Life in a Plains Camp looks at a nomadic community that based its livelihood on hunting buffalo. People who were constantly on the move depended on one another for happiness and support. Men, women, and children worked together to make sure the entire camp was fed and clothed. Beautiful artwork helps illustrate the daily lives and tasks of the people of the plains and portrays their rich cultural heritage. Detailed text describes: - how buffalo meat was cured and how skins were tanned - how a tipi was set up - different types of plains clothing - spiritual beliefs and family values - the daily lives of men, women, children, and elders - leisure activities and celebrations Teacher's guide available. Grade 4-6-Accessible books about topics that are studied in most elementary schools. The information on housing, storage, village structure, and family life is straightforward, easy to read, and interesting, although life on the Plains seems less harsh than existence really was. The texts are peppered with full-color illustrations-at least one to a page-that depict Native Americans in historical times engaged in daily activities such as eating, storytelling, and building lodges. There are no source notes, and the glossary has no pronunciation guide. The illustrations are uneven. Some are reminiscent of 18th-century romantic paintings, some are contemporary, and some are just plain bad. For example, along with works by quality contemporary artists Howard Terpning and James Bama there are others where facial features are so poorly rendered that it is difficult to distinguish one person from another. The books are generally good, but the illustrations do them a great disservice. Michael Bad Hand Terry's Daily Life in a Plains Indian Village 1868 (Clarion, 2001) is a better choice because it uses real-life models to show actual clothing and articles used by Plains Indians. Dona J. Helmer, College Gate School Library, Anchorage, AK Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc. Bobbie Kalman is the author and publisher of more than two hundred quality children's library books. She has created many of Crabtree's most popular series, including "The Early Settler Life Series," "The Historic Communities Series" and "The Crabapples Series" of "starter" books for younger children. Bobbie's latest series include "The Science of Living Things" and "Sports in Action." Bobbie's series are extremely successful in schools and public libraries because she writes them with specific curriculum needs in mind. She works with a writing team of creative writers who thoroughly research each topic. Colorful, attractive covers and entertaining text make her books sell equally well in bookstores and museums. Bobbie holds degrees in English, Psychology, and Education. She has taught at both the elementary and secondary level. As well as being a teacher, Bobbie has worked as an educational consultant with several publishing companies. Foods from the land Some plains nations were farmers who stayed in one location and grew crops such as corn, beans, squash, sunflowers, and pumpkins. They went on hunting trips only a few times a year. Other nations were strictly hunters. These nomadic people also collected wild berries and root vegetables wherever they could. Hunting bands often visited farming villages to trade buffalo meat for vegetables. People who lived near the woodland areas of the plains also hunted and ate other animals such as deer, elk, turkey, and quail. Used Book in Good Condition