How Dog Became a Friend.

Brother and Sister are berry picking. Despite warnings from their mother to stay in sight of camp, they become absorbed in their task and wander too far. Suddenly the fearful Hag of the Wilderness appears. She commands the skeleton of a dead fir tree to bend over and attaches the children to the branches so they are unable to escape. The terrified children beg Hare, Caribou, and Seal to free them by giving a magic command, but each refuses, remembering that mankind has used their species for food and clothing. Dog, however, recognizes that animals and humans sometimes do harm for the sake of survival and is therefore more forgiving. He frees them and guides them home. Thereafter dogs are no longer feared or harmed by humans but loved and welcomed into their homes.

The story takes place in Labrador in ancient times. The reading of it evokes the feeling of a traditional folk tale and a sense of communal storytelling. It includes authentic references to the way of life and objects which are part of that lifestyle.

The watercolour illustrations reinforce the authenticity by depicting scenes of traditional Native camp life and the beauty and harshness of the surrounding area. The pictures are presented in evocative soft earth shades, which create an aura of stillness. The loving nature of the children and their family is apparent, and the Old Hag is striking although rather benign looking considering her evil actions. The artwork is often presented across a double page giving a sense of expansiveness, in keeping with the vastness of the scenery. One is aware throughout of the close connection of mankind with his environment.

Author Paul O’Neill, born in St. John’s, has had an illustrious writing and acting career and has been awarded the Order of Canada. Illustrator Cynthia Colosimo is a resident of Labrador and has degrees in drawing and printmaking. She has worked on a number of heritage projects.

This title won the 2008 Heritage and History Award and was included in the Canadian Aboriginal Books for Schools Selection. Although it is in picture book format, the amount of text makes it suitable for children aged 5 to10. It would make a welcome addition to any library shelf and would be an excellent story to memorize for storytelling, as well as to bring added insights to history or Native studies. Recommended.