THE SONG THAT CALLED THEM HOME

Lured away by the songs of mystical creatures in the lake, two Indigenous children must find their way home.

On a fishing trip, Lauren and her younger brother, James, take the canoe out on the lake while their grandfather naps on the shore. The water churns, and humanoid creatures called Memekwesewak tip their boat. The children fall into the water. Dismayed, Lauren watches the Memekwesewak disappear with her brother through a waterfall. She follows “the bends and curves of the watery pathway, searching for James,” until she reaches an island and sees him dancing by a fire with the mystical creatures, caught up in the songs. And when Lauren joins him, she soon forgets why she came there. Not until the children hear the faraway drumbeats and rhythms of home do they remember their grandfather. When they stop and listen, they feel the strong pull of family, which causes the Memekwesewak to scatter. Colorful, swirling, and whimsical, the illustrations follow the lively pace of the text. Rich blues and purples capture the beauty of the night sky, bringing to life a captivating story that ultimately hinges on the love of family. An author’s note explains that many Native peoples have told stories of the Memekwesewak, “one of two humanoid races on Mother Earth, the other being humans like you and me.” (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A gorgeous story inspired by Indigenous legends that will lead intrepid readers on a watery adventure.