Morning on the Lake
by Jan Bourdeau Waboose
Illustrated by Karen Reczuch
Published by Kids Can Press, 1998
32 pages
ISBN: 1-55074-373-2
Ages 5 - 8
When an Ojibway boy spends a day in the company of Mishomis (grandfather), the two of them both claim morning, noon, and night as their favorite time of day. In the morning on the lake in a birchbark canoe, they see a family of loons; hiking up a cliff at noon, they see an eagle; and walking through the forest at night, they see a pack of wolves. The boy is initially frightened by each sight but he follows the example of his grandfather and stays perfectly quiet and still. After each animal has passed, Mishomis interprets cultural messages for the boy, thereby teaching him about his heritage. The subtle story of strong intergenerational relationship is illustrated with realistic watercolors that depict the beauty of the natural world.
The Genre of this short story is Narrative..
Motivational Activities
- I would have the children write 2 or 3 sentences telling me about their relationship with their grandfather.
- Discussion Questions:
- How was the boy bonding with his Grandfather?
- Where did the boy and his grandfather go? Why did his grandfather take him on the lake?
- How would you react if your grandfather asked you to go out with him on the lake? What would you say to him?
- Personal Comment:
- I really enjoyed reading this book because it shows the importance of heritage. The children will see that grandparents have alot to share. Each child comes from a different family and the grandparents can help them understand their heritage.
2. The book is good for children who are not exposed to many other cultures.
- About Jan Bourdeau Waboose:
- Jan Bourdeau Waboose is a Nishnawbe Ojibway from Northern Ontario who based SkySisters on her own childhood experiences and her relationship with her older sister.
In her writing, she tries to convey the Native life she sees in her family, friends and community - a larger, fuller picture than the stereotypes prevalent in North American society, she says.
In the late 1960s, Jan began a long-term relationship with the Indian Bands of Ontario, working with them for ten years and eventually heading their child welfare program. Her interest in writing developed in tandem with this organizational work. She has written for many Native magazines and newspapers on issues connected with child welfare. She has also tried to correct inaccurate media portrayals of Native people and Native life. And she has written personal material - stories and poems - which now, increasingly, are being published.
- Other books by Jan Bourdeau Waboose
- Firedancers
- Sky Sisters
References
Waboose, J. B., & Reczuch, K. (1998). Morning on the lake. Tonawanda, NY: Kids Can Press.
I think a fun motivational activity that could go along with this story would be to have the students either draw a picture or bring in a picture or something that has a story about their favorite memory with a grandparent or relative. It would be a great lesson and opportunity for the students to discuss family and hobbies.
ReplyDeleteI think another lesson and activity that could branch from this story would be to have the students create their family trees. This would give them the opportunities to learn more about their heritages and relatives. Then they could present their family tree and a new fact they learned about their family. Then it could be nice to display the family trees in the classroom.
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