On the Trapline

A young Cree boy and his Moshom (grandfather) embark on a trip to the family's trapline, a traditional Indigenous hunting ground in northern Canada. During their journey, Moshom shares memories of living on the land as a child. The story moves between past and present as the pair travel deeper into the wilderness. Through their conversations and experiences, the boy learns about his grandfather's way of life and the cultural practices that sustained their family for generations. The illustrated narrative explores themes of intergenerational connection, Indigenous knowledge, and the enduring bond between people and their ancestral territories. This picture book provides a window into Cree traditions while celebrating the transmission of culture from one generation to the next.

Readers appreciate how the book depicts Indigenous traditions and intergenerational relationships through a boy's visit to his grandfather's trapline. Parents and teachers note that the story opens discussions about family heritage and traditional ways of life. Likes: - Clear, accessible explanations of Cree words and concepts - Julie Flett's signature illustration style with muted colors - Balance between past and present perspectives - Representation of Indigenous culture through a child's eyes Dislikes: - Some found the pacing slow - A few noted the story might be too specific for general audiences Ratings: Goodreads: 4.29/5 (486 ratings) Amazon: 4.8/5 (126 ratings) Notable Review: "This gentle story shows how knowledge and traditions pass between generations. The illustrations capture both the vastness of the wilderness and intimate family moments." - School Library Journal Several teachers reported using the book successfully in K-3 classrooms to teach about Indigenous cultures and family traditions.

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🌲 Author Julie Flett is a Cree-Métis artist and author who has won multiple awards, including the Governor General's Award for her illustrations in "When We Were Alone." 🛶 A trapline is a series of traps set to catch animals for fur, and maintaining traplines has been an important part of Indigenous life in Canada for generations. 🌺 The book's illustrations use a distinctive color palette inspired by the natural environment of northern Manitoba, featuring muted greens, browns, and blues. 👨‍👦 The story was inspired by the author's father's experiences and memories of life on his family's trapline, making it a deeply personal work. 🏆 "On the Trapline" won the 2022 Governor General's Literary Award for Young People's Literature - Illustrated Books, one of Canada's most prestigious literary honors.