March 4, 2024
Loaf, a feline protagonist, follows her Ojibwe-cued caretaker, Charlie, to a powwow in this simply told picture book. Fond of rubber bands, paper bags, and ribbon, Loaf takes note when “my boy started putting all these ribbons on his clothes.” After the boy quickly hand-stitches the complex regalia, he tells the cat, “I’m going to be a grass dancer at the powwow.” When Loaf awakens to an empty house and ventures outside, she follows Charlie’s scent to a place filled with crowds and drums. In an animated picture book debut, Anishinaabe author DeShaw walks readers through the powwow’s Grand Entry, told through the perspective of Loaf the cat. Though the feline is more observer than actor in this straightforward work, digital illustrations from Audibert (the Jo Jo Makoons series), of Wolastoqiyik and French heritage, aptly capture the energy of a cat at play and a boy taking part in the powwow—and the two displaying affection for each other. Ages 3–7.
May 15, 2024
The tale of a cat and her boy. Loaf--so named because she resembles a loaf of bread when curled up--loves hiding, napping in the sun, and chasing rubber bands thrown by her boy, a young Indigenous child. Loaf adores the boy, who shows off his grass-dancing moves, with his long, braided hair and the ribbons on his regalia spinning as he twirls. One day, the boy and his family leave. Loaf knows something's going on, so she escapes through a window ("Because I am a genius, it was not hard") and follows the boy's scent to a powwow. She hides, watching the jingle dress and fancy shawl dancers--until she sees her boy. After he finishes his performance, she leaps out, surprising him. DeShaw (Bois Forte Ojibwe and Eagle Clan) uses repetition to captures a cat's uniquely self-possessed perspective; feline lovers will smile with recognition as Loaf assures them that sometimes her boy "thinks it's time for sleep, but I know it is really time for play." Audibert, who's of Wolastoqiyik and French heritage, directs readers' attention to dancers in the powwow scenes; in her heavily stylized, thick-lined illustrations, the performers stand out with pops of color and swirls of movement. Delicate floral Ojibwe details are incorporated throughout. Both a purr-fect pet story and a vibrant celebration of cultural identity. (Picture book. 4-8)
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Starred review from June 28, 2024
Gr 1-3-From the perspective of Loaf the cat, her relationship with her boy, Charlie, knows no bounds. Her desire to be around him takes her to new grounds-the powwow grounds. Here, the bond between Charlie and Loaf strengthens just like the beat of the drum circle. The mesmerizing ribbons swaying from regalia and cheers from the crowd encapsulate the powerful connection of culture and loved ones in spaces like a powwow. Smooth colors with a traditional touch in the artwork, demonstrated in the flora and geometrical designs, portray a vivacious livelihood. Even through the eyes of a feline friend, the joyous energy surrounding powwow time is accurately portrayed for a young Native boy entering as his first time (grass) dancing. Powwows are a great time for connection for anyone, including a furry friend. Loaf's playfulness and Charlie's endearment of her is an adorable companionship in this digestible story for many readers. One can never be too old for a grand story of powwows. VERDICT The insight into the joys of powwows, that they are not just for humans, makes this lively picture book a great addition for all collections.-Kaitlin Srader
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