Berry Song, written and illustrated by Michaela Goade. Little, Brown and Company. Hachette, 2022. $23.99 ages 4 and up

 

"The forest sings to us, 
through misting rain
and whooosh of wing, 
the sweet smell of cedar
and the tickle of moss. 

We sing too, so the land
knows we are grateful."

This enchanting intergenerational story that takes place between a grandmother and her granddaughter is filled with cultural celebration and the giving of gifts. The Tlingit grandmother has invited the little one to accompany her on an adventure on land and sea. Their boat offers opportunity to pull branches from the ocean; branches filled with herring eggs. Once they make it to the island, they gather seaweed and net salmon from the shallow waters at the falls.

Their adventure leads them further into the forest for berry picking. 

"Salmonberry, Cloudberry, Blueberry, Nagoonberry, 
Huckleberry, Soapberry, Strawberry, Crowberry."

It's as if the berries are singing to the pickers, and the two sing back. Grandma explains that the land speaks and they speak back. It is the way the land understands their gratitude. As well as singing, they must also care for the land.  It is a harmonious relationship. The singing is for the past, and for the future. Their senses are filled with the bounties of island life, and they are grateful. 

When they get home, they make salmonberry syrup, and cranberry marmalade - and so much more. As they share the gifts of the land, they give thanks once again. The seasons change. Winter allows rest before berry song will be sung once more. When she is old enough, the girl teaches her younger sister their grandmother's lessons. 

This is an absolutely stunning debut picture book for Michaela Goade, a Caldecott Medal winner in 2021 for We Are Water Protectors. Splendid endpapers identify the many different berry varieties, in English and the Tlingit language.  My words cannot describe the beauty to be found in every wondrous spread. It should be in every school, classroom, and family library. Brava! 

A note from the author follows and speaks clearly of the Tlingit people, their connection to nature, and their gratitude for the bounty provided. 
                                                                         

https://www.michaelagoade.com/