Mnoomin maan'gowing / The Gift of Mnoomin?

A bilingual book explores the story of a precious mnoomin seed and the circle of life it sustains. Written in Anishinaabemowin and English, the story follows a child and family through a harvest day as they make offerings of tobacco, prepare the seeds, cook up a feast, and gratefully plant some seeds. The book reveals the cultural and ecological importance of mnoomin, which is sown every year to help sustain human and non-human beings.

Format: Unspecified
Length: 36 pages
Publication date: 16 November 2023
Publisher: Groundwood Books Ltd ,Canada

In this captivating bilingual book, an Anishinaabe child embarks on a journey to explore the tale of a precious mnoomin seed and the profound circle of life that it sustains. Written in both Anishinaabemowin and English, the story unfolds at the harvest season, where a young child holds a mnoomin seed and imagines the intricate web of life that brought it into being. From the delicate mayfly to the majestic eagle, each creature played a vital role in nurturing the seed into existence. As the child wonders, "What will happen if the seed sprouts?" a tapestry of nature's wonders unfolds. Underwater leaves provide shelter for young fish, shoots shield ducklings, stalks nourish larvae, and, in turn, feed bats. This delicate balance ensures the perpetuation of mnoomin, culminating in its readiness for harvest once again.

We accompany the child and their family through a joyous harvest day, where they offer tobacco as a gesture of gratitude and gently drop ripe seeds into their canoe. On the shore, they prepare the seeds, cook a magnificent feast, and lovingly plant some seeds they had set aside. Through this beautifully written and illustrated story, the cultural and ecological significance of mnoomin emerges. As the authors rightly note, "wild rice" is an inadequate term to describe this plant's relationship, as a portion of the harvest is sown annually to support both human and non-human beings. An informative translator's note provides further insights into the rich cultural heritage and ecological importance of mnoomin.

This captivating tale aligns with the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts, particularly CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.2, which encourages students to retell stories, including key details, and demonstrate their understanding of their central message or lesson. Through the exploration of the mnoomin seed and its interconnectedness with nature, this book fosters a deep appreciation for the delicate balance of life and the interconnectedness of all beings. It serves as a testament to the resilience and wisdom of indigenous cultures, reminding us of the importance of preserving and nurturing our natural world.

Weight: 312g
Dimension: 215 x 222 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781773068466