Reviewed by Jean Mendoza
Review Source: American Indians in Children’s Literature
Book Author: Hetxw’ms Gyetxw Brett D. Huson
How I wish we could see a series like Mothers of Xsan for every part of the continent: local ecosystems from Indigenous perspectives! Hetxw’ms Gyetxw, Natasha Donovan, and Highwater Press have come up with a set of richly illustrated informational books about essential animal inhabitants of Xsan, the traditional homelands of the Gitxsan.
Here’s what the publisher says about the book I’m reviewing today, The Frog Mother:
To the Gitxsan of Northwestern British Columbia, Nox Ga’naaw is a storyteller, speaking truths of the universe. After Nox Ga’naaw, the frog mother, releases her eggs among the aquatic plants of a pond, the tiny tadpoles are left to fend for themselves. As they hatch, grow legs, and transform into their adult selves, they must avoid the mouths of hungry predators. Will the young frogs survive to spawn their own eggs, continuing a cycle 200 million years in the making?
Book four of the Mothers of Xsan series follows the life cycle of the columbia spotted frog. Learn about why this species is of special significance to the Gitxsan and how Nox Ga’naaw and her offspring are essential to the balance that is life.
This is a “short & sweet” review, listing four reasons AICL recommends this book.
Reason #1 to recommend The Frog Mother: The deep and detailed sense of place.
The author writes about something he knows well: the creatures, environments, and seasons of the homeland of his Indigenous Nation.
He grew up there, in what’s currently called inland British Columbia, and learned much of what he knows about the animal inhabitants from elder relatives with both observational and cultural knowledge. (From email communication with the author, 2/2022.) Here’s a quote from the book: “As the Gitxsan have borne witness since time immemorial, there is a delicate balance of food for all living in their realm. Nox Ga’naaw and her offspring are an integral piece of this balance that is life.” “Since time immemorial.” Those are potent words about presence and stewardship! Continue reading.
The Frog Mother by Hetxw’ms Gyetxw Brett D. Huson
Published by Portage & Main Press on May 27, 2021
Genres: American Indians First Nations Metis Inuit, Nature
Pages: 32
Reading Level: Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8
ISBN: 9781553799030
Review Source: American Indians in Children's Literature
Also by this author: The Grizzly Mother
Publisher's Synopsis: To the Gitxsan of Northwestern British Columbia, Nox Ga’naaw is a storyteller, speaking truths of the universe. After Nox Ga’naaw, the frog mother, releases her eggs among the aquatic plants of a pond, the tiny tadpoles are left to fend for themselves. As they hatch, grow legs, and transform into their adult selves, they must avoid the mouths of hungry predators. Will the young frogs survive to spawn their own eggs, continuing a cycle 200 million years in the making?
Book four of the Mothers of Xsan series follows the life cycle of the columbia spotted frog. Learn about why this species is of special significance to the Gitxsan and how Nox Ga'naaw and her offspring are essential to the balance that is life.
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