Children’s Review: The Animal People Choose a Leader

Thanks to the kind folks at Douglas & McIntyre, I have the pleasure of getting to talk about The Animal People Choose a Leader, written by Richard Wagamese, with illustrations by Bridget George. Happy reading!

Accompanied by award-winning illustrator Bridget George’s luminous artwork, this tradition-steeped story from renowned author Richard Wagamese meditates on the unifying powers of wisdom, kindness and respect with all the visionary clarity of our most essential legends.

The unmistakable voice of revered Ojibway author Richard Wagamese returns with this moving tale, beautifully illustrated by original work from Anishinaabe artist Bridget George.

The story unfolds in a “Long Ago Time” when animals of all kinds share a common language and gather to solemnly consider which of them should be their leader. After hearing boasts about the qualities of the candidates—Horse’s fleetness, Buffalo’s stamina, Cougar’s patience, Wolverine’s stealth—the conference decides to settle the matter with a race between the challengers around a foreboding mountaintop lake. And there will be one more contestant of the most unlikely sort: a small, charmingly humble rabbit named Waabooz, whose chances are considered slim by all.

In the action that follows, described with the piercing clarity and richness of any great legend, Wagamese and George gracefully convey the limits of physical force and the quietly irresistible energies of humility, empathy and a loving attachment to the land. Unforgettable for its lyrical power and poignant message, The Animal People Choose a Leader is yet another example of the late author’s unique gifts as a storyteller, and a welcome reminder of his honoured place in Canadian writing.

The Animal People Choose a Leader is story abridged and excerpted from beloved and esteemed late Ojibway author Richard Wagamese’s One Drum: Stories and Ceremonies for a Planet. Widely considered one of greatest writers (novelists, storytellers and poets) in Canadian history, Richard Wagamese authored such books as Indian Horse, Medicine Walk, and One Native Life. This picture book version of The Animal People Choose a Leader, with incandescent illustrations by award-winning Anishinaabe artist Bridget George, is a tremendously beautiful, insightful, and wondrous title.

In a time when only Animal People existed, and all Animal People of all kinds could “speak to each other in one mind in one common language”, it was decided that a leader should be chosen. As the animals find agreed upon qualities that a leader should have, they struggle to come up with an agreed-upon method to decide on a leader. Then, a little voice of squirrel, Ