Review by Booklist Review
In spring, the days lengthen, the frost melts, and green onion shoots appear above ground. A Cherokee girl puts down fresh, clean hay in her family's chicken house and then waits with her little brother for their uncle to arrive in his truck and show them the way to the best, secret places for gathering green onions. Other relatives drive there, too, and when they've collected enough onions, they carry them home to clean and trim before taking them to the cooks at the community center, where people are gathering for a traditional shared feast. Before eating, they give thanks. Some of the elders serve themselves, while the children take plates of food to the rest. In an author's note, Rogers comments on the Trail of Tears, her life as a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, and wild onions, which she remembers from her childhood. The closing pages include a glossary and recipes for several Cherokee dishes. This picture book's simple story and appealing illustrations introduce the lives of Cherokee children and their families today.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 1--The days grow longer, the sun warmer, and a Cherokee girl joins her community for their traditional green onion gathering and feast. The story explores the spring traditions of the Cherokee people. Written in simple sensory lyricism, the text will appeal to story-time aged children. Included is an author's note to help readers understand the roots of the story and tradition. A list of recipes traditional to the spring feast allow readers to explore Cherokee culture in their own kitchen. A helpful language glossary highlights the Cherokee language used in the story. The illustrations are colorful and would stand out during story time. Matching the sensory aspect of the text, scenes of gathering and cooking add a dynamic element to each page. VERDICT An excellent choice for a preschool story time collection.--Meaghan Nichols
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
A Cherokee community observes the beginning of spring with a feast. As the nights get shorter, "the frost melts," and "the dark clouds flee," it's time to get ready for a big meal. Everyone has a job to do. Mama puts the finishing touches on a basket, while Agilisi (Cherokee for Grandmother) sews a dress. Meanwhile, Daddy and Agiduda (Grandfather) are busy in the garage. The young child who narrates replenishes the henhouse with hay. Soon, family and community members head into the woods to forage for wild onions. The next day, they gather at the community center to prepare the meal. "Mama stirs and cooks. Agilisi tastes and seasons. Daddy kneads and shapes. Agiduda fries and turns." Finally, Agilisi gives thanks to the Creator, and everybody enjoys corn soup, wild onions and eggs, and grape dumplings. Rogers (Cherokee Nation) imbues her text with warmth and playfulness; readers will smile when the narrator describes trimming wild onions as giving them haircuts. The pacing picks up in the kitchen scenes; word choice and the use of alliteration speak to the senses and heighten the excitement. Goodnight's (Chickasaw Nation) gentle illustrations depict a supportive, tightknit community. Cherokee values--reciprocity, cooperation, respect, and kinship--are on full display. In an author's note, Rogers reflects on the history of the Cherokee Nation and discusses the cultural significance of wild onion dinners. Serves up a delicious story, rich in culture and community, that will bring readers back for more. (about food and recipes, glossary, a note from Heartdrum author-curator Cynthia Leitich-Smith) (Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
