Buffalo Nickel

Taylor Morrison reveals the history and making of the buffalo nickel through the story of its creator, American sculptor James Fraser. As a boy growing up in the Dakota Territory, Fraser witnessed the virtual extinction of the buffalo and the effect their loss had on the Plains Indians. As an adult, he honored both in his sculptures and his design for the buffalo nickel. Morrison’s striking illustrations capture the broad sweep of the landscape and demonstrate the intricate process by which coins are designed and minted.

A biography of the sculptor of the buffalo nickel, who grew up in the Dakota Territory where Sioux children were his playmates, buffalo robes were his blankets, and the town whittler was his art teacher.

Taylor Morrison reveals the history and making of the buffalo nickel through the story of its creator, American sculptor James Fraser. As a boy growing up in the Dakota Territory, Fraser witnessed the virtual extinction of the buffalo and the effect their loss had on the Plains Indians. As an adult, he honored both in his sculptures and his design for the buffalo nickel. Morrison’s striking illustrations capture the broad sweep of the landscape and demonstrate the intricate process by which coins are designed and minted.

"Well researched and colorfully illustrated, the book offers intriguing glimpses of America's past."

Taylor Morrison pairs his artistic talent with extensive research to bring readers engaging nonfiction picturebooks. A graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design, he has illustrated several books for children. He was born in Kansas, raised in Illinois, and now makes his home in Oregon.