Review by Booklist Review
Tâpwê learns that he is to spend the summer on the reservation with his extended family while Kohkom, his grandmother, visits his mother at college. Kohkom gives him two gifts: a magic hat and a warning. Thus unfolds a series of adventures with new human and animal friends. Tâpwê is accustomed to a quiet life with his grandmother, so being among so many people requires adjustments. His adventures include attending a powwow, falling prey to the Trickster, making friends, reflecting on his treatment of others, and doing his share of work in the community. Readers would do well to start this book by considering the concluding note to adults, which provides cultural context and a word of caution that this "work of contemporary fiction" is not to be taken as "authentic legend," as it draws from a variety of Indigenous traditions. Endearing characters and cheerful illustrations bring this humorous, engaging story to life. A great read-aloud for both children and adults.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Positioning this character-driven chapter book as a work of contemporary fiction that "should not be presented... as an 'authentic' legend in the historical sense," Cree activist and musician Sainte-Marie opens with an intimate-feeling line: "Kayâs--once upon a time--there was a boy who lived in a town not too far from here." The chapters follow a young Cree protagonist, Tâpwê, who lives with his Kohkom "way out on the far edge of the reserve" during the summer while his mother attends tribal college. When a relative invites Tâpwê to visit his second cousins on another reserve during their powwow, Kohkom gives Tâpwê a magic hat that previously belonged to her. The hat houses living, speaking bluebirds and grass snakes, and, Kohkom tells him, will help him on his way. Then the arrival of a large rabbit Trickster, Wâpos, throws things into chaos. The meandering installments offer much to admire and cherish, twining Indigenous beliefs and traditions with descriptions of reserve life as well as lessons around family and the natural world ("He would wake up early to her soft morning song and smell the sweetgrass she burned as she thanked the creator for the day"). An author's note and glossary conclude this volume, which publishes simultaneously in Cree and English. Final art not seen by PW. Ages 6--9. (June)
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
A magical hat and a trickster rabbit enliven an Indigenous boy's summer in this tale by the renowned Cree musician and artistic polymath. Tâpwê spends summers on the reserve with Kohkom, his grandmother, while his mom attends tribal college. This year, he's invited to stay with his cousins during their powwow while Kohkom visits his mom. Before leaving, Kohkom gives him a magical hat and a warning to "watch out for Tricksters." But, fascinated by the hat, home to six talking animals, three charming bluebirds and three baby grass snakes, Tâpwê tunes out her advice. The animals will help Tâpwê find his way and keep him company, Kohkom says, provided he's good to them. Shy Tâpwê bonds easily with cousin Willie and his sisters--all are intrigued by Tâpwê's hat. One day, the Trickster rabbit, Wâpos, appears and introduces himself to Tâpwê, who's thrilled (the hat goes quiet, though) until Wâpos steals the hat--luckily, a savvy adult helps to get it back. Hearing his relatives recount intriguing Wâpos adventures, Tâpwê lets Wâpos lead him into trouble, too, and ignores his hat's creatures until he's horrified to discover they've turned into toys. The stories are studded with quotidian details, and Wâpos, resembling a manic, slightly menacing Bugs Bunny, is a standout, a complex character whose lessons--embarrassing, silly, or downright painful--are variations on the message that "the burned hand teaches best." Publishes simultaneously in Cree. These connected tales bring characters and their rich cultural inheritance to satisfying life. (author's note, glossary) (Chapter book. 6-11) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.