"When no one else came forward to challenge these
four, Eagle - who declined to enter the race because
of her role as Messenger, carrying all prayers to
Creator - called for quiet.
She flapped down from the topmost branches of
the tree she sat in and conferred with Bear and
Wolf. They talked for a long while."
The cover of this new picture book from the late Richard Wagamese does exactly what it is meant to do - invite the reader inside to revel in the beauty of the words and art to be found there. You get the feeling it's going to be something extraordinary. You are not wrong.
Based on a short story, it is the first picture book for Mr. Wagamese, and it is quietly wonderful. It comes from a time when there were only Animal People. Feeling they needed to have a leader, they gathered in a meadow that would accommodate everyone: 'birds, reptiles, insects and all of the four-leggeds'. Because they all spoke the same language, everyone had a voice in the decision-making.
Buffalo was first to speak, followed by Wolverine, and Wolf. A long discussion about the attributes needed in a leader followed. No agreement was reached. Late in the day, a squirrel's small voice suggested that a race was needed to determine who should lead them. Horse, Buffalo, Cougar and Wolverine makes themselves known as contenders. After much discussion with Eagle concerning the race itself, a course was determined.
"The terrain is challenging, rocky and steep, with thick woods around it. The race will be four times around that lake. This will demand the utmost of the contestants, and the winner will
indeed be the hardiest and most qualified to lead us."
One further challenger stepped forward. Waabooz the rabbit offered herself to be the fifth racer. Despite many reservations from the others, she was determined to take her place. The race was on with five contestants. Waabooz was the last to leave, slowly taking her time to enjoy the beauty of the land and carefully using her strengths to forge a path forward.
The last lap proved challenging for the first four. Waabooz worked to have them face those challenges and find a way to finish the race together. How wise she proved to be! By choosing to participate, Waabooz did what she set out to do. She wanted to learn, and she did that. She helped the others realize that by working together much is accomplished.
Bridget George's warm, natural setting and fluid movements bring the text to full life for listeners. If you are looking for a special gift for someone you love, this is a book that will be treasured for years to come for its storytelling, its beautiful artwork and the lesson it teaches so eloquently.
"You discover much when you learn to look at things."
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