Joanne Robertson (1)Besprekingen

This book is written and illustrated by Joanne Robertson. This is a great reading for young readers that what to be exposed to the Ojibwe language. It gives the readers the option of reading the text in English and Ojibwe. The story explains how nibi (water) is a very important aspects of all life on the planet. It tells how Nokomis becomes a water walker. Water walkers fight to keep nibi clean and available for everyone. The main point of the story is to keep our drinking nibi clean.

Inspiring bilingual picture book story about Josephine Mandamin, an Ojibwe Nokomis who walks in honor of water, to protect water, and to bring our attention to the importance of water. Beautifully done.

This beautiful board book was apparently written in short, rhyming English words and then translated. Anishnaabemowin words are long and complex. Like many anglophone Canadians, I can go about four syllables before I start having trouble (this was quite a common problem when I took an Italian class, is how I can quantify it!). Reading the book is a challenge I look forward to. But appreciation of the importance of water to the Anishnaabe people is accessible immediately. Such a small book to contain so much meaning.

A first conversation about the importance of Nibi―which means water in Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe)―and our role to thank, respect, love, and protect it. Babies and toddlers can follow Nibi as it rains and snows, splashes or rows, drips and sips. Written from an Anishinaabe water protector’s perspective, the book is in dual language―English and Anishinaabemowin. (amazon.com)

"Apicture book that tells the story of the Mother Earth Water Walkers, a group that walks to bring awareness to the importance of clean water.

Nokomis (“grandmother”) Josephine Mandamin, an Ojibwe, loves and respects Nibi (“water”), greeting it every morning with gratitude. Hearing an elder predict that clean water will soon be more precious than gold, Nokomis decides to take action. She and other women begin to walk, first around the Great Lakes (an endeavor that takes seven years), then around other bodies of water, to highlight the importance of unpolluted water. Author/illustrator Robertson, an AnishinaabeKwe, tells her true story without lecturing and fills it with bright, effectively childlike illustrations. She writes with verve and occasional gentle humor about the need to respect Nibi and to make decisions for “your grandchildren’s grandchildren.” The humor extends to the illustrations; in one image Nokomis sits with her feet in bunny slippers, using her laptop to buy new sneakers. There is a slight storyline confusion (was it Nokomis Josephine or other women who did the walking from the four points of Turtle Island?), but this is a small quibble in a book about such a large issue. The illustrated glossary with pronunciations is essential, since Robertson uses Ojibwe words throughout, a decision that enhances the book’s substance.

An important topic is treated with grace, love, and a smidgen of humor in this delightful, necessary book. (informational note) (Picture book. 3-7)" From Kirkus, www.kirkusreviews.com

water pollution and conservation