Forever Our Home / kâkikê kîkinaw

August 1, 2021

PreS-Gr 1-A simple yet beautiful ode to a newborn child and the parents who love them. With gentle multi-textured illustrations, the story, suited for babies and toddlers alike, explores the potential of every child as they are guided by loving caregivers. The new translated edition has dual-language text in both English and Anishinaabemowin, a rare language to find in a picture book. The original text remains in place with the Anishinaabemowin translation below, providing exposure to a language that may be unfamiliar to many. There is no pronunciation guide to assist non-native speakers. VERDICT A first purchase for collections in need of more diverse language offerings.-Erica Deb, Matawan Aberdeen P.L., NJ

Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 1, 2023
Preschool-Grade 2 Forever Our Home was originally written as a lullaby by the author for her newborn son, and this illustrated book extends its essence to all Indigenous children. Written in both Plains Cree and English, the song addresses children, assuring them of their place among the wondrous flora and fauna of a homeland where the spirits of ancestors can be felt and promising them that a future is secure. The illustrations depict expanses of breathtakingly beautiful landscapes in all the seasons. In these realistic, hand-painted renderings, nature is foregrounded so that the focus is on foxes, hawks, and deer against backdrops of lush meadows abloom with fireweeds and tamaracks and skies alive with sun and clouds, leaving no doubt as to their importance. On some pages, humans are completely absent, and in others they are small figures on the horizon, suggesting humility and connection rather than domination. The back matter and biographical information provide additional context for the message and the art.

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Starred review from May 1, 2023

PreS-K-Simpson's debut picture book, written in both English and Plains Cree, is a tribute to her homeland in the prairies and plains. Adapted from a lullaby she wrote for her newborn son, the lyrical text highlights the wildlife of the area while affirming her family's ancestral place in the land. "My sweet, beautiful child," she writes, "home is where the hawks hunt and the foxes run wild. This, my love, is where you are from." Simultaneously, Joseph's vivid spreads center the plants and animals of the area as the most visually important elements on the page, with the family frequently pictured as passing through in the distance, or on some pages absent entirely. It's a lovely reminder that our homelands belonged to so many more before us. With a continuing dearth of Indigenous voices, this solemn and serene volume should be considered a first purchase. VERDICT Essential for most collections, and with its wildlife-centric art, it's also a perfect read-aloud for Earth Day.-Lindsay Loup

Copyright 2023 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.