How the Petitcodiac River Became Muddy is a trilingual picture book that retells a Mi'kmaq legend. The French title is Comment la riviere Petitcodiac devint boueuse. The Mi'kmaq title is Ta'n Tel-kisi-siskuapua'qsepp Petikotiak Sipu. Allison Mitcham tells the English version. Serena Sock provides the Mi'kmaq translation, and Marguerite Maillet provides the French translation. The dynamic art illustrations are created by Raymond Martin. This simple story details the Mi'kmaq explanation for an eclipse, why the lobster turns red when it is put in boiling water, and how the Petitcodiac River became muddy long ago. This legend draws on the original version by Michael Francis (1923-1995) of Elsipogtog, New Brunswick. Glooscap figures prominently in this remarkable story that is recommended for language programs. This title is part of the Wabanaki Series from Bouton d'or Acadie.
Note: Educators should always preview the text and artwork prior to using books with young children. Sensitive readers may be offended by the outline of the character known as Glooscap as depicted by artist Raymond Martin.