Swift Fox All Along, written by Rebecca Thomas and illustrated by Maya McKibbin. Annick Press, 2020. $21.95 ages 4 and up

"Swift Fox listens to the wind rustling the trees - the same kind of trees that are in the park she goes to with her dad. She notices a familiar smell drifting from the house. It's the bread her dad makes in the frying pan! Sometimes he puts raisins in it. He always serves it with butter and molasses. Swift Fox loves that bread."

It's a long drive. It gives Swift Fox even more time to feel nervous about meeting her father's extended family. He is very excited, telling her that she will learn to know and love them. She is wary. He reminds her that she has everything she needs inside herself. She is Mi'kmaq. Their visit is about meeting the family from whom she has inherited who she is. Swift Fox is worried they will not like her. 

The family welcomes her with love and great warmth. She immediately notices a red bundle like the one her dad has in his car. The family is about to smudge. She doesn't understand. Despite encouragement, she runs off in tears. Seeking refuge nearby, she can hear all that the family inside is saying, and she recognizes familiar smells. 

Another car pulls up and out steps a boy who shares her worries. He is Sully, and he is also wary of meeting a family he doesn't yet know. He wonders about the unfamiliar smell. Swift Fox is delighted to inform him. 

"It's the best bread in the world! 
My dad puts molasses and 
butter on it. It's so good!"

Ms. Thomas has written a personal and poignant book that is reflective of her own life. She explains in an author's note that she grew up off-reserve. Her father attended a residential school when he was the same age as Swift Fox. Losing his language and culture, he wanted his children to know the ways of his people. It starts with family. Emotional and full of spirit, the visit is just what the young girl needs to begin to find her own identity. 

 Maya McKibbin’s delightful illustrations are filled with the warmth of family, while also fully showing the emotions felt by a young girl meeting unknown relatives. The artwork helps readers be part of the sights, smells, and sounds of this joyful gathering.