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 Features
explanation
illustrations
informational note
translations
translator’s note
Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.2
Retell stories, including key details, and demonstrate understanding of their central message or lesson.
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 Features
explanation
illustrations
informational note
translations
translator’s note
Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.2
Retell stories, including key details, and demonstrate understanding of their central message or lesson.
| Published By | Groundwood Books Ltd — Oct 3, 2023 |
| Specifications | 36 pages | 8.75 in x 8.5 in |
| Keywords | aboriginal; beauty in nature; celebration; conservation; Indigenous heritage and culture; customs and beliefs; environmentalism; First Nations children; Indigenous language text; living systems; community; responsibility; solace in nature; working together; belief system; bilingual text; ecosystems; language learning; interconnectedness; sustainability; |
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Supporting Resources
(select item to download) |
Teacher's Guide |
| Written By |
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. |
| Illustrated by |
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 xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples (Vancouver) with his wife Maria and daughter Mino. |
| Written By |
|
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. |
| Illustrated by |
|
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 xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples (Vancouver) with his wife Maria and daughter Mino. |
| Audience | ages 3 to 6 / grades P to 1 |
| Key Text Features | explanation; illustrations; informational note; translations; translator’s note |
| Common Core | CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.2 |
Winner, Blueberry Awards for Excellence in Environmental Literature, 2023
Runner-up, Elizabeth Mrazik-Cleaver Canadian Picture Book Award, 2023
Short-listed, Green Earth Book Award, 2024
Commended, Cooperative Children's Book Center, CCBC Choices, 2024
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 BookRhythmic, poetic, and informative narrative nonfiction at its finest.
” —Children's Literature Comprehensive DatabaseBeautifully 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 MaterialsA stunning picture book.
” —Globe and MailA gentle, visually beautiful introduction to this aspect of Anishinaabe culture.
” —Toronto Star