Grandfather Drum

Kelly L. Green is the co-editor of the Children’s Literature edition
of the Canadian Book Review Annual.

A young Ojibwa man reminisces about the cold winter months, when his
Grandfather would play his drum and chant and tell stories beside the
wood stove. The young man’s favorite story was about Nanaboozhoo and
the Great White Owl. Nanaboozhoo, the ubiquitous trickster who is a
favorite of the Ojibwa nation, sets out to break the Owl’s magic so
that prosperity and health will return to his people. He tricks Owl with
a sacred song, captures him, and turns his head right around many times
to teach him a lesson. This is why owls now have the unusual ability to
turn their heads all the way around.

In addition to telling a good story well, this book reinforces the bond
between Native culture and nature. Grandfather does not tell his stories
during the warm months, when animals and plants might hear them and be
offended. He smudges himself and his drum with smoke from sweet grass to
give himself power as a storyteller. The story itself concentrates on
the balance between man and nature. When the balance is upset, the
people starve.

Ferguson Plain’s language is simple, strong, and direct. His
illustrations have a simplicity that allows children to imbue them with
their own ideas and meaning. In the background of each illustration are
line drawings that add to the story and that include a variety of
traditional Native designs. The background color is a smoky grey-brown,
reminiscent of the fires Grandfather sits near to tell his stories.
Highly recommended.