The Great Gathering Place by Naomi McIlwraith, Onedove
ISBN: 1525310100
Genres: Cultural / First Nations, Cultural / Indigenous, Cultural / Native American
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads

Picture book The Great Gathering Place by Naomi McIlwraith invites readers to travel along with an Indigenous family in their big red canoe. Where are they headed? To the Great Gathering Place, where they will thank ancestors and affirm their values. Animals, fire, and water are given thanks for their part in sustaining life. Readers are reminded of the value of gentleness, generosity, kindness, and love.

The book’s greatest strength is its reminder that the resources we enjoy, and the people we share them with, are something greater than ourselves. An individual is of immense value, but our bond with each other and our surroundings make us more than the sum of our parts. Incorporating Cree language (with a pronunciation guide) enhances the book.

The text is direct and adequate, if not very poetic. Some of the digitally rendered illustrations are rich and fantastical, but others are a confusing mix of styles. Overall, a decent pick for elementary-age collections looking to include diverse voices.

Reviewed by Beth Almquist, Lewiston Public Library