The Land Speaks

Written and illustrated by Jadyn Williams

Kegedonce Press 

978-1928120575

30 pp.

Ages 4–6

Releases October 24, 2026 

 

A walk with her Mosôm is more than a hike for this child. It is a spiritual bonding with an elder, with the land and the sky and the animals that will take her through the seasons and through her life. 

Illustration by Jadyn Williams from The Land Speaks, written by Jadyn Williams

At the beginning of each season, a child joins her Grandpa by visiting a special place next to a pond which is surrounded by trees. There he greets the land, including in Cree, and all its plants and animals and recognizes all that the land provides. By speaking to the land, he teaches her, they would show gratitude and respect. In contemplation, they listen, they see, they smell, and they feel. It is a spiritual mindfulness linked to the land.

When summer comes, together they greet the land and different animals and plants, continuing to show gratitude, just as they do in the fall.

Illustration by Jadyn Williams from The Land Speaks, written by Jadyn Williams

But when winter comes, she walks alone to their spot, along the winding trail. Still, she remembers what he taught, knowing that Mosôm is still with her. He is in the ground, in the trees, in the animals, and in the moon and the stars.

Illustration by Jadyn Williams from The Land Speaks, written by Jadyn Williams

Jadyn Williams, an author-illustrator of Cree and settler mixed ancestry, shows her appreciation and gratitude for the teachings of her own Mosôm with The Land Speaks. It is a story of remembrance and respect, of identity and of culture. And, most of all, it is a story of family.

The most precious gift the land shares with us is that it is our relative. Our ancestors speak to us through it, reminding us they are always near. (pg. 24)

Jadyn Williams embeds that recognition in her art as well as in her words. Her words are warm with tribute and attention to what she has learned, to what Mosôm says, and to the land. When the land speaks, she listens. And her digital art, which has a folk-art appeal, emphasizes the bold colours and the personal connection between child and elder and between people and the land. By taking the reader to the same location through the seasons, both with the child's Mosôm and without, Jadyn Williams takes us on a temporal journey, one of connection and of mindfulness. This child may use that which her Mosôm taught her to help deal with loss, but it also demonstrates blessing that he shared with her.

 

This is my first review of a title from Kegedonce Press. Kegedonce is an Indigenous-owned and operated publishing house based at Neyaashiinigmiing on the traditional territory of the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation. I was delighted by the powerful storytelling in words and art of The Land Speaks. If this what we can expect from this publisher as well as this author-illustrator, I see more reviews of their books on this blog.

The Girl Who Loves Trees

Written by Nancy Cooper

Illustrated by Hawlii Pichette

Owlkids Books

978-1-77147-673-7

32 pp.

Ages 5–8

September 2026 

 

A visit to her grandfather on the reserve becomes a special time of traditional teachings and ecological learning for a young girl in Nancy Cooper's second picture book, this time illustrated by Hawlii Pichette. 

Illustration by Hawlii Pichette from The Girl Who Loves Trees, written by Nancy Cooper

Their day begins with an offering of tobacco and a prayer of gratitude to the Creator. When they make plans for the day, including collecting an offering of cedar for a community feast, the child has questions about the trees. Loving everything about trees, from their leaves to their bark and their branches, the child wants to ensure the trees will not be hurt.

"...will show the Tree Spirit and the Creator that we are thankful for the gifts the cedar brings us and that we recognize the sacred relationship and responsibilities we have for one another." (pg. 13)

Illustration by Hawlii Pichette from The Girl Who Loves Trees, written by Nancy Cooper

As  they walk a trail deep in the forest, Grampa shares his knowledge of the traditional uses of pine needles, of birch bark, of hemlock, and more. His granddaughter shows rapt attention for his teaching, learning family history while asking many questions. She is respectful and observant and understands more beyond just what she sees.

The Girl Who Loves Trees is a story of a special intergenerational relationship because it is based in an Indigenous culture and with an ecological basis. Though her debut picture book Biindigen! Amik Says Welcome (illustrated by Joshua Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley, Owlkids, 2023) also has a basis in the natural world, The Girl Who Loves Trees speaks more to the traditional teachings of her grandfather—who was inspired by Albert Dumont—and their relationship with the environment, rather than lessons in character education. Here Nancy Cooper emphasizes the relationships between grandfather and granddaughter, between trees and humans, between all living things, and with their Indigenous culture. It's a story that reminds that we are all interconnected and need to be cognizant and respectful of that interconnectedness.

Illustration by Hawlii Pichette from The Girl Who Loves Trees, written by Nancy Cooper

Hawlii Pichette, whose illustrations I enjoyed in Benjamin's Thunderstorm (Melanie Florence, Kids Can Press, 2023) and Benjamin Grows a Garden (Melanie Florence, Kids Can Press, 2025), is a Mushkego Cree urban mixed-blood artist whose artwork is deeply influenced by her culture. Her artwork is bold and vivid, strongly outlined as in the Woodland tradition. But her stylized depiction of trees, both coniferous and deciduous, were most compelling. They have a dynamism that speaks to the life they have and that they give. Hawlii Pichette demonstrates this same spirit in the grass, in the waters, and in her characters.

