"Baby looked out the window at the trees going by.
As they got closer to the Rez, Baby could see that
the trees were changing. There were fewer of the
kinds that have leaves.
More and more, all the trees looked like Christmas
trees."
It's winter solstice, and Mommy and Daddy have a surprise for Baby. They are going to the Rez for Christmas. Baby is hesitant. How will Santa know where the family has gone? Allaying worry, Mommy gently reassures that Santa will know what he needs to know to find them.
As the travel outside the city, for the first time, to celebrate an Anishinaabe Christmas, Baby takes notice of their surroundings. Passing a Do Not Feed the Bears sign is a reminder of a family story told about the time a bear visited the Rez. All the adults created a circle around the bear, with only one way out. That escape route led the bear back to her cubs. Makwa (meaning a bear) was then able to settle with her family and sleep in their den through the winter. It was a good story!
Seeing the changing trees makes Baby think about Christmas, presents, and his grandparents. Mommy explains that Anishinaabe people love to give things away. It reminds Baby of the present meant to be given to his Kookum and Mooshum when they arrive at their home. As they travel further, Baby remembers that Mommy mentioned 'going home'. Why?
"Home is where we live.
But home is also where we come from."
Warm lights in the darkness welcome them into the arms of Kookum and Mooshum. As they sit by the fire sipping tea and storytelling, Baby recounts the many things learned on their trip home. A special gift is given, the drums are played, and a Christmas song is shared.
Digital artwork enhances the engaging storytelling, both providing an immersive experience for young readers of an Anishinaabe Christmas. A pronunciation guide is included in backmatter, as well as a short explanation of Anishinaabe ways.
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