This story is a heartfelt narrative about A’le’s reconnecting with her roots, specifically the forest (nipugt) and the Mi’gmaw language. Through the guidance of animals and trees, A’le’s rediscovers the childhood experiences that once provided her with grounding and direction. This journey highlights the connection between nature, language, and cultural identity, illustrating how the natural world can serve as a bridge to one's heritage and past.
Children delight in stories that showcase the bond between humans and animals. Metallic’s use of characters such as the fox, rabbit, moose, and crow will captivate young audiences and foster a sense of wonder and empathy.

This story makes for a wonderful read-aloud experience for teachers, as well as a delightful book for independent readers. The engaging narrative and charming animal characters will captivate children, making it an excellent addition to both classroom and home libraries.
This story is written in both English and Mi'gmaw, providing a bilingual experience to enhance cultural richness.

Other End Matter: Table of contents, Mi’gmaw to English Glossary
Images: Colour illustrations, beautiful coloured paintings
Contributor Affiliation: Author Emma Metallic (Mi'gmaw, Listuguj First Nation, QC), Illustrator Natalie Laurin (Metis), Translator Joe Wilmot (Mi'gmaw)
Bibliography: Yes
Index: No

Evaluator: Debra H., Elementary School Teacher, Indigenous Books for Schools

Emma Metallic (she/her) is from the Mi'gmaq community, Listuguj, Quebec, located in the seventh district Gespe'gewa'gi, Mi'gma'gi. Emma holds a BA in Contemporary studies and Law, Justice, & Society with a minor in Indigenous Studies from the University of King's College. Emma is passionate about writing stories that reflect her community's knowledge, needs, and desires. While a learner of the Mi'gmaw language, Emma strives to use the language as much as she can in her day-to-day life. Nipugtug is her debut book.

Emma Metallic's profile page

Natalie Laurin (she/her) is a Métis andsettler illustrator and interdisciplinary designer, with family roots in theGeorgian Bay Métis community. She holds a Bachelor of Design from NSCADUniversity, where she majored in Interdisciplinary Design and minored inIllustration. A central goal of her work is to create with an informed,collaborative approach. She hopes that by illustrating books for Indigenousyouth, more people will be inspired to engage with themes of community andrelationship-building to further our collective revitalization journey.

Natalie Laurin's profile page

• Short-listed, First Nation Communities READ

The Bay Today (North Bay News) https://www.baytoday.ca/local-news/local-indigenous-writers-release-first-book-8295432; ALU Poetry in Motion https://alllitup.ca/poetry-in-motion-kelsey-borgford-cole-forrest-once-the-smudge-is-lit/ ; She Towers Zine review https://shetowerszine.squarespace.com/articles-3-1/once-the-smudge-is-lit-interview-w-cole-forrest ; Anishinabek News https://anishinabeknews.ca/2024/03/15/sublime-poetry-by-nbisiing-youth-in-once-the-smudge-is-lit/ ; CBC Books Poetry Review https://www.cbc.ca/books/37-poetry-collections-to-watch-for-in-spring-2024-1.7126027 ; All Lit Up https://alllitup.ca/theres-a-poem-for-that-kelsey-borgford-cole-forrest-once-the-smudge-is-lit/ ; Literary Review of Canada Bookworm 48 https://reviewcanada.substack.com/p/bookworm-no-48