 

As a woman who loves trees, I appreciate Nancy Cooper and Hawlii Pichette's story for the arboreal elements of the natural world which have always spoken to me. For young children, it will remind them to be observant and respectful as they discover these same wonders. They may not be fortunate enough to have a grandparent of Indigenous heritage from which to gain knowledge, but, with The Girl Who Loves Trees, they will have a literary source to help them learn more.

Savor the Day

Written by Shari Green

Illustrated by Gabby Grant

Sleeping Bear Press

978-1-53411-353-4

32 pp.

Ages 5–8

April 2026 

 

Time can go very slowly or very quickly. It only seems to have two speeds. Either way, it will pass, and, when it has passed, it cannot be recovered. Savouring the day is the only way to hold onto it through the fullness of experiencing it and the memories created. Shari Green, eloquent writer of middle-grade novels like Root Beer Candy and Other Miracles (2016), Macy McMillan and the Rainbow Goddess (2017), and Missing Mike (2018) as well as her award-winning YA novel Song of Freedom, Song of Dreams (2024), has given readers a debut picture book that reminds us to find and appreciate all the moments of a day.

From Savor the Day, written by Shari Green, illustrated by Gabby Grant

The day enjoyed by this child may look to an outside observer as quiet and uninteresting. She is woken up by her grandfather and taken to the beach. From all appearances, it is a simple day of playing, resting, walking, swimming, and eating. But there is more to her day, to their day, because they are mindful of each moment.

From Savor the Day, written by Shari Green, illustrated by Gabby Grant

In rhyming text that is as subtle as their day is understated, Shari Green takes us by the hand to walk alongside this grandparent and grandchild, from morning wake-up and breakfast, to evening car ride home and bed.

Savor the sun sinking down to the sea—

savor the finger-paint sky.

The peeking-out stars and getting in cars—

the pause as you're waving goodbye.

(pg. 27-29) 

From Savor the Day, written by Shari Green, illustrated by Gabby Grant

This child and her grandfather make it clear that everything can be enjoyed, whether it's a twinkle in the eye, the feel of the sand between your toes, the colours of sea stars, or the sound of a blackberry dropped into a pail. It's the sounds and feels, and sights and tastes of life that need to be appreciated, no matter how small or fleeting.

From Savor the Day, written by Shari Green, illustrated by Gabby Grant

Shari Green's words have always soothed through the uncertainty of life and the challenges that may be daily or rare. Without preaching about being mindful, Shari Green helps us see what mindfulness can bring. It's being in the moment for the sake of that moment. For this child and her grandfather, a simple, perhaps typical, day becomes a sensory experience that is exceptional and full.

 

The UK's Gabby Grant keeps that lightness of simplicity with her pencil crayon drawings enhanced with watercolours. Her scenes reflect the idea that you don't need lots of stuff or lots of people or busyness to make something grand. There is sand and water and sky. There are the two, grandfather and granddaughter, and occasional others, both human and animal. Otherwise, the focus is on what this child is enjoying in the way of sounds, tastes, sights, and feels. And by keeping her palette to one of softness, Gabby Grant makes us feel the calm of that day. She helps readers savor their own day of reading a book about a day at the beach.

 

Whether you're fortunate to have a beach near you to enjoy or to have the opportunity to spend time with a grandparent or someone who loves you, keep the moments of that day close. Feel every moment of quiet or turbulence, or warmth and sun or coolness and rain, of nothing special and something extraordinary. Every moment and every feeling is to be savoured as an important part of the whole. After all, the moments make the day, which add up to a life lived well.

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

🚌 🚌 🚌 🚌 🚌

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.

The Wolf and Me: The Seven Sequels

by Richard Scrimger

Orca Book Publishers

9781459805316

256 pp.

Ages 10-16

For release October 1, 2014

Poor Bunny.  He's such a great guy but, often through no fault of his own, he gets himself immersed in the most unusual, even dangerous, situations.  In Ink Me (Scrimger, 2012), the prequel to The Wolf and Me, Bunny (Bernard, as only his grandfather called him) ended up with a tattoo indicating he was part of the 15 Street gang and that he had killed someone, all untrue.  Sadly he did get mixed up in some dangerous situations and is currently at Creekside, a young offender facility just outside of Toronto.  While Bunny is finding his time at Creekside useful, especially with the lessons he has with Mr. Wing to help him with his literacy (especially his spelling), he's not a troublemaker, and he's happy to have the holidays until New Year's with his family. Too bad he gets kidnapped while out skating with his brother Spencer at Toronto's City Hall.  See what I mean?  This kid has no luck.

