Morning on the Lake

by Jan Bourdeau Waboose

Book Overview

In the first of three linked stories, a young boy and his grandfather set out in a birchbark canoe early one spring morning. Together, they discover the peaceful beauty of the lake. In the second story, the sun rises high in the summer sky as they climb a rocky cliff for a bird's-eye view of the land. And, finally, as an autumn night descends, they venture into the woods. Under the patient and gentle guidance of his grandfather, the boy gradually...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1550745883
• ISBN13: 9781550745887
• Release Date: February 1999
• Publisher: Kids Can Press
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 0.34 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.1" x 9.3" x 9.5"
• Age Range: 4 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Kindergarten to Grade 3

Customer Reviews

Lovely, Peaceful

A boy and his grandfather spend one day in the wilderness in this evocative story of familial love and the beauty of nature. Through a device dividing the day into morning, afternoon, and evening, we follow the Mishomas (`grandfather' in Anishinawbe Ojibway) and Noshen (grandchild) as they meet a noisy loon on the misty lake; encounter an eagle atop a steep cliff; and discover peaceful wolves in the night forest. In many ways this tale promotes the images commonly associated with Native Americans. There are wolves and eagles making their usual appearances. The grandfather even says: "Our people see the eagle as a powerful messenger. His presence is a sign of honor and wisdom." This dialogue could have come from a Bonanza episode. In spite of this corniness, one can appreciate the love of nature and environment that comes across very successfully here. The illustrations, using graphite pencil, Prismacolor, and watercolors, are lovely and appealing. This book is a winner.

Excellent Book

This is a book filled with love of the environment and respect for all iving things that share this universe. Great Book for all kids and adults too!

A wonderfully warm view of our relationship to nature

My four-year-old daughter loves this book. It describes three outings a modern Chippewa grandfather and grandchild take together. They encounter loons, an eagle, and some timber wolves. The child absorbs the grandfather's respect and love for the natural world. The illustrations are luminous and the tone is realistic and serene. One of the best kid's books I've seen all year.