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Saturday, December 19, 2009

Come and Learn with Me, by Sheyenne Jumbo and Mindy Willett. Fifth House, Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 2009. $16.95 ages 5 and up


"It's fall time now, the season of moose, and I've got lots to learn. The school is closed for the next two weeks for our Cultural Days. Come and learn with me as I take you on a tour of our town and introduce you to some of the experts in my community."

With bright smile and dancing eyes, Sheyenne takes on the role of leader and learner in order to show us life in her small town of Trout Lake in the Northwest Territories. There is much to learn!

We meet her family, her elders, her extended family and learn about many of the daily activities and tasks that the community must undertake to ensure a good life over the winter. It's easy for Sheyenne to lead us, as the town is small and she is acquainted with everyone. She takes great joy in showing us what her daily life entails.

The photos that accompany Sheyenne's tour are clear and helpful. The captions are informative and accessible for interested readers. Stories from her culture are shared. The teaching and learning that permeates the text helps the reader understand the life that the Dene people live in these modern times. She has much to share with us.

Following that, there is a double page spread that includes details concerning some of the language presented and the Dene Laws, alongside a description for making a paper berry basket...then we will be able to go and gather some of our own cranberries which are abundant outside Sheyenne's back door. MMMM!!!

This is the fourth book in a series called The Land is Our Storybook. Each would be a welcome addition to a school or classroom library where honoring other cultures is a goal.

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