A retelling of a traditional Passamaquoddy story that supports parental love and our reliance on the natural world. The soft, sweet illustrations are an important addition to the knowledge about this tribe’s way of life and the animal life in the northeastern region of North America.

Mother Tongue notes: Beware possible triggers for students who have experienced traumatic immigration. One of my young students was immediately upset when the baby was separated from the family. I only finished the story with the students’ permission after quickly revealing the safe return of the baby to the family.

The individual naming of the pictured animals was helpful and interesting for students. We read this book in conjunction with “Mama, Do you Love Me” and compared the animals and cultures of the Inuit, Passamaquoddy, and Sámi.