Tasunka: A Lakota Horse Legend has won the Gold Award for Children’s Picture Books from Mom’s Choice Awards® (MCA).

“Tasunka” is a story of adventure, discovery, loss and renewal, set to beautiful ledger-style illustrations that illuminate the story of the horse and its importance to the plains people. Readers journey with a young warrior as he tracks a strange new creature across the plains. Far from home, he discovers beasts that run as swift as the wind and shimmer with many colors. The young Lakota warrior captures and tames them, and his people grow rich and powerful. Then the Great Spirit, who gave the gift of the horse, takes it away.

Montileaux uses traditional storytelling methods to impart wisdom to new generations, and through the Lakota translation by Agnes Gay, “Tasunka” preserves an important piece of Lakota culture. “Tasunka” is dedicated to Alex White Plume, who first told the legend to Montileaux.

MCA evaluates products from around the world created for children and families. Judges come from a variety of backgrounds and appraise a book’s quality, educational value, originality and appeal.

Montileaux also illustrated the multi-award-winning book “Tatanka and the Lakota People: A Creation Story” and “The Enchanted Buffalo.” His ledger-based artwork can be found in private and public collections across the country. “Tasunka: A Lakota Horse Legend” is available in our on-line gift store.