"Pii mnidoonsag mookbizwaad megwemtigoonski
zaawaabminaagog gewe ni-bngishmod giizis.
When insects billow black from the trees,
and the sun slips into an orange dream.
Mii maanda ezhi-gkendmaanh niibing.
This is how I know summer."
This lovely new book that celebrates the seasons is written in both Anishinaabemowin and English. Ms. Luby is of Anishinaabe heritage, and is a specialist in North American Indigenous history. Written to bring memories from her childhood near the Great Lakes to young readers today, it tells the story of the relationship between grandchild and grandparent as they note the changes that come seasonally.
The text is spare and rhythmic, and begins with signs of summer. The question for each of the passing seasons begins with 'How do I know?' Together in the outdoors, the two take careful note of what they see happening around them. They move fluidly from summer, to autumn, winter, and spring. The two make discoveries for each in turn as they explore the landscape together. There is much to see, and appreciate.
The illustrator, Joshua Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley, is an Ojibwe woodland artist and a member of the Wasauksing First Nation. His digital spreads give prominence to the characters and every detail of the ever-changing setting. The dark outlines and beautiful palette filled with nature's brilliant colors invite careful observation for those reading it together. As the seasons change so, too, does the single image that has been chosen to represent the changing environment. It is a lovely journey of discovery.
If you are looking for books that honor Indigenous culture, traditions, and language, this book is a perfect choice.
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