The First Blade of Sweetgrass [Hardcover]

An Own Voices Native American story.Musquon must overcome her impatience while learning to distinguish sweetgrass from other salt marsh grasses, but slowly the spirit and peace of her surroundings speak to her, and she gathers sweetgrass as herancestors have done for centuries, leaving the first blade she sees to grow for future generations. This sweet, authentic story from a Maliseet mother and her Passamaquoddy husband includes backmatter about traditional basket making and a Wabanaki glossary. PW Starred Review - Emphasizing the importance of conservation and tradition in Native culture, married authors Greenlaw (who is Maliseet) and Frey (who is Passamaquoddy) expertly craft a sweet story that centers a Wabanaki grandmother and granddaughter...Bakers earth-toned illustrations feature soft edges, subtle colors, and braided sweetgrass borders, while lyrical text renders experience in evocative sensory prose (the thin whine of mosquitos grew distant). The result is a deeply personal, thoughtfully detailed account. While hunting for summerssweetgrass, a young Wabanaki girl learns patience from her grandmother... Greenlaw (Houlton Bandof Maliseet) and Frey (Passamaquoddy), a basket maker himself, pen a tender odeto a treasured tradition. Muted illustrations rendered in pastels on brownpaper evoke the coastal Maine landscape and fit nicely with the tranquil paceof this lyrical tale.Quiettext shows how careful observation and the respect of nature can provideunexpected gifts.