Taos Pueblo Spring Board Book

The delightful board books, written without text, were created by the Taos Pueblo’s Tiwa Language Program to preserve the Tiwa culture and revitalize the unwritten Tiwa language by teaching it to younger generations. Many other Indigenous languages also need to be revitalized, so it is the hope of the Taos Pueblo’s Tiwa Language Program that other American Indian nations will find the books useful to teach their languages to their children. The beautiful, hand-drawn illustrations by Taos artist Frank Rain Leaf, will also educate young children about the four seasons of the year. All proceeds of the book support the Taos Pueblo’s Tiwa Language Program.

A self-taught artist, Frank Rain Leaf was influenced by observing his grandfather, Little Joe Gomez, who employed various mediums, such as pencil, to do sketches. This enabled Frank to develop his own special way of illustrating and painting. Drawing from memories of his youth in the village, his art captures the scenery and wildlife of the Taos Mountains. An elder councilman, Frank believes in the traditional way of life and is a strong supporter of tribal language revitalization. He is a famous championship hoop dancer and powwow fancy dancer and has performed in Disneyland. He also provided the artwork for the Taos Pueblo Nation’s tribal seal.

Board Book

22pgs

Reading Age-Baby -2years