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Tuesday, October 15, 2024

This Land is a Lullaby, written by Tonya Simpson and illustrated by Delree Dumont. Orca Book Publishers, 2024. $21.95 ages 4 and up

 


"Just as the last of the day starts to fade ...
hoots of owls and coyote howl! A twilight serenade. 

Wild horses race mighty clouds soaring by. 
Rolling thunder drums across the flickering sky.
"

A mother and her child stand on prairie grasses and listen to the 'sweet song of your home'. Descriptive couplets pay homage to the child's homeland. The lullaby shared refers to the geese that fly in prairie skies, the ponds that sing with frog song, fireflies and dragonflies that glow in the evening light of the plains, home to this Indigenous family. 

All speak to the wonder that is nature, and that same wonder that is the child whose ancestors 'sing just for you'. The peaceful beauty found in the sights and sounds of her surroundings is there as the child slips into slumber each evening. Captured in dramatic images created by Delree Dumont, using acrylic paints in a pointillism style, they fill double-page spreads with the intense beauty of flower-filled meadows, reedy ponds, golden grasses, and northern lights. 

Little ones ready for sleep will find comfort in the words as they speak to the bond that exists between Indigenous people and the land they call home. A mother's warmth and love are reflected in the words she speaks as her child snuggles in for welcome rest. 

"Now all is quiet, but for the loon 
trading holy secrets with Grandmother Moon.
"
                                                                                 


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