By Jacquelyn McCalvin, Librarian
There are many reasons a writer puts a pen to paper. They will discuss or relate things that are happening around them which may be personal or just for someone to listen. Children’s books are written to capture the attention of the young reader just as the pictures or illustrations paint the story to the young reader in a mystic way. The bottom line is we want to encourage and expose our readers to the wonderful world around us with wonderful books.
Well, let us get to the nature of this article. As many may know the Caldecott Awards are given out each year for the best children’s book for illustrations. The Caldecott medal was established in 1937. This year the Caldecott is awarded to Illustrator Michaela Goade. Michaela is the first Native American to win the prestigious Randolph Caldecott medal for best children’s picture story for “We Are Water Protectors” a celebration of nature and condemnation of the “black snake” Dakota Access Pipeline.
The poetic and rhythmic pace movement of the book gives one a special feeling of what the author is expressing.
Water is the first medicine. It affects and connects us all . . .
When a black snake threatens to destroy the Earth and poison her people’s water, one young water protector takes a stand to defend Earth’s most sacred resource.
This book is worth checking it out at your Tribal Library. We also have it in the eBooks collection which is the Cloud Library. This will allow you to check it out and read it on your phone, iPad or your Chromebook or computer.
Hope to see you soon!