Tapwe and the Magic Hat

These connected tales bring characters and their rich cultural inheritance to satisfying life.

A great read- aloud for both children and adults.

Positioning this character-driven chapter book as a work of contemporary fiction that "should not be presented... as an 'authentic' legend in the historical sense," Cree activist and musician Sainte-Marie opens with an intimate-feeling line: "Kayâs--once upon a time--there was a boy who lived in a town not too far from here." The chapters follow a young Cree protagonist, Tâpwê, who lives with his Kohkom "way out on the far edge of the reserve" during the summer while his mother attends tribal college. When a relative invites Tâpwê to visit his second cousins on another reserve during their powwow, Kohkom gives Tâpwê a magic hat that previously belonged to her. The hat houses living, speaking bluebirds and grass snakes, and, Kohkom tells him, will help him on his way. Then the arrival of a large rabbit Trickster, Wâpos, throws things into chaos. The meandering installments offer much to admire and cherish, twining Indigenous beliefs and traditions with descriptions of reserve life as well as lessons around family and the natural world ("He would wake up early to her soft morning song and smell the sweetgrass she burned as she thanked the creator for the day"). An author's note and glossary conclude this volume, which publishes simultaneously in Cree and English. Final art not seen by PW. Ages 6-9. (June)

Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Gr 2-4--When Tâpwê, a young Cree boy, goes to stay with extended family on the other side of the reserve, his kohkom (grandmother) gives him a special gift: a hat made of feathers and woven porcupine quills with three bluebirds and three grass snakes living on top. She also offers a warning: Watch out for tricksters! But Tâpwê can't resist when a mischievous rabbit named Wâpos starts playing tricks. The gullible boy receives support from family and friends who share their own humorous experiences with the trickster. One elder explains, "He [Wâpos] is the one who keeps us on our toes for mischief--especially in ourselves! You know!" Indigenous Canadian storyteller and songwriter Sainte-Marie draws on Cree stories and traditions, as well as her own experiences, to craft a simple but imaginative tale that unfolds in 16 short chapters, each with a black-and-white illustration. An author's note explains that these are not "authentic" legends in a historic sense. The narrative excels in depicting daily life in a Cree community, including the joy of gathering chokeberries, swimming in the river, sleeping in a tipi, and attending a powwow. That Tâpwê appears younger in some drawings than in others may confuse or even deter some readers. Cree words are integrated into the text, with a glossary of terms appended. VERDICT This episodic tale of a Cree boy and a trickster rabbit features interesting characters and a strong sense of place. A solid read-aloud choice for a general unit on tricksters.--Jenny Andrus

Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

"Full of native songs, dances and magical creatures, this silly story is an immersion into a Cree folkloric world... Cree words are easily understood through context clues, and there's a glossary at the end.....for readers who enjoy trickster tales, or for units on tricksters in different cultures....and larger collections looking to add more Native American fiction." — Youth Services Book Review

"Beautiful, poignant and poetic. This story will weave its way into the hearts and minds of readers for generations." —Monique Gray Smith, author of My Heart Fills With Happiness

"An adventure story that is both relatable and enlightening for young readers.Beautifully written with humor and energy, children will relate to the twists and turns along the way, all accompanied by beautiful black and white illustrations. The book includes a glossary and pronunciation guide of Cree words as well as a message to parents and teachers about trickster stories, making this an excellent read-aloud book for classrooms as well." —Tinybeans