Waci! Dance! Written by Sage Speidel and illustrated by Leah Dorion. Red Deer Press, 2023. $23.95 ages 3 and up

 

"I dressed you in your 
                 floral ribbon skirt, 
     beaded hapans, 
                        and bonnet. 

I swaddled you in your cradle board
and placed you on my back. 
Together we walked over the hill to the powwow."

After hearing the beat of the powwow drums, a mother helps her child get dressed and swaddled into the cradle board. Together they walk to the powwow grounds where they can see the tipis and hear those drums more clearly. 

As they listen, the mother explains the drum's connection to Mother Earth's heartbeat. Once there, the mother settles the child on a Pendleton blanket and unwraps her from the cradle board, The child knows what this means: Waci! Waci! Waci!

All she needs is her jingle dress to join in. Mom encourages dancing for loved ones and for those who cannot dance themselves. The beauty of the dress and the invitation of the drums to dance are all the child needs to step forward. Joining others in the arbor, the two dance in celebration of life. 

When the drumming stops and the dancing is done, the child's shy nature holds her close to her mother. Such pride is felt by all who watch, and will watch when the two begin to dance together again! 

The Lakota language and the joy of the dance are integral for those experiencing this Indigenous tale. The bold colors and cultural connections are shared with readers in a story that celebrates the powwow and its meaning for the child, her mother and their family. It's wonderful for young readers to be included through story in the sounds and celebration that is powwow. 

An author's note connects her story to her Lakota roots, while an illustrator's note allows that she used photos from Ms. Speidel and designs from her Metis heritage to infuse the pages with color and ceremony. A glossary of terms is appended.