Nanabosho Steals Fire

Joan Buchanan is a writer, storyteller and instructor, and author of
Taking Care of My Cold.

This is an enlightening and largely pleasing Ojibwa tale about the
origin of fire. The cold but resourceful trickster and teacher,
Nanabosho, steals fire from a far-off medicine man and his daughters by
changing himself into a rabbit. One of the daughters rescues him and
carries him home to the warmth of the fire. The father is wary of
thieving spirits and reluctant to allow the rabbit inside, but the
daughter insists, delighted with her new playmate. Nanabosho succeeds at
his task in a fascinating way.

Most of the story flows well, with a simple and direct style, and
McLellan sketches believable characters. However, the actual legend is
set within an awkward modern framework.

The tone of this legend is warm and inviting. The accompanying
drawings, with limited use of color, are well executed but lack vitality
and innovation. Compared to much contemporary Canadian illustration,
they give a dated feel to the book.

All ages will find something in this story. Excellent for storytelling.