Educators and students will find this story a joy to read and listen to. The grandfather’s gentle retelling of his family’s history with Ojibwe Horses and his patience in answering his grandson’s questions create a sense of history and significance. As they await the arrival of a new foal, Grandfather tells his grandson about how the horses helped them travel and haul wood and how they slowly disappeared, with several taken away to safety where their herd could grow. Wiijibibamatoon Anangoonan/Runs with the Stars can be used as a resource to teach Canadian history, conservation, and stewardship. It can also support character education, with themes of family and diversity included in the story. Author Darcy Whitecrow raises and cares for Ojibwe Horses on his non-profit ranch. This story is based on the history of these horses and enriched with Whitecrow’s wisdom. An English-only edition is also available, and a teacher’s guide is being developed.

Other End Matter: Afterword with additional information
Images: Colour illustrations
Contributor Affiliation: Authors Darcy Whitecrow (Ojibwe and Dakota), Heather M. O’Connor, Illustrator by Lenny Lishchenko, Translator Kelvin Morrison (Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nation), Editor Kathryn Cole
Bibliography: No
Index: No

Source: Books BC - Indigenous Books for Schools

Darcy Whitecrow is Ojibwe and Dakota; he is a member of the Seine River First Nation band in Northwestern Ontario, where he lives. Darcy practices traditional lifestyles like trapping, fishing, and ricing, as well as traditional spirituality in both the Midewiwin and Sundance traditions. With his partner, Kim, they have started a non-profit, Grey Raven Ranch, where they have been raising and caring for the Ojibwe Horses for the last decade to help preserve the breed and the tradition of symbiotic interaction with the Ojibwe people.

 

Darcy Whitecrow's profile page

Heather M. O'Connor is an award-winning children's author and journalist based in Peterborough, Ontario. Her debut picture book Fast Friends (Scholastic Canada) won the Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Award, and was nominated for the Blue Spruce, Shining Willow, and IODE Jean Throop awards.

Heather's dual language picture book Runs with the Stars / WIIJIBIBAMATOON ANANGOONAN, coauthored with Darcy Whitecrow, tells the story of the Ojibwe Horse, the only Indigenous-bred horse in Canada.

She is also the author of YA soccer novel Betting Game and writes short stories, fantasy and historical fiction.

An enthusiastic speaker and teacher, Heather enjoys sharing her love of reading and writing with children, teens, and adults.

Heather M. O'Connor's profile page

Lenny Lishchenko is not a boy. She is an illustrator, graphic designer, and comic maker, who will never give up the chance to draw a good birch tree. Ukrainianborn and Canadian raised, she’s interested in telling stories that people remember years later, in the early mornings where everything is quiet and still. She’s worked with clients such as Lenny Letter, Power Athletics Ltd. Alberta Venture, and Rubicon Publishing, and is based out of Mississauga, Ontario.

 

Lenny Lishchenko's profile page

Kelvin Morrison (Kiitaabines) is from Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nation in Northwestern Ontario, Wazhashk (muskrat) clan. He works as an Anishinaabemowin translator at Seven Generations Education Institute, translating books, videos, and short stories, as well as Elders’ stories and resource materials for daycares, schools, and communities. He enjoys creating tools so all can learn, understand, and hear how Anishinaabemowin sounds. He also works in the Knowledge Keepers Program offered by the Fort Frances Rainy River School Board, sharing stories, cultural knowledge, residential school experience, and teachings about the Land.

Kelvin Morrison's profile page

• Short-listed, First Nation Communities READ Award
• Commended, Ontario Library Association Best Bets

"The Anishinaabemowin/English text would be great as a read-aloud in the classroom as well as in a classroom library to encourage learners to seek more stories told by Indigenous storytellers and authors…. a great resource to stimulate a variety of questions and discussions on topics such as stewardship, relationship, responsibility, impacts of technology and loss of traditional practices."

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