S. D. Nelson

SD Nelson was born Stephen D. Nelson (born January 25, 1950) at the United States Army Station Hospital in Fort Knox, Kentucky. He is an American illustrator and author of many children's books including Black Elk’s Vision, Gift Horse, The Star People and Buffalo Bird Girl. Nelson's work has been praised as “stirring, inspirational, original and beautifully illustrated”. His books have received the American Indian Library Association – Honor Book Award 2016.; the Spur Award – Western Writers of America 2004, 2006 (Finalist Awards 2005, 2011, 2016); of the Northern Plains are members of the Sioux, or the three allied tribes: the Lakota, the Dakota and Nakota.

It was on the Dakota prairies that Nelson developed his passion for landscapes, star-filled nights and traditional Lakota imagery—"I remember one particular summer night…cricket song filled my ears. Then, shimmering overhead, the Northern Lights came dancing, pale green at first, then in ethereal robes of red and gold; spiraling ever upward…colors vanishing, only to reappear. Although I was staring directly into the heavens, from the corner of my eye, I saw something. The sacred something that Lakota people believe is within all things. I was only a boy, but I was seeing in a Wakan manner, in a sacred way." His early influences were the French Impressionists and N.C. Wyeth who was known for his dramatic and realistic illustrations of classic stories and fables.

Nelson taught art in the public schools in Wahpeton, North Dakota (1975–76). In 1976 he moved to Flagstaff, Arizona to teach art at East Flagstaff Junior High (1976–2003), now known as Mount Elden Middle School, there he met Alan Jim, a Navajo medicine man and a Lakota Sun Dancer. Alan Jim and another Lakota Sun Dancer, Dicky Arias, mentored Nelson in the practice of traditional Lakota ways.

The author has lectured at the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington DC and he was the keynote speaker for Read North Dakota 2010 (NDHC). The Star People: a Lakota story – “An exemplary offering.” – Kirkus Reviews. The Star People: a Lakota story – “The art enhances the text…a solid addition to collections.” – The School Librarian. Crazy Horse's Vision – “Bruchac’s description of the vision quest is compelling…Nelson’s sweeping vistas…bolster the book’s visionary theme.” – Publishers Weekly. Crazy Horse's Vision – “Sioux artist Nelson fills the pages with both action and quiet drama.” – Booklist.

Awards

Gift Horse: A Lakota Story – Parents’ Choice Award 2000. Black Elk's Vision: A Lakota Story – Book of Merit – The Five Owls Review; *Starred Review – Booklist 2010, 2012. Black Elk's Vision: A Lakota Story – Texas Bluebonnet Master List Award 2011. Black Elk’s Vision: A Lakota Story – American Library Association Notable Book Award 2011. Black Elk’s Vision: A Lakota Story – Booklist: Top 10 Religion/Spirituality Books For Children 2011. The Star People : a Lakota story – Spur Award – Western Writers of America 2004. Sitting Bull: Lakota Warrior and defender of his people – Notable Book for a Global Society – IRA. Black Elk's Vision: A Lakota Story – Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Award; Gold Honor – California Reading Association 2010. Sitting Bull: Lakota Warrior and defender of his people – Book for a Global Society Award – International Reading Association 2016. Dance in a Buffalo Skull – Most Outstanding Children's Book of 2008 — Mom's Choice Awards. Dance in a Buffalo Skull – Aesop Accolade – American Folklore Society 2008. Jim Thorpe’s Bright Path – Choices – Cooperative Children's Book Center 2011.

Exhibitions and book signings Night Visions, Coconino Center for the Arts, AZ - 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2017.

2017 South Dakota Festival of Books, South Dakota State University – 2017.

National Museum of the American Indian/Smithsonian Institution, Washington DC – 2006, 2010.

Notable Mentions Books

Children's Literature, Briefly – Seventh edition, 2019, pp. 58, 94–95, 99, 178, 180, 196, 239. Paul Goble, Storyteller – 2017, pp. xi, 57–58, 93, 179, 185, 192.

Magazine Articles

We hear you America; The Dakotas – Reader's Digest, July/August 2012, p. 149. Native American History comes alive with Award-winning author and illustrator S. D. Nelson – Roundup Magazine, Western Writers of America, February 2018, p. 11. Storybook Artistry – Mountain Living Magazine, October 2012, p. 28.

Publications

Nelson's Gift: Gift Horse – Alumnews – Minnesota State University Moorhead, Winter 2000, p. 18. Alumnotes – Alumnews – Minnesota State University Moorhead, Summer 2010, p. 43.

Newspaper Articles

Nelson, Bryan to speak Thursday at S.D. Art Museum – The Brookings Register, Volume 140, No. 212. After a life of illustrating, artist honored as storyteller – The Arizona Republic, Arizona Living, Wednesday, July 7, 2004. Local Writers produce gems – Arizona Daily Sun, Sunday, December 23, 2007.