Nimoshom and His Bus

Written by Penny M. Thomas

Illustrated by Karen Hibbard

HighWater Press

978-1-55379-708-1

24 pp.

Ages 4-8

October 2017

I think that it's important that every child be able to see themselves and the components of their lives in literature.  Nimoshom and His Bus will speak volumes to many children, whether Cree or bused students, in its simple story of a Cree grandfather, Nimoshom, who drives a school bus.

From Nimoshom and His Bus 

by Penny M. Thomas 

illus. by Karen Hibbard

Nimoshom's day begins outside of his bus with his dog and the narrator explaining that Nimoshom means my grandfather in Cree.

From Nimoshom and His Bus 

by Penny M. Thomas

 illus. by Karen Hibbard

As children get on the bus and they travel to school, Nimoshom greets them and comments on the day, occasionally having to remind the students to sit down, Api, or to hurry up, Kinapi.  We also learn the Cree words for thank you–as he tells the children who share gifts with him– and yes, no, wait, and the all-purpose Ekosi that means okay, that's it or amen.  The book concludes with a brief Cree word list of the thirteen terms emphasized in this book.

From Nimoshom and His Bus 

by Penny M. Thomas 

illus. by Karen Hibbard

While Penny M. Thomas' story is not a plot-driven allegory or a message-based lesson, Nimoshom and His Bus is a sweet introduction to some simple Cree words in the context of a common-place activity for many children.  This could have been an illustrated dictionary of Cree words but Penny M. Thomas, who is of Cree-Ojibway heritage, was able to give a familiar frame of reference which will help all children connect with the story.  Karen Hibbard who uses watercolours and pastels to create a gentle background for Nimoshom's day on his bus gives the story a grassroots mood, highly appropriate for a routine day of activity and interaction for this bus driver and his charges.  It's very relatable.

There is much to learn from Nimoshom, whether as a bus student or a reader of the book, and it's all done gracefully, not unlike Nimoshom himself.

From Nimoshom and His Bus 

by Penny M. Thomas 

illus. by Karen Hibbard

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For those learning or teaching the Cree language, the publisher has provided a Cree pronunciation guide in pdf format as well as a downloadable lesson plan at http://www.portageandmainpress.com/product/nimoshom-and-his-bus/ to further the educational value of this picture book.