This Native American tale tells of a boy who is born without a voice and creates a special bond with an elk. The day of his birth, his family is visited by a blue elk who blesses the boy and eventually teaches the boy how to speak without his voice. The boy learns to speak without his voice through the use of a red cedar flute. The boy uses the flute and the power of music to express his emotions and his love for a young lady.

The author provides wonderful expressions for the reader to ponder about the boy's and elk's relationship, using figurative language.

The beautiful pencil colored on watercolor wash illustrations are captivating and allow the reader to gain an understanding of the pueblo Indians culture, such as housing or clothing. ( )