I received this book for free from the library in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Source: the library
Maple Moon
by
Connie Brummel Crook
mythic fantasy, picture book in Paperback edition that was published by Fitzhenry & Whiteside on January 1, 1999 and has 30 pages.
Explore it on Goodreads or Amazon
Illustrator: Scott Cameron
A story of starvation and the young Missisauga boy who saved his tribe.
In 2006, Maple Moon won The World Guild Canadian Writing Awards
– Children’s Book.
My Take
This was a sweet story…besides the maple syrup, I mean! It provides Rides the Wind with confidence and saves his people while reminding us to pay attention to all living beings around us. A nice story about the discovery of maple syrup as well!
It’s obvious that Scott Cameron created these lovely illustrations on canvas (I’m guessing that he used pastels) which gives a quality feel to the entire story. Rich, deep colors and huge pictures accompany Crook’s story beautifully.
The Story
Limited in what he can do, Rides the Wind spends most of his time outside of the social activity of his tribe. And one day in winter, while the other children are throwing snowballs and playing in the falling snow, Rides the Wind retreats with Nimoosh into the forest where he encounters a most unexpected friend. One who will help him save his people from starvation.
The Characters
Rides the Wind is a young, handicapped Missisauga boy who is taunted by some of the other kids in the tribe. His dog Nimoosh is half timber wolf and Rides the Wind’s constant companion, sometimes his transport when Nimoosh pulls him on the sled his father made him.
Ninautik is the name for all maple trees. Fast as Lightning is the leading bully boy.
The Cover and Title
It’s a great cover! Cameron’s has given us a triumphant Rides the Wind bringing a bowl of sweet water out of the woods with his dog Nimoosh. I liked the strip of leather at the top highlighting the title.
The title refers to the time of year for harvesting the sweet water. I must confess I got pretty hungry for some venison after reading this…
