When I'm a Moshom

Written by David A. Robertson

Illustrated by Corrie Hill

Tundra Books

978-1-77488-174-3

40 pp.

Ages 3–7

May 26 2026 

 

This is a story of remembrance and celebration. It's also a story of expectation and promise.

From When I'm a Moshom, written by David A. Robertson, illustrated by Corrie Hill

The narrator remembers all the lovely memories he has with his moshom, his grandfather. He begins each memory with:

When I'm a moshom,

A long, long time from now,

before stating what he promises to do, "Just like Moshom did." He will watch his grandchildren in their activities, whether dancing, swimming, playing hockey, or doing gymnastics. But he will also share with them activities important to him. And so many of these shares are traditions and cultural legacies from past generations, whether hunting for muskrat, making bannock, telling stories, or speaking to them in Swampy Cree. There is also the feelings that Moshom extended to him, from a deep love to respect and pride. The narrator has not forgotten his moshom's legacy of teachings and devotion, and he intends to do the same for another generation, for his own grandchildren. 

From When I'm a Moshom, written by David A. Robertson, illustrated by Corrie Hill

David A. Robertsona is the author of picture books like The Song That Called Them Home (2023) and Little Shoes (2025), both illustrated by Maya McKibbin; middle grade novels like The Misewa Saga series (2021–2015); graphic novels including Sugar Falls: A Residential School Story (2021); and YA (e.g., Strangers, 2017). While his skill at writing different genres for a variety of audiences is clearly evident, David A. Robertson excels at embedding his stories in the traditions of his Indigenous culture. He does the same in When I'm A Moshom. Not only do we learn about that which his grandfather taught him and shared with him, we see a pride in a legacy of culture. From visiting his community, teaching traditions of celebration and food, and sharing in ceremonies, both moshoms, past and future, embrace the richness of their cultures and strive to impart it to their grandchildren. But it's not heavy-handed sermonizing. Instead, it is the gifting, almost a bequest, of that which is treasured and appreciated. 

From When I'm a Moshom, written by David A. Robertson, illustrated by Corrie Hill

While David A. Robertson's words are based in reminiscences of his moshom, When I'm a Moshom is not a story of sadness of loss. It is one of hope and promise for the future. It's a man looking to a time when he can emulate the memories he had with a beloved grandfather and create lasting ones with his own grandchildren. Illustrator Corrie Hill, a member of the Mohawk Nation, Bear Clan, from Six Nations of the Grand River, ensures that expectation of legacy in her digital artwork. While her art may seem restrained with its clean lines and shapes, Corrie Hill endows her illustrations with joy and family in simple touches. It could be hand-holding, a hug, a smile, laughing eyes, or attention. Because of the depth of heart in her artwork, I am in awe that When I'm a Moshom is her debut picture book.

From When I'm a Moshom, written by David A. Robertson, illustrated by Corrie Hill

When I'm a Moshom is a story that looks to the past to guide in the future. It's looking to that which was lived and experienced to help advise that which will be. Here, the narrator remembers his moshom and the ways his moshom made him feel loved and cherished. Through his actions and communications, his moshom made sure the child felt like he mattered. Whether taking them fishing, speaking to them in Swampy Cree, smudging them, or teaching them to play cribbage, this grandfather and this future moshom know what it means to be a caring elder and unexpected mentor to his grandchildren. How fortunate to be the nôsisimak of either moshom.