Author: Joanne Zacharias
Illustrations by Steve Smith

This Native American children's book is written in the Dakota language and in the English language. Joanne was inspired to write this book after the passing of her grandfather, Donald Zacharias. He taught her many things about family, the outdoors, and life in general. He was a hard working man who always enjoyed telling stories about his past experiences to his grandchildren. He taught her that everything is related in some way or another here on this earth. He had great respect for all of the animals because every animal has their own reason for being, just like we do. The circle of life contains and represents so many things that we are part of or come in contact with on a daily basis. The memories that Joanne has of her grandfather pour out on the pages of Taku Wadaka He? (What Do You See?) for all to enjoy. When Joanne's grandfather passed away, there was a rainbow from one end of the earth to the other. It was the biggest and brightest rainbow that she had ever seen. This is another memory that she has and it makes her smile whenever she sees one because she knows that he is watching over her and her family. The images in this book are hidden inside of the tipi because sometimes we go through life not seeing the whole picture right away. When we reflect back on a situation we are able to see it more clearly or differently. Joanne wrote this book to serve as an aid for all of the children and adults who would like to learn the Dakota language, and as a creative way to share her knowledge of the Dakota people and language with others.

The illustrations for Taku Wadaka were painted by Steven Anthony Smith. The style of the paintings was inspired in a dream. Having been told that when a jingle dress is made the maker prays each time a jingle is sewn onto the dress, that way, when the dancer dances prayers go up to the Creator at the sound of each jingle; Steve sought to be in prayer as each brush stroke applied paint, that way, with each set of eyes that looks upon the illustrations, our prayers will go up to the Creator as well.

Painted with acrylics on canvases ranging in size from 16 x 20" to 24 x 32", each illustration carries with it stories, inspirations and blessings. "Offering," the painting of the grandfather praying, includes cloud formations that resemble what Joanne, the author, envisioned for this illustration. Not long after she shared this vision with Steve, the cloud formations in the painting appeared in the sky. The illustration, "Relatives," used as the 'find it' page, was sketched in a matter of minutes and became instrumental to the book's layout and narrative turn at the end.

Steve considers these inspirations and any talent demonstrated in his work as gifts from the Creator. He is grateful to share them with you.

About the Author
As a member of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, Joanne Zacharias is grateful to the tribe for their support and guidance over the past several years. Joanne obtained a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Education from The College of St. Catherine in 2006. A certified Dakota language teacher, Joanne wrote this book to serve as an aid for all of the children and adults who would like to learn the Dakota language, and as a creative way to share her knowledge of the Dakota people and language with others.

About the Illustrator
Steve Smith lives in Minnetonka, Minnesota. His lifelong study and practice of visual art includes formal training through the University of Minnesota’s studio arts program as well as private study and artist and teacher Bill Farmer. Previously, he has created illustrations for community events and private collections. With Taku Wadaka He?, Steve’s illustrations are published in a children’s book for the first time.

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