We are Water Protectors

Author: Carole Linstrom

Illustrator: Michaela Goade

Publisher : Roaring Brook Press

This book is an excellent example of how a picture book is not just a story to be read once by your child. It is a thing to keep and treasure, reread the words, again and again, look at the pictures, and be transported, learn, educate, transform and grow. It is not just for children, but a treasure for adults too. A little girl learns about her heritage and her people’s role as water protectors. She learns how her ancestors predicted a black snake would wreak havoc on her land and decides to stand up against it – to protect ones who cannot fight for themselves – the animals, birds, insects, rivers, lakes, and all of nature. The prose is lyrical and full of beauty. And the illustrations take you away to a different place, it is truly magical. In the backmatter, we learn more about the Ojibwe culture and the beliefs and values of the Native Nations. We learn about the dangers of pipelines and how they have harmed nature and inspire children to be stewards of the plant – to be protectors.