Oh, Great Spirit, the Dakotas would like a land of great stone mountains whose jagged peaks are topped with the snow of many winters, mountains where flashing trout spawn in fast rushing streams . . .

Wakantanka opened his bag and peered inside. He set the bag down slowly, shaking his head.

I'm sorry, Old Friend, he said quietly. I have no mountains left to give. Ask for something else.

Before he creates the Dakotas, the Great Spirit, Wakantanka, asks Woksape, the Dakota medicine man, about his dreams for the land. Woksape soon learns that many of the things he imagined -- verdant forests, vast lakes, towering mountains, and desert canyons -- have already been given away. When Woksape allows the Great Spirit to fashion the Dakotas in his own way, however, he finds that the Dakota lands far exceed his expectations.

Tim Kessler's creation story, framed as a Native American legend, reminds readers to find beauty and joy in what surrounds them. Paul Morin's stunning illustrations, inspired by the landscape and spirit of the Dakotas, celebrate the unique qualities and character of the Dakota lands and people.