| Nanabosho Dances is one of the titles in the Nanabosho series by Winnipeg children's author, Joseph McLellan. The author who is also a teacher believes in the power of the oral tradition and storytelling. He takes traditional stories about the Ojibwe (Anishinabek) trickster and teacher, Nanabosho, and weaves a contemporary story that will appeal to all children. Two children visit their grandparents and begin preparations for the powwow season. While they are working on their outfits, Mishomis (grandfather) tells the children a story about the origin of the hoop dance. Long ago, the Creator gave Nanabosho the gift of tobacco to be offered before taking a plant or hunting an animal. Nanabosho loses the tobacco due to carelessness and cannot hunt a bear. Nanabosho thinks about the loss and in his frustration and sadness fashions red willow sticks into hoops. He begins to dance with the hoops and creates images of plants and animals to honour the work of the Creator. After he humbly asks the Creator for help in finding the lost tobacco, he notices new tobacco plants growing beside him. He thanks the Creator and promises to respect the gift of tobacco. The author sets this traditional story within a contemporary story and naturally weaves information about the hoop dance, proper protocol for using tobacco, sweetgrass, and eagle feathers. The illustrations by Rhian Brynjolson are created in muted earth tones and incorporate traditional Ojibwe beadwork designs as borders. The story is an excellent introduction to Ojibwe traditions and values. |
