Prairie Tales from the South Dakota State Historical Society

Each book in the Prairie Tale series contains an introduction full of historical information, a word list to help young readers with some of the harder vocabulary, and a short bibliography. The bibliography will help interested teachers, parents, and children learn more about the Great Plains, the animals in the stories, and the authors who wrote the tales.

Over the next few months, short guides will be developed to help teachers use these books in their classrooms and to give parents something to stimulate discussion with their children about the books. Fun Prairie Tales bookmarks are also available to download and print-out.

To learn more about the history in each Prairie Tale, check out the information at www.sd4history.com.

Here is the word list from The Discontented Gopher abide—live abodes—houses; living spaces ancestors—family members from the past anigh—near animate—bring to life bounty—reward conceited—overly pleased with oneself convulsive—jerking contentment—happiness; peace of mind descendants—offspring discreet—careful effaced—efforts Indian Corn—maize; yellow corn illumined—lighted up knoll—a small hill monotony—dull routine; boredom persistent—staying at something; lasting secrete—hide smote—hit spasmodic—moving in short, quick jerks summit—the highest point; top taint—a trace of something bad talisman—a charm tenacity—stubbornness; ability to hold fast traversed—traveled across vainglory—too much pride Return to top of page		Here is the word list from Dance in a Buffalo Skull dismally—with sadness disturbed—scared; startled frolic—dance and play; have fun gay—happy horizon—where the land and sky meet nigh—close by; near pitchy—as dark as tar prowling—moving around in search of something queer—strange stealthy—quiet unaccustomed—not usual unconscious—not aware of unheeded—not paid attention to venison—deer meat
Here is the word list from The Prairie-Dog Prince crave—wish for strongly cunning—clever deed—something that is done delve—to dig earnestly—seriously flirted—threw quickly, or with a jerk grieved—showed sadness haunches—the top of the leg and backside hillock—a small mound or hill liberty—freedom mourn—to show sorrow ore—the rock in which minerals, precious metals, are found pay dirt—lots of gold prospecting—looking for gold pry—pull apart quarters—somewhere to live ripen—age, be ready to pick sneer—to look nastily at someone solemn—very serious stifling reek—bad smell stingy—tight with money stooped—bent down toil—to work hard, or hard work vein—a strip of metal in the earth ye—old-fashioned word for “you” Return to top of page		Here is the word list from The Raccoon and the Bee Tree abroad—out of doors bough—a large branch of a tree crevice—a crack forming an opening daubed—covered defiantly—boldly resistant delicacy—a rare and special food demure—shy; modest feasting—eating lots of good food frantic—desperate with pain and fear haunches—the top of the leg and backside hither and thither—here and there loping—running in a long, loose, jumping manner midst—in the middle of ought—should queer—strange range—arrange; take up a position scarcely—hardly; not quite scholars—students scolding—being told off snug—comfortable; cozy thrust—shove; push hard troublesome—causing trouble unwary—not cautious or watchful

Here is the word list from The Enchanted Buffalo assemblage—group; gathering assertion—statement; claim audacious—brave; daring; fearless bade—ordered; directed bade fair—seemed likely compact—bargain; contract consternation—fear; alarm; panic convulsively—with great jerks or spasms disenchant—undo the magic fissures—narrow openings fraught—full of; filled homage—honor; respect hosts—great numbers; armies genius—spirit; guarding spirit injunctions—orders; commands interloper—someone without the right to be there leagued with—united; joined lithe—able to bend easily molest—bother; annoy patriarchs—male heads of families; male elders peevish—cross; crabby prosperous—rich; successful prowess—skill; strength reckoned—planned; counted rents—slits; cracks succulent—juicy; rich thine—your throng—crowd thy—your tormentor—someone or something that causes pain treacherously—intending to trick usurp—take over vanquished—defeated venerated—honored Return to top of page