"Spotted Flower and the Ponokomita" Tells of Life on the Northern Plains Before the Horse

When the book "Spotted Flower and the Ponokomita" came out twenty-five years ago, author K. Follis Cheatham never imagined it would be a constant seller into the 21st century.

Helena, MT (PRWEB) December 16, 2004 -- The middle-school chapter book "Spotted Flower and the Ponokomita," is set in the early 18th century--the era when the American Indians of the Northern Plains got their first look at a horse (ponokomita). Ms. Cheatham's story tells the adventure of a Blackfoot girl who comes across a horse and takes it back to her people. It also describes a lifestyle that existed thousands of years before the horse arrived to the area.

"When I first jotted down the story idea, I had my own kids in mind," Cheatham says. "I wanted them to know a history that isn't often presented, especially about the Blackfoot Nation--part of our family ancestry."

First published in 1978 by Westminster Press, the book sold well, but he publisher phased out the line of books that included her title. However, interest in the book continued. "This book is recommended for any child seeking to learn more about life among the early Montana Indians and makes a valuable contribution to the collection of children's books dealing with Montana," wrote a Great Falls Tribune reviewer.

When her supply of the book was down to less than a dozen, Cheatham decided to publish a revised edition, with cover and illustrations by nationally noted American Indian artist Louise Ogemahgeshig Fischer. Extensive end notes were added, and Cheatham also wrote a Teacher's Supplement with more history notes and project ideas.

Midwest Book Review, Children's Bookwatch remarked, "'Spotted Flower and the Ponokomita' would make a welcome addition to a classroom or home-schooling Native American studies curriculum supplemental reading list, as well as any school or community library collection."

With this second edition, Cheatham also developed a lively historical presentation entitled "Dog Days to Horse Culture" where she talks about the rich culture of Northern Plains people before the horse came along. This presentation has been selected for the Montana Committee of the Humanities 2004-2006 Speakers' Bureau and is listed in their current catalog. "I refer to the program as my dog and pony show," says Cheatham. Along with maps and pictures, she uses toy animals to show how dogs carried packs and a horse (to scale) pulled a travois.

"Spotted Flower and the Ponokomita" was Cheatham's first book, and in the ensuing years she has published numerous poems and articles in national magazines, and eight other books--several for young people. Her 1982 title "The Best Way Out" (out of print) was voted a top-50 social studies book by the National Council for the Social Studies-Children's Book Council Joint Committee. "Dennis Banks Native American Activist" a middle-school biography, was Finalist for the 1998 SPUR Award. Cheatham's 2001 title "Crocodiles," part of Lucent Books' Endangered Species series, can be found in many schools and libraries.

"Spotted Flower and the Ponokomita" (ISBN 0-9714287-1-9) is available at regional bookstores; autographed copies can be purchased online at WritersWest.com. Contact K Follis Cheatham through her web site to schedule her presentation or an autograph session. www.kaios.com/karyn/

###