Ted and Betsy Lewin traveled to Bulgan, eight hundred unpaved miles from the Ulaanbaatar airport, to experience the Naadam festival firsthand. Mongolians have held Naadam festivals, which include archery and wrestling in addition to horse racing, for almost one thousand years. Many Mongolians are nomads, so Naadam is also an opportunity for socializing with friends and relatives. Betsy’s cartoon sketches are a playful counterbalance to her husband’s full- and double-page watercolor spreads, which provide a detailed, realistic impression of the people and terrain. This is an informative explanation of a cultural event that has taken place longer than the United States has existed.

ALA Notable Children’s Book, Best Children’s Books of the Year–Bank Street College of Education, Parents’ Choice Recommended Winner, Editor’s Choice–Booklist. The Lewins separately won Caldecott Honor awards for their illustrations.

Author/illustrators live in the United States.

"Ted and Betsy Lewin describe the landscapes, people, and activities they encounter during a trip to Mongolia for Naadam, the annual summer festival where child jockeys ride half-wild horses for miles across the Mongolian steppe"--Provided by publisher.