Fox on the Ice: Maageesees Maskwameek Kaapit (Songs of the North Wind)

K-Gr 4--This beautiful picture book written in English and Cree portrays a Cree family ice fishing in Northern Manitoba on a gleaming winter day. Following a picnic lunch including "bannock baked over a fire, broiled whitefish right out of the lake," younger brother Joe sleeps in the sled with his mother as their eight huskies doze in the sun. Older brother Cody plays with his dog, Ootsie, while Papa sets out a fishing net that "looked small, but it was as long as a schoolyard." The dogs awaken to the scent of a fox across the lake, "her fur as bright as flames," and race to chase it, dragging Mama and Joe in the sled. Papa must quickly decide whether to risk losing his jigger and net to catch the runaway sled. Father and son catch the sled and bring the huskies to a halt. They are thrilled to realize that Ootsie has saved the net in his teeth. Deines's exquisite paintings reflect the drama and depict the beauty of the frozen lake, the strength of the dogs, and the love of this indigenous family. This brief story, rich in detail, is perfect for a curriculum supplement. Offer it with Jean Craighead George's Nutik, the Wolf Pup (HarperCollins, 2001) for an Arctic story time.--Laura Scott, Farmington Community Library, MI

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