Sarah Ponakey, Storycatcher and 脗h芒siw鈥檚 Forest Powwow
Description
A vibrant debut early chapter book series celebrating Cree culture and being true to yourself.
Look for Book 2, Muskwa鈥檚 Tipi Talks, coming in Spring 2025!
Sarah Ponakey has moved to the city from her home community with her mom and it鈥檚 the pits! She misses her K么hkom, her best friend Eden, and the forests around her community. She鈥檚 had a hard time making new friends at school but at least she keeps in touch with Eden through meticulously written letters with very big words. After a particularly tough day where she nearly loses her favorite stuffed animal, 脗h芒siw, and is brushed off by her mom, Sarah finds herself transported to a magical forest powwow . . .
Accompanied by a life-sized 脗h芒siw in his beautiful regalia, Sarah watches in excitement as a chipmunk emcees, and bears play the host drum at her first ever powwow. The more she sees, the more her confidence grows. As she joins in the celebration, Sarah discovers that she can connect to her Cree culture no matter where she is. Her K么hkom鈥檚 going to love this story! 脗h芒siw鈥檚 Forest Powwow, the first book from debut children鈥檚 author Sita MacMillan, features Cree words throughout the story and a note to the reader. Azby Whitecalf鈥檚 dynamic illustrations bring life to this warm, charming, and funny introduction to Sarah Ponakey, the storycatcher.
Awards
- Nominated, Silver Birch Express Award 2025
Reviews
鈥淭his story lovingly depicts Cree culture and depicts the common challenges of being the new kid, and how to stay connected to old friends while making new ones.鈥�
- School Library Journal, 07/19/2024
鈥淎 fantastic addition to any children鈥檚 library, providing both an exciting plot and an introduction to Cree culture.鈥�
- Booklist, 09/15/24
鈥淲ith a magical energy and fine attention to detail, Sita MacMillan uses the powwow ceremony to create connections鈥攂etween Sarah and her friends, with her family, the natural world, her culture, and her ancestors. Everything is connected. There is joy in this story and a sense of belonging that readers everywhere will cherish.鈥�
- Michelle Barker, author of A Year of Borrowed Men
鈥淎 heartwarming and highly relatable story of family, love, and identity exploration with strong intergenerational characters. The reader is taken on an emotional and educational journey through wonderfully magical adventures as Sarah explores her identity and place in the world.鈥�
- Julie Bull, poet
鈥淩eaders will enjoy this series opener as they explore Cree traditions alongside the engaging main character, Sarah, who loves words and storytelling as she realizes she can make new friends while being her authentic self. Rich in vocabulary, imagery, and featuring lively illustrations, this series will be a great addition to bookshelves in schools, libraries, or at home.鈥�
- Judith Graves, award-winning author of A Tale of Two Kitties