Cover and interior illustration for "Whispers of the Wolf".
Published Fall of 2015, Whispers of the Wolf is my debut picture book, inspired by trips taken to the Four Corners region of the Southwest over a span of about ten years. The story is set around 500 years ago among the Pueblo Indians before the arrival of the Spanish explorers. It weaves together themes of community, tradition, self-esteem, and respect for all life, creating a realistic portrait of a culture that continues to exert a vibrant, living influence today.
The illustrations were created primarily with chalk pastels on Canson Mi-Teintes paper with minor modifications in Photoshop. The book also includes extensive end notes to support school curriculum. Please click here for more publication and purchase details from Wisdom Tales Press and here for more about my travels to the region. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Crisp chalk-pastel illustrations capture the grace and movement of the southwestern landscape, enhancing the important connection between people and nature. The tone, context, palette, and perspective reflect an authenticity and genuine appreciation for the Pueblo people, with whom the author worked closely while creating this book. An author’s note provides additional cultural and historical information to supplement the story. Ts’o has written a rare and beautiful book about Native Americans that is free of clichés and stereotypes and belongs in every library collection." — Amina Chaudhri “This book is delightful. Clearly written, well told, and the illustrations are luminous! [It is] a very beautiful book.” — Joseph Bruchac |
Awards & Recognition
2016 New Mexico / Arizona Book Awards - Winner Children's Picture Books 2016 Skipping Stones Honor Awards - Winner Multicultural & International Books 2016 IBPA Benjamin Franklin Awards - Finalist Best New Voice: Children's/YA 2015 Midwest Book Awards - Finalist Illustration - Graphic 2015 MPIBA Reading the West Book Awards Short List (20) Nominee 2015 Booklist Starred Review 2016 Jump Into a Book Native American Heritage Month Top Pick 2015 Night Owl Reviews Top Pick |
All images and text – © 2015 by Pauline Ts'o. All rights reserved.