by Wab Kinew (Author) Erin Hill (Illustrator)
A festive, joyful Indigenous picture book that explores both Christmas traditions and Anishinaabe culture, for fans of Santa in the City and Go Show the World.
One winter solstice, Mommy says, "Baby, we're going home to the Rez. We're going to have an Anishinaabe Christmas." But this is Baby's first Christmas away from the city, and they're worried! They have a lot of questions:
How will Santa know where to find them?
Why do we have presents on Christmas?
How come they're going home to the Rez but don't live there?
On the long trip to Mooshom's and Kookom's, Baby learns about animals being part of their family, about the North Star leading them home and even the meanings of some Anishinaabe words. Will this Anishinaabe Christmas be Baby's best yet?
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K-Gr 3--A heartwarming and beautifully crafted book that shares the joy of Christmas through the lens of Anishinaabe culture. Baby and family head to the rez to celebrate their Anishinaabe Christmas with their family. Along the way, Baby recounts stories and asks questions, while Mommy and Daddy answer everything asked and teach Baby some traditional words and phrases. Kinew's writing is engaging and accessible, making the story easy to follow for readers of all ages. Hill's illustrations are a stunning work of digital painting that bring the characters and their world to life with details that seem to tie back into the Anishinaabe techniques. The artwork is a perfect complement to Kinew's storytelling, helping to fully immerse readers. A pronunciation guide at the end of the book, or even entwined within the story, is not included. The story is a tight blend of tradition and innovation, weaving together the rich heritage of the Anishinaabe people with the magic of the holiday season. VERDICT This book is a must-read for anyone interested in Indigenous literature and culture, and for those looking to expand their perspectives of the holiday season. It is an easy read-aloud and would be a wonderful addition to any library.--Jessica Clark
Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
A sweet window into Anishinaabe Christmas traditions.