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A review by anniemackillican
On the Trapline by David A. Robertson
4.0
Finally got around to reading this arc. So glad that I did.
I don't often read illustrated children's books, but I saw this was coming out soon and I had to get my hands on a copy. Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada for giving me advance access!
This story is about a young boy and his Moshum, which is the Cree word for grandfather. They make a visit to his ancestral lands to visit the trapline where he grew up before moving to the city. The two of them form a bond in rediscovering the ties they both have to the traditional way of living, and the young boy comes to see the world through his Moshum's eyes.
This book is an incredible teaching tool for children. Almost every page has a new Cree word for readers to practice with it's meaning. The traditional practices on the trapline are not seen as inferior by the boy, he admires them and wishes to be a part of something so close to his Moshum's heart.
The illustrations are simple but beautiful. Julie Flett perfectly captures the spirit of the two characters while at the same time being ambiguous enough that the reader can really see themselves in the characters.
This story made me a little bit emotional, I must admit. Moshum reminded me a lot of my late grandfather, very quiet but when in his element, on the land, just brightens up everyone's world. When he teaches the boy how to fish, I couldn't help but fondly remember my days with my grandfather fishing on our river. It warmed my heart.
I sincerely hope that this book makes into every classroom and children's collection upon it's release!
I don't often read illustrated children's books, but I saw this was coming out soon and I had to get my hands on a copy. Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada for giving me advance access!
This story is about a young boy and his Moshum, which is the Cree word for grandfather. They make a visit to his ancestral lands to visit the trapline where he grew up before moving to the city. The two of them form a bond in rediscovering the ties they both have to the traditional way of living, and the young boy comes to see the world through his Moshum's eyes.
This book is an incredible teaching tool for children. Almost every page has a new Cree word for readers to practice with it's meaning. The traditional practices on the trapline are not seen as inferior by the boy, he admires them and wishes to be a part of something so close to his Moshum's heart.
The illustrations are simple but beautiful. Julie Flett perfectly captures the spirit of the two characters while at the same time being ambiguous enough that the reader can really see themselves in the characters.
This story made me a little bit emotional, I must admit. Moshum reminded me a lot of my late grandfather, very quiet but when in his element, on the land, just brightens up everyone's world. When he teaches the boy how to fish, I couldn't help but fondly remember my days with my grandfather fishing on our river. It warmed my heart.
I sincerely hope that this book makes into every classroom and children's collection upon it's release!