Spring Book Review - The Great Gathering Place

One of the books Kids Can Press sent me for my Spring Book Review has the most beautiful illustrations - I'm very happy to let you know about The Great Gathering Place written by Naomi Mellwraith and illustrated by Onedove - you will love this book!

Favorite Features -

• The illustrations are amazing! Full of color, details, movement, life! I LOVE the illustrations!
• The story invites us into the world of the Cree People - family, community, nature - beautiful!
• I love the use of Cree language in the text.
• Much needed message of family and being gentle, generous, kind, and loving.

Kids Can Press says, "A gorgeous and powerful celebration of finding belonging and community.

This poetic picture book begins with an invitation: 'Let’s go to the Great Gathering Place. Come, I’ll take you in my big red canoe.' Readers travel along the river to a special place on the shore, where we’ll meet and visit with people for hours and days, talking about good things and bad, rejoicing in our good fortune and celebrating our achievements. We’ll speak to our ancestors. We’ll build a fire and feast. We’ll give thanks for our lives. And we’ll pledge to always be gentle, generous and kind - and to always love our friends and relatives.

This stirring and lyrical story by Métis author Naomi McIlwraith, based on her poem of the same name, is a moving tribute to Indigenous values and the meeting places which are special to each of us. Luminous illustrations by Cree and Métis artist Onedove evoke a sense of the sacred with each colorful spread. This is a beautiful picture book which honors the importance of gratitude, generosity, kindness, and love for both nature and people, and could serve as a gentle discussion starter on these topics. It’s also a reminder the places where we gather are special and deserve our protection. It provides an excellent introduction to Indigenous concepts and teachings. Cree words and phrases are featured in the text and are supported by a glossary and pronunciation guide."

The Great Gathering Place is a book which is more than just a "book". It is a beautiful invitation to a conversation, connecting, and a way of living which respects others and the world around us. This is a great book to share with the children you love, you will be so glad you do - you will find it at this link.