Encounter

Fisher and Sailor spot each other across the water one morning in 1534, each in their own boat. Despite not speaking the same language, the two young strangers begin to interact and communicate through gestures. The story follows their developing connection over the course of a day, as they navigate cultural differences and find ways to learn about each other's ways of life. Through parallel scenes, readers observe both characters engaging in similar daily activities from their distinct cultural perspectives. This picture book reimagines the first encounter between a Stadaconan fisher and a French sailor, drawing from historical records of Jacques Cartier's initial voyage to North America. The narrative presents both characters with equal focus and agency in their meeting. The book explores themes of childhood curiosity, cross-cultural friendship, and the possibilities that exist in moments of first contact between different peoples. Through its balanced perspective, it offers young readers a new lens through which to consider historical encounters between Indigenous peoples and European arrivals.

Readers appreciate this children's book for presenting a first encounter between Indigenous people and European explorers from a child's perspective. Multiple reviewers note the value of showing both curiosity and caution through a young Taíno boy's eyes. Readers highlight illustrator Michaela Goade's artwork, with specific praise for the use of color and detail in depicting the Caribbean setting. Several teachers and librarians mention using the book to introduce colonization topics to elementary students. Main criticisms focus on the book's length being too short and some readers wanting more historical context included. Ratings: Goodreads: 4.2/5 (447 ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (159 ratings) From reviews: "Shows fear and wonder simultaneously" - School librarian on Goodreads "The illustrations tell as much of the story as the words" - Parent reviewer on Amazon "Could have expanded more on the historical impact" - Teacher on Goodreads "Perfect entry point for discussing Indigenous perspectives" - Library Journal review

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🌟 Author Brittany Luby is a descendant of the Anishinaabe people and bases her work on her ancestral history of the Great Lakes region. 🌊 The story is inspired by a real 1534 encounter between French explorer Jacques Cartier and Indigenous fishermen in what is now known as the Gulf of St. Lawrence. 🎨 The book's illustrator, Michaela Goade, became the first Indigenous illustrator to win the Caldecott Medal in 2021 (for a different book, "We Are Water Protectors"). 🤝 The narrative uniquely presents both perspectives—the French sailor and the Indigenous fisher—side by side on each page spread, showing how the same moment can be experienced differently. 🗣️ The book includes words from the Anishinaabemowin language, helping preserve and share Indigenous language with young readers.