A festive, joyful Indigenous picture book that explores both Christmas traditions and Anishinaabe culture, for fans of Santa in the City and Go Show the World.One winter solstice, Mommy says, "Baby, we're going home to the Rez. We're going to have an Anishinaabe Christmas." But this is Baby's first Christmas away from the city, and they're worried! They have a lot of questions:
How will Santa know where to find them?
Why do we have presents on Christmas?
How come they're going home to the Rez but don't live there?
On the long trip to Mooshom's and Kookom's, Baby learns about animals being part of their family, about the North Star leading them home and even the meanings of some Anishinaabe words. Will this Anishinaabe Christmas be Baby's best yet?
On sale: October 8, 2024
Age: 3-7 years
Grade: Preschool - 2
Page count: 48 Pages
ISBN: 9781774883570
WAB KINEW is the bestselling, award-winning author of
The Everlasting Road,
Walking in Two Worlds, Go Show the World and
The Reason You Walk. A member of the Midewin and an Honorary Witness for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, he is a former journalist, hip-hop artist and television host who was named by Postmedia News as one of "9 Aboriginal movers and shakers you should know." Kinew lives in Winnipeg with his family.
ERIN HILL is an Indigenous artist based in Oakville, Ontario. They are a graduate from the Illustration program at Sheridan College. They're inspired by the notion of making art that's fun, and they enjoy creating illustrations and motion graphics while also having an interest in animation and storyboarding.
"A heartwarming and beautifully crafted book that shares the joy of Christmas through the lens of Anishinaabe culture."
—STARRED REVIEW, School Library Journal "The tender reunion with Kookom (Grandmother) and Mooshom (Grandfather) includes storytelling, sipping tea and eating bannock, singing, and giving gifts. Indigenous illustrator Hill's cartoon art brings warmth and heart to Kinew's simple narrative. . . . The sense of cultural pride and holiday joy will resonate with many young readers and their families. A sweet window into Anishinaabe Christmas traditions." —
Kirkus Reviews
"This affectionate family story introduces a few words and cultural practices of the Anishinaabe, including those around December holidays, and does a good job explaining how home can mean different things." —
A Kids Book A Day