While his hostage-takers demand to know about his grandfather, David McLean (though Bunny initially believes they're asking about "Mr. Clean"), the woman named Vi attempts to gain his confidence, offering to help him get a note to the police.  But Bunny learns of her deceit and manages to escape, setting off on an amazing skating adventure on the icy landscape, in search of Creekside, home, or just help.

Bunny may call himself "dumb" and "stupid" but he's very smart about putting all the little pieces of the puzzle together to make a comprehensive big picture.  He just doesn't have a lot of luck.  Sure that he's found Creekside, Bunny breaks into a juvenile detention centre for females!  As unfortunate as that may seem, that mistake puts him in a position to help others, even if it does complicate things.

"Here I am in my little life trying to deal with my troubles.  Some people are worrying about me and some are heping me and some are making it hard for me and all the time theres this–this–this gigantic ALL all around me.  It make me feel small but also grate full." (pg. 122)

Like the detention centre, there are many obstacles that impede Bunny's journey.  But he always finds a way to turn them into something positive, including an encounter with a wolf that allows him to connect with his grandfather.  And if anyone deserves a break in life, it's Bunny.

I'm delighted that Richard Scrimger was able to parlay Bunny's Ink Me fiasco into a second adventure that shows the teen's growth after incarceration at Creekside while providing both him and the reader the evidence that he's one of the good guys.  Bunny makes the best of that which life tosses at him, whether they're rocks or candies. Who else could manage to enjoy a hockey game with his captors and take advantage of his only footwear–a pair of hockey skates–to escape?  Bunny.  And I'm so glad Richard Scrimger gave him life.  He makes life better for all who meet him, fictional characters and readers alike.

"Life isnt about making sense.  Its a gift and you do your best with it." (pg. 190)

Sleeper: The Seven Sequels

by Eric Walters

Orca Book Publishers

978-1-459805439

222 pp.

Ages 10-16

For release October 1, 2014

The seven grandsons of David McLean from the original Seven Series (Orca, 2012) may have fulfilled the missions their grandfather requested of them upon his death but they're turning it around now with information they've discovered about him on their own. In fact, although the seven books of The Seven Sequels may be read in any order, I'm glad I started with Eric Walters' Sleeper as it clearly spells out how and what the boys discover that sends them off on their newest adventures, by choice or not.

Meeting up after Christmas at their grandfather's cottage, five of the cousins–DJ, Spencer, Bunny, Webb and Adam–discover a hidden cache of passports, foreign currency, a gun, a little black book, some clothes and disguises, and a bag of golf balls.  Speculating that their grandfather may have been involved in espionage, the boys decide that they have a week left of holidays before their parents are home to figure out the mystery. Bunny and Spencer head back home to Toronto (though Bunny is kidnapped from the City Hall skating rink--see my next review, for The Wolf and Me by Richard Scrimger) and DJ heads to the airport and England where he has plans on visiting Doris, the older woman whom he'd met on his trek up Kilimanjaro in Between Heaven and Earth (Walters, 2012).

But DJ's arrival in London starts with him being detained at the airport and threatened, until a government agent, Justin Bourne, makes the authorities see that the David Adam McLean they've stopped is not 93 years old.  Without giving away that his grandfather would've been that age, DJ is released and delivered to Doris's home by her surly grandson, Charles.  Though Doris has broken her leg, she is eager to help DJ so she enlists the help of her fellow Sherlock Holmesians (fans of the great fictional detective) to try to break the codes within DJ's grandfather's notebook.

Code-breaking some of the ciphers, DJ heads to Cambridge driving Doris' red Jaguar E-Type and accompanied by her beautiful granddaughter, Charlie (short for Charlotte).  Very much in the tradition of Ian Fleming's spy novels, Sleeper includes chase scenes with luxury cars like a black BMW and a white Mercedes Benz, double agents, sleeper cells, Eastern European scoundrels, the CIA, much deception and the dry wit that makes the characters seem so suave.  And, of course, there's the beautiful young woman and love interest for DJ and the dash of royalty for that regal touch.

What a great way to take readers from David McLean directing the actions of his grandsons, as he did in the Seven Series, to the boys looking to new adventures, pursuing their own suspicions and curiosity about their grandfather, and embarking on adventures that will put their intrepid natures to the test in more daring situations.  Sleeper introduces the theme of espionage and hidden identities in an intriguing manner (how appropriate!) with the boys just falling into that info (or rather it falling out).  They can choose whether to pursue it or to let it pass, as so much about their grandfather would not now that he was dead.  DJ chooses to see beyond himself.  Even in choosing to visit with Doris, a 67-year-old woman, DJ demonstrates that he can be as worldly as the man for whom he is named.  And with Eric Walters paying homage to James Bond and other great spies and fictional characters--from Henry Higgins, Jason Bourne and  Dr. Moreau--I think readers will get the impression that DJ has an impressive future ahead, filled with admirers and those who would challenge him.  And he'll be identifying himself as, "McLean. DJ McLean"

Sleeper is a propitious beginning for my reading of The Seven Sequels.  Make it one of your's too.