| Indigenous author |
| Grandmothers -- Juvenile fiction. |
| Grandparent and child -- Juvenile fiction. |
| Indigenous peoples -- North America -- Juvenile fiction. |
| Beadwork -- Juvenile fiction. |
| Picture books. |
Available:*
Library | Collection | Material Type | Call Number | Status | Item Holds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Searching... Cobourg Branch | Searching... Unknown | Junior Picture Book | JP Rog | Searching... Unknown | Searching... Unavailable |
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Summary
Summary
In this lyrical picture book by Kim Rogers (Wichita), with illustrations by Boston Globe-Horn Book Honoree Julie Flett (Cree-Métis), Becca watches her grandma create, play, and dance--and she knows that she wants to be just like Grandma.
Becca loves spending time with Grandma. Every time Becca says, "Let me try," Grandma shows her how to make something beautiful.
Whether they are beading moccasins, dancing like the most beautiful butterflies, or practicing basketball together, Becca knows that, more than anything, she wants to be just like Grandma.
And as the two share their favorite activities, Becca discovers something surprising about Grandma.
Features an author's note and glossary.
Reviews (4)
Publisher's Weekly Review
"In traditional Native American families, grandparents and Elders have always played a significant role in raising and educating children," writes Rogers (an enrolled member of Wichita and Affiliated Tribes) in this work's author's note, and her picture book debut tenderly centers one such relationship. "More than anything," young Becca wants to be "just like Grandma," a refrain that follows the days as Becca watches Grandma beading a pair of buckskin moccasins, painting a glorious sunrise, and dancing Fancy Shawl at the weekend powwow. Each spread sees Becca learning from her elder before the two engage, together, in the activity, leading up to a family meal: "Together they flutter like the most beautiful butterflies/ Grandpa has ever seen,/ until the sun dips below the tree line/ and he calls them in for fried chicken." The formula flips when Grandma asks Becca to teach her to play basketball, and their practice sessions help Becca at team tryouts, and provide a lens for grandchild and grandparent to appreciate their shared story. Textured, earth-toned art from Cree-Métis illustrator Flett (Still This Love Goes On) foregrounds the two figures, who cue as Wichita, while the text emphasizes a love of family and sense of tradition that anchor this subtly told story's world. An author's note and glossary conclude. Ages 4--8. Author's agent: Tricia Lawrence, Erin Murphy Literary. Illustrator's agent: Steven Malk, Writers House. (Jan.)
Horn Book Review
Becca emulates her grandmother by learning to bead, painting a sunrise, and dancing at the powwow. Her grandmother joyfully shares skills, cultural traditions, and affection; in a refreshing twist, Grandma also learns from her granddaughter as they shoot hoops while Becca practices for basketball tryouts. Grandpa appears regularly throughout, most often preparing food for them all. Debut author Rogers (Wichita and Affiliated Tribes) successfully blends both traditional and contemporary aspects of life for this family, offering a sense of what being part of an Indigenous community can mean. The text is spare and poetic, primarily describing the relationship between grandmother and grandchild but also delivering a small sports-related tale. (After a successful tryout, Becca and her grandparents go out for pizza.) Cree-Metis artist Flett (Still This Love Goes On, rev. 11/22) gives life and depth to the text with her stunning mixed-media illustrations. Spreads resemble collage with layers of color and texture. The book provides a valuable opportunity for readers of all backgrounds to reflect on what they can learn from an older generation. Handsome book design, eloquent text, and an authentic portrayal of its subject make this a welcome addition to collections. Maeve Visser KnothJanuary/February 2023 p.65 (c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Kirkus Review
More than anything, Becca wants to be just like Grandma. Sitting on the front steps beading buckskin moccasins, dancing barefoot like a beautiful butterfly, painting gorgeous sunrises in the studio, or dancing at the weekend powwow--as Becca watches and learns from her grandmother, she longs to follow in her footsteps. Meanwhile, Grandma also watches and learns from her grandchild as she practices to be on the basketball team. Grandma, too, would like to be like Becca. Readers learn that in fact with so much in common, both Grandma and Becca are indeed very much like each other. Reinforcing this intergenerational bond is a caring grandfather who feeds and nourishes the family, all the while remaining in the background, allowing grandmother and child to take center stage. Illustrator Flett's (Cree-Métis) signature, spare style pairs well with author Rogers' (Wichita) simple, repetitive text. Readers will infer from the activities mentioned and the visual cues in the illustrations that the family is Native American. Though no specific nation is mentioned, the use of the Wichita word to:kic (a kind of meat dish) may imply the family is from the same nation as Rogers. All characters depicted have brown skin and straight black hair. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A sweet celebration of family, intergenerational bonds, and traditions. (publisher's note, author's note, a note on beadwork, glossary) (Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
This outstanding picture-book debut by Rogers (Wichita and Affiliated Tribes) presents a joyous, uplifting celebration of culture and family. Becca is an Indigenous child whose grandma is a loving role model and mentor in her life. Intently watching her elder's artistic pursuits (beading buckskin moccasins, painting a colorful sunrise, and Fancy Shawl dancing at the weekend powwow), the child unequivocally knows she wants to be "just like Grandma." Excited with inspiration, Becca says, "Let me try," and Grandma passes down her knowledge. Supportively side by side, they create, play, and learn together every day, "until the sun dips below the sun line," when Grandpa calls them in for a nourishing meal. The eloquent text has a lyrical, free-verse cadence and rhythmic refrains. In satisfying, full-circle fashion, Becca has some accomplished moves of her own to share with Grandma, like making the basketball team. Award-winning Swampy Cree--Red River Métis artist Flett's exquisite pastel, pencil, and collage illustrations radiate warmth, from the closeness of the characters to sunny yellow background hues. Endnotes include a glossary and personal familial reflections from the author. A tender and touching tribute to the loving, reciprocal bonds of intergenerational relationships.