Ancient Thunder

Gregory Bryan is a member of the Faculty of Education at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg.

Leo Yerxa is a master illustrator, and never is that more apparent than
in this beautiful picture book. One would almost swear that the artwork
was created on a leather surface. However, the paintings are rendered on
handmade watercolour paper that he has treated and trimmed to mimic the
ancient leather shirts or skirts of Aboriginals from the Great Plains.
The rich, vibrant, even bold, colours he uses suggest the pageantry of a
passing parade—perhaps a parade that passed too quickly into history.

Inspired by his childhood love of horses, Yerxa pays tribute to the
powerful animals that once charged across the North American Plains. His
sparse, poetic prose evokes a sense of power and majesty. One can almost
hear the rhythmic, drumming thunder of horses’ hooves on the hard
summer earth.

Ancient Thunder is a must-have for those interested in viewing creative
genius. Highly recommended.