The Animal People Choose a Leader

Written by Richard Wagamese

Illustrated by Bridget George

D & M Kids (Douglas and McIntyre)

978-1-77162-418-3

32 pp.

All ages

October 2024

 

The Animal People Choose a Leader, a picture book based on a short story, is something special. It's obvious from a first glance at the cover. First, there's the author, the late Richard Wagamese, one of Canada's greatest treasures to literature and an Ojibway writer from the Wabaseemong First Nation. Best known for his novels, stories and memoirs, Richard Wagamese had never published a picture book. Illustrated by Bridget George, an Anishinaabe author and illustrator from Kettle and Stony Point First Nation, The Animal People Choose a Leader offers a story, a lesson or five, and beauty.

From The Animal People Choose a Leader, written by Richard Wagamese, illus. by Bridget George

Long ago when only the Animal People inhabited the earth, they decided they needed to choose a leader. And though they spoke of the many attributes needed, from strength and wisdom, to pride and power, they could not decide how to choose until squirrel Ajidimo suggests a race. Horse, Buffalo, Cougar, and Wolverine are all in, convinced that their strengths, whether it be speed or stamina or stealth or something else, would help them win. 

 

It is decided that they would race four times around the lake with Eagle watching from above to count laps. Then Waabooz, the rabbit, decides to race too though everyone suspects that her small size would not help her succeed.  Horse, Buffalo, Wolverine, and Cougar take off, but Waabooz waits and then slowly hops away.

From The Animal People Choose a Leader, written by Richard Wagamese, illus. by Bridget George

As the four primary contenders race to complete their laps, Waabooz takes her time, determined to enjoy the challenge by taking in the land's beauty and considering her paths by smell and observation. Even when the others complete their first laps, Waabooz is far behind, refusing to stop even when Eagle suggests she can't possibly win. Her response?

"It is not honouring the challenge to stop now," she said. "It is a noble pursuit and it asks everything I have."

From The Animal People Choose a Leader, written by Richard Wagamese, illus. by Bridget George

But as Wolverine, Horse, Buffalo, and Cougar go to complete their last lap, Waabooz discovers each unable to continue because of an obstacle or exhaustion or some challenge from which they cannot extract themselves. It is only with the wisdom of Waabooz and her guidance in getting them to work together that the five contenders for leader are able to complete the race together.

 

The Animal People Choose a Leader may share similarities with many other cultural stories in which a race to choose a winner does not turn out as expected but this story goes beyond one of humility and ingenuity. Waabooz is the unlikely winner, and this is obvious to all. But Waabooz has not accepted the challenge to win it. She has taken it on as a worthwhile endeavour, claiming that "It can never be a struggle to engage in a noble cause." Even when the animals complete the race and Waabooz is chosen as leader, her response is not expected. Her intent was to learn which she did. But she shared her wisdom with others so that they might understand what a struggle truly is and how to get out of one's own way. Most of all they learned that when they help each other, they all succeed.

Richard Wagamese's lessons in mindfulness and appreciation of the natural world–"You discover much when you learn to look at things"–extends to those of compassion and empathy, seeing how we can create barriers to our own progress, whether through rushing in or not trusting others or refusing to see something from a different perspective. Wise Waabooz, through Richard Wagamese's insight, firmly embedded in Indigenous voice and culture, gives the reader, young and old, understanding that could help us lead and follow.

Bridget George's Woodland style of art, rich in earthy tones and organic lines of movement, boosts Richard Wagamese's text to story book so simply and yet profoundly, matching the importance of the story with solemn graphic representation. The consequence of his words are reflected in the depth of Bridget George's illustrations, taking it from children's picture book to a tale that can be shared with all.

 

This would be a lovely book to gift anyone at the holidays. From the story within, the Woodland style art, and even the luxurious textured cover, The Animal People Choose a Leader would be a welcome addition to any school or library, public or personal, and one that could be treasured by all. With its timeless lessons and opportunity to appreciate Richard Wagamese's words once more, The Animal People Choose a Leader is an uncontested winner.

Arnold the Super-ish Hero

Written by Heather Tekavec

Illustrated by Guillaume Perreault

Kids Can Press

978-1-5253-0309-8

32 pp.

Ages 4-7

2021

Arnold works in the family business, and that business is one of superheroes. They are superheroes like his super strong cousin and his super fast brother and his super bouncy uncle. But Arnold doesn't have a super power, yet, so, as they all wait for it to show up, Arnold is their phone guy.

From Arnold the Super-ish Hero by Heather Tekavec, illus. by Guillaume Perreault

Then a call comes in for a superhero and no one responds when Arnold sounds the alarm. So, determined to follow the family motto of "Stop the bad guy from being a bad guy," Arnold dusts off his great-grandmother's mask and cape to find the crime. But just getting to the crime scene becomes problematic. As he speeds to the scene, as best he can after taking the bus, he comes across situations he misinterprets. A young man yelling at a woman in a wheelchair is actually a grandson trying to tell his grandmother who has lost her hearing aid to keep her hands off the tires so he can push her safely. Arnold's solution of giving the woman a stray kitten to hold works miracles for the grandson, grandmother and even the kitten. He sees a little girl throwing things in the water until she reveals she's trying to feed a baby duck before the more aggressive adults get the food. Arnold comes to the rescue again. 

From Arnold the Super-ish Hero by Heather Tekavec, illus. by Guillaume Perreault

When Arnold finally gets to the called-in crime scene, he realizes that he can use his phone message-taking skills to good use to solve the problem and make two little girls very happy, with one declaring him a super-ish hero. After a few more good deeds, Arnold returns home to witness his efforts lauded on TV, with his family unaware that the Super Nice Guy superhero was their own family member. And that's a secret he's happy to keep to himself. (Oh, look, another superpower: keeping secrets!)

Kids love the idea of superheroes who can do beyond the norm, usually to fight crime and evil. But, if the past two years have shown us anything, it's that heroes come with all kinds of abilities, and goodness and kindness may be the greatest of all of these. As such, BC's Heather Tekavec has given us a humble character in Arnold, one who just wants to emulate his superhero family, but learns unintentionally that kindness is his strength. Even without trying for the spotlight, just stopping to offer assistance wherever help is needed, Arnold has become a hero. He's every guy and, with him, Heather Tekavec has shown us that anyone can be a hero.

From Arnold the Super-ish Hero by Heather Tekavec, illus. by Guillaume Perreault

Quebec illustrator Guillaume Perreault gives Arnold a banal look that works with the common person image. Except for a top-knot, there's not much to distinguish Arnold from anyone, including the reader. He doesn't stand out except when he does something kind. Guillaume Perreault may make Arnold's family members unique in their dress and skills but he makes Arnold stand out for his originality. In fact, Guillaume Perreault gives the whole book an understated feel with his choice of colours-no emphasis on bold primary colours–and blend of picture book illustrations with graphic novel boxes. Unlike most comic books about superheroes that bombard you with flash and action, Arnold the Super-ish Hero has the same restrained and easygoing appearance as does Arnold himself.

With a message that kindness is a superhero talent available to anyone, even Arnold, young readers will cheer for him and anyone who does good, knowing that the goodness comes in the doing, not from the recognition or the celebrity.