Starred review from September 1, 2024
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.
September 1, 2024
Kinew (Onigaming First Nation), premier of Manitoba, tells the story of a Native family returning home to the reservation on the winter solstice. Baby, an Anishinaabe child, doesn't want to go back to the rez for Christmas: How will Santa find the family if they aren't in the city? On the drive into the country, Baby's pressing concerns fill the car: Why are presents exchanged on Christmas? Why is the rez "home" if they don't live there? Baby's parents, who both have tan skin and black hair like Baby, answer each question by centering Anishinaabe language and values: Daddy explains that miigiwe means "giving away," while Mommy says that giiwedaa ("let's go home") reflects the Anishinaabe reality that "home is where we live. But home is also where we come from." The tender reunion with Kookom (Grandmother) and Mooshom (Grandfather) includes storytelling, sipping tea and eating bannock, singing, and giving gifts. Indigenous illustrator Hill's cartoon art brings warmth and heart to Kinew's simple narrative. Backmatter briefly spotlights the Anishinaabe customs of sharing food and gifts during the winter solstice, as well as the community's reclamation of feasting and miigiwe at the end of the year. The sense of cultural pride and holiday joy will resonate with many young readers and their families. A sweet window into Indigenous Christmas traditions.(Picture book. 4-7)
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November 1, 2024
During the car ride to celebrate Christmas on the Rez, Baby asks questions that Mommy and Daddy patiently answer, sharing Anishinaabe customs and beliefs. Once they arrive, Baby tells their grandparents, Kookum and Mooshom, what they learned: "we are all family"; "it is good to give things away"; "home is where we come from." Hill's digital illustrations feature a loving Native family proud of their culture. An endnote explains the relationship between traditional Anishinaabe winter solstice observances and the adopted holiday of Christmas. Kitty Flynn
(Copyright 2024 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)
July 1, 2024
During the car ride to celebrate Christmas on the Rez, Baby asks questions that Mommy and Daddy patiently answer, sharing Anishinaabe customs and beliefs. Once they arrive, Baby tells their grandparents, Kookum and Mooshom, what they learned: "we are all family"; "it is good to give things away"; "home is where we come from." Hill's digital illustrations feature a loving Native family proud of their culture. An endnote explains the relationship between traditional Anishinaabe winter solstice observances and the adopted holiday of Christmas.
(Copyright 2024 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)