anniemackillican's review
4.0
Finally got around to reading this arc. So glad that I did.
I don't often read illustrated children's books, but I saw this was coming out soon and I had to get my hands on a copy. Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada for giving me advance access!
This story is about a young boy and his Moshum, which is the Cree word for grandfather. They make a visit to his ancestral lands to visit the trapline where he grew up before moving to the city. The two of them form a bond in rediscovering the ties they both have to the traditional way of living, and the young boy comes to see the world through his Moshum's eyes.
This book is an incredible teaching tool for children. Almost every page has a new Cree word for readers to practice with it's meaning. The traditional practices on the trapline are not seen as inferior by the boy, he admires them and wishes to be a part of something so close to his Moshum's heart.
The illustrations are simple but beautiful. Julie Flett perfectly captures the spirit of the two characters while at the same time being ambiguous enough that the reader can really see themselves in the characters.
This story made me a little bit emotional, I must admit. Moshum reminded me a lot of my late grandfather, very quiet but when in his element, on the land, just brightens up everyone's world. When he teaches the boy how to fish, I couldn't help but fondly remember my days with my grandfather fishing on our river. It warmed my heart.
I sincerely hope that this book makes into every classroom and children's collection upon it's release!
I don't often read illustrated children's books, but I saw this was coming out soon and I had to get my hands on a copy. Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada for giving me advance access!
This story is about a young boy and his Moshum, which is the Cree word for grandfather. They make a visit to his ancestral lands to visit the trapline where he grew up before moving to the city. The two of them form a bond in rediscovering the ties they both have to the traditional way of living, and the young boy comes to see the world through his Moshum's eyes.
This book is an incredible teaching tool for children. Almost every page has a new Cree word for readers to practice with it's meaning. The traditional practices on the trapline are not seen as inferior by the boy, he admires them and wishes to be a part of something so close to his Moshum's heart.
The illustrations are simple but beautiful. Julie Flett perfectly captures the spirit of the two characters while at the same time being ambiguous enough that the reader can really see themselves in the characters.
This story made me a little bit emotional, I must admit. Moshum reminded me a lot of my late grandfather, very quiet but when in his element, on the land, just brightens up everyone's world. When he teaches the boy how to fish, I couldn't help but fondly remember my days with my grandfather fishing on our river. It warmed my heart.
I sincerely hope that this book makes into every classroom and children's collection upon it's release!
crystalisreading's review
hopeful
informative
reflective
relaxing
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
novellyness's review
5.0
On the Trapline was a wonderful story celebrating Indigenous traditions. The story follows a young boy and his Moshom on their visit to the trapline from his youth and reminiscing on the days his family would fish and trap there many years ago.
It brought a smile to my face to read the story that was inspired by the author’s own experience visiting the trapline of his father’s youth. The story captured the feeling of nostalgia for the places you remember most from your childhood. The places where you can recall every detail when you close your eyes. It gives me chills and a longing for that place residing within my own self.
The illustrations were very simple and beautiful. I especially loved that the pictures reflect the same landscapes between the past and present since this story is about honouring connections with the land and with one’s ancestors & their descendants. I loved the inclusion of the Cree words used throughout the story and the pronunciations at the end of the book.
Thank you for another must read book from author David A. Robertson & illustrator Julie Flett. I would highly recommend this picture book along with When We Were Alone.
Thank you to NetGalley & Penguin Random House Canada / Tundra Books for the opportunity to read this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
It brought a smile to my face to read the story that was inspired by the author’s own experience visiting the trapline of his father’s youth. The story captured the feeling of nostalgia for the places you remember most from your childhood. The places where you can recall every detail when you close your eyes. It gives me chills and a longing for that place residing within my own self.
The illustrations were very simple and beautiful. I especially loved that the pictures reflect the same landscapes between the past and present since this story is about honouring connections with the land and with one’s ancestors & their descendants. I loved the inclusion of the Cree words used throughout the story and the pronunciations at the end of the book.
Thank you for another must read book from author David A. Robertson & illustrator Julie Flett. I would highly recommend this picture book along with When We Were Alone.
Thank you to NetGalley & Penguin Random House Canada / Tundra Books for the opportunity to read this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
ljrinaldi's review
5.0
This is a sweet book, a bit akin to "When we were alone" one of the other pictures books by this author that explores memories and culture. In the Cree tradition, you went out and hunted in the summer on the trapline. The trapline is far from where the boy and his Moshom (his grandfather) now live. The grandfather has not been back for many years, but he still remembers how to get to that special place.
Through this simple journey, we learn Cree words, and we see the world that his grandfather left behind.
Slow and sweet, and poignant. Sad, and happy at the same time. A taste of what life was like, amongst the Swampy Cree.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
Through this simple journey, we learn Cree words, and we see the world that his grandfather left behind.
Slow and sweet, and poignant. Sad, and happy at the same time. A taste of what life was like, amongst the Swampy Cree.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
libraryrobin's review
4.0
A grandfather shares the land of his boyhood, a land he clearly loves, with his grandson. Features Swampy Cree vocabulary and interesting tidbits from their culture.
denasquirrel's review
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
srivalli's review
4.0
4.2 Stars
On the Trapline is a beautiful story of a grandson knowing more about his grandfather’s childhood on the trapline. The story shows how the Cree tribe lived together on the shores, had to relocate, and got displaced over the years. The trip may be a small one, but it is filled with such poignant memories and details of the past. This is a beautiful and sweet story told in a simple manner. The illustrations set the tone of the book, and the use of Cree vocab was wonderful. It’s so important for the current and next generations to know their roots. We need more such books in every country.
I wish there was a little more detail, but then I understand this is a children's book, and too much information can be overwhelming.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada and am voluntarily leaving a review.
On the Trapline is a beautiful story of a grandson knowing more about his grandfather’s childhood on the trapline. The story shows how the Cree tribe lived together on the shores, had to relocate, and got displaced over the years. The trip may be a small one, but it is filled with such poignant memories and details of the past. This is a beautiful and sweet story told in a simple manner. The illustrations set the tone of the book, and the use of Cree vocab was wonderful. It’s so important for the current and next generations to know their roots. We need more such books in every country.
I wish there was a little more detail, but then I understand this is a children's book, and too much information can be overwhelming.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada and am voluntarily leaving a review.