"Animals swim
and squirt
and bubble
and bend
and chase
and chirp.
We play too!
kimetawanaw mina"
Play is not only the pursuit of children, as you know from watching your family pets or animals in the wild. They all play!
Julie Flett has created a book filled with the joy of movement, and the energy in the lives of children and animals. The rhythm of the text offers lovely words and an opportunity to quickly learn to read the book independently. The Indigenous children who grace its pages show that they move in the same ways animals do - in water, on the ground, climbing up and sliding down hills, and falling asleep wherever they land.
Ms. Flett leaves plenty of white space to ensure that the movements remain top of mind as the book is read. It is a celebration of the world these animals and children inhabit. The inclusion of words from the Cree language, and a glossary that lists the animal names shown in one, more than one, and younger, smaller, cuter forms is welcome. A following note explains the language used in the text, with pronunciation and a suggestion to turn to the Greystone Books site to hear them is welcome.
Ms. Flett then adds a personal note from her upbringing.
"Whether we are running and hopping
through the grass or rolling along the
street or pondering creatures in the creek,
we are all connected, living in relationship
and in care to one another, in kinship. In Cree,
this is called wahkohtowin."
Beautiful!
No comments:
Post a Comment