Paul Globe’s Native American Story Retellings Come Alive In His Books & Illustrations

Paul Globe

1933-

Location: Haslemere, England, U.K.

Known For: Retelling of native american stories, Illustrator

Paul globe’s fist book, Red Hawk’s Account of Custer’s Last Battle, was published in 1969. Since then, Globe has published many books, mostly featuring re-tellings of native american stories and myths. My favorite book of his is “The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses”!

Both of Globe’s parents had musical backgrounds. His father was a harpsichord (musical instrument) maker and his mother a professional musician. Globe was born in 1933 in Haslemere, England and studied at the Central School of Art in London and then worked as an art teacher, as a furniture designer and as an industrial consultant.

In 1977, he moved to the Black Hills in South Dakota, US and was “adopted” into Chief Edgar Red Cloud’s tribe and Globe was influenced by Plains Indian culture. Most of his books, retellings of ancient stories, are told from the perspectives of different tribes among the Native Nations.

Globe received the Caldecott Medal award, presented each year for the most distinguished children’s picture book, for his 1978 book The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses in 1979. I have had my copy since I was little and always enjoy looking at the illustrations. You can buy his books on Amazon and other book retailers.