Mnoomin maan'gowing / The Gift of Mnoomin
by Brittany Luby, Mary Ann Corbiere, Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley
In this bilingual book, an Anishinaabe child explores the story of a precious mnoomin seed and the circle of life mnoomin sustains.Written in Anishinaabemowin and English, the story opens at harvest time. A child holds a mnoomin seed and imagines all the life that made a single seed possible-Mayfly, Pike, Muskrat, Eagle and Moose, all had a part to play in bringing the seed into being. What will happen if the seed sprouts? Underwater leaves will shelter young fish, shoots will protect ducklings, stalks will feed larvae, in turn providing food for bats...until finally mnoomin will be ready to harvest again.We follow the child and family through a harvest day as they make offerings of tobacco, then gently knock ripe seeds into their canoe. On shore, they prepare the seeds, cook up a feast, and gratefully plant some seeds they'd set aside.This beautifully written and illustrated story reveals the cultural and ecological importance of mnoomin. As the author's note explains, many Anishinaabeg agree that "wild rice" is an inaccurate term for this plant relation, since part of the harvest is sown every year to help sustain human and non-human beings. Includes a translator's note.Key Text Featuresexplanationillustrationsinformational notetranslationstranslator's noteCorrelates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts:CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.2Retell stories, including key details, and demonstrate understanding of their central message or lesson.
Hardcover
Brand New
Author Biography
BRITTANY LUBY, of Anishinaabe descent, was raised on Treaty #3 Lands in what is currently known as northwestern Ontario. She is an associate professor of history at the University of Guelph who seeks to stimulate public discussion of Indigenous issues through her work. Her picture books include the award-winning Mii maanda ezhi-gkendmaanh / This Is How I Know, illustrated by Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley. Brittany now lives on territories cared for under the Dish with One Spoon Covenant.MANGESHIG PAWIS-STECKLEY is an Anishinaabe illustrator and a member of Wasauksing First Nation. He illustrated the award-winning picture book Mii maanda ezhi-gkendmaanh / This Is How I Know and Mnoomin maan'gowing / The Gift of Mnoomin, both by Brittany Luby, and is the author and illustrator of Boozhoo! / Hello! He lives in the unceded territories of the xmθky"m (Musqueam), Swxwú7mesh (Squamish) and slilwta (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples (Vancouver) with his wife Maria and daughter Mino.MARY ANN CORBIERE grew up speaking Nishnaabemwin in Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory on Manitoulin Island. She taught her language at the University of Sudbury for many years, obtained a doctorate and continues to work on instructional resources for adult learners. She now lives in Lively, Ontario.
Review
Luby's reverent text … describes the traditional method of harvesting what grows … Pawis-Steckley's vibrant color palette captures the hues of sunlight throughout the story as well as the lush flora and fauna and the warmth of the human interactions. STARRED REVIEW * Horn Book *
Rhythmic, poetic, and informative narrative nonfiction at its finest. * Children's Literature Comprehensive Database *
Beautifully rendered, this Anishinaabemowin and English bilingual book is a visual and narrative gift to young readers eager to explore Indigenous culture and ecology. * CM: Canadian Review of Materials *
A stunning picture book. * Globe and Mail *
A gentle, visually beautiful introduction to this aspect of Anishinaabe culture. * Toronto Star *
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