lakota Elder Kevin Locke, Wakȟáŋ Tȟáŋka (The Great Spirit) created the entire world in seven days; leaving the most precious creation for last. 

In order to protect this precious creation, Wakȟáŋ Tȟáŋka needed to hide it where it would always be safe and turned to our animal relatives for help. 

Together, they found the perfect place. Do you know where they chose?

The Seventh Direction: A Legend of Creation is not just a book; it's an immersive experience that invites children to explore a world of cultural richness, creativity, and the interconnectedness of all things.

Author Kevin Locke is Lakota (from the Hunkpapa Band of Lakota Sioux) and Anishinabe. His Lakota name is Tȟokéya Inážiŋ, meaning “First to Arise.” Kevin has been a cultural ambassador for the United States, and he has performed for millions of people across the globe in more than 90 countries as a Hoop Dancer, Indigenous Northern Plains Flutist, and traditional storyteller.

 

Medicine Wheel Publishing is committed to sharing diverse voices and perspectives, creating a platform for stories that celebrate Indigenous cultures and inspire understanding and respect among readers of all ages.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781778540134
Publisher:	Medicine Wheel Publishing
Publication date:	03/19/2024
Pages:	44
Product dimensions:	8.60(w) x 11.10(h) x 0.30(d)
Age Range:	6 - 8 Years

About the Author

Kevin Locke is a world-renowned Hoop Dancer, distinguished Indigenous Northern Plains flutist, traditional storyteller, cultural ambassador, recording artist, and educator. Kevin is Lakota (from the Hunkpapa Band of the Lakota Sioux), and Anishinabe. His Lakota name is Tȟokéya Inážiŋ, meaning “First to Arise”. Kevin Locke presents and performs at hundreds of performing arts centers, festivals, schools, universities, conferences, state and national parks, monuments, historic sites, powwows, and reservations every year. Approximately eighty percent of these are shared with children. Kevin is a dance and musical hero and role model for youth around the world. His special joy is working with children on reservations to ensure the survival and growth of Indigenous culture.

Kristy Cameron is a teacher and artist who was born and raised in northwestern Ontario. Growing-up surrounded by the beauty of the natural world has given her endless subjects to paint. Kristy is a well-known artist who has collaborated in the past with writer David Bouchard, providing beautiful illustrations for his books including Seven Sacred Teachings. Kristy is of Métis descent, and still lives in her hometown of Atikokan, Ontario, Canada.

Editorial Reviews

Fully immersive and thought-provoking, Locke’s sage picture book will appeal to visionary younger readers who can grasp the teaching that humans must rediscover their link to the natural world, to “be a good relative, not just to the two-leggeds, but to all of creation”—a timely message. Backmatter includes Lakota words featured throughout the story.

Publishers Weekly — BookLife Editor's Pick Review

https://booklife.com/booklife-review/9781778540134
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: A
Editing: A

…full of vivid color and imagery. A stirring tale of creation that will capture readers’ attention. A good purchase for picture book collections.

—School Library Journal Reviews, March 2024

Locke provides an engaging retelling of a Lakota legend...Cameron’s brightly colored and textured illustrations bring dynamism to the tale.

—The Horn Book

This inspiring legend is vividly illustrated in glowing colors...

—Children's Literature, CLCD

From the Publisher