UNAVAILABLE This title is no longer available from the publisher Gift Horse: A Lakota Story was written and illustrated by Lakota artist S. D. Nelson. This picture book is based on the early life of his great-grandfather, Flying Cloud, and his journey from youth to manhood. The story is told about the horse named Storm gifted to Flying Cloud. The horse played a major role in the life of the Lakota people. Flying Cloud makes the journey from a child to a young man or warrior by accomplishing his Vision Quest. The author's note at the end of the story explains the character values a Lakota warrior must possess. The warrior must be a good hunter and provider and have an excellent horse. He must also possess courage and this attribute was demonstrated by counting coup on an enemy. In the story, Flying Cloud's horse is stolen by Crow warriors and the horse is regained after Flying Cloud manages to knock over a Crow guard during a raid. Flying Cloud does not injure the Crow man but demonstrates his courage by leaving quickly without injury to either party. The author also notes that today Lakota men and women have changed roles but they all show honour and responsibility with dignity through their words and actions. Nelson's colourful illustrations were done with acrylic paint on wood panel. The images celebrate the role of the horse in Plains culture and were inspired by the ledger art drawings of Plains artists of the past.