Maple Moon

Sheree Haughian is an elementary-school teacher-librarian with the
Dufferin County Board of Education and the author of The Private Journal
of Day Applepenny, Prisoner.

In the Native measurement of time, a “moon” was linked with the
seasons and with gifts from the Earth provided by the Great Creator. The
“maple moon” was the period in early spring when sap was gathered
and boiled for sustenance. There are many legends about the discovery of
this extraordinary food. Connie Brummel Crook, whose historical novels
have brought stories of early settlement to life so vividly, has created
another version of the tale in Maple Moon, her first picture book.

It has been an exceptionally long and unforgiving winter for the
Mississauga people. The ice is too thick for fishing, and game is
scarce. Rides the Wind, a crippled boy frequently taunted as “Limping
Leg,” feels helpless to assist his hungry tribe. By closely observing
a squirrel in the forest one day, the boy comes across the special
secret of the maple tree. He brings the “sweet water” back to the
village and is eventually acknowledged as the wise one who saved his
people from starvation. He earns the respect of the elders and a new
name.

History and legend connect powerfully in Maple Moon, as do author and
illustrator. Crook’s realistic, emotionally charged text is enhanced
not only by the effective interplay of light and dark, shadow and
texture, and the natural and supernatural in Scott Cameron’s
illustrations but also by his use of the earthy tones of Native robes,
animals, and the early spring landscape. This book deserves a place on
every library shelf. Highly recommended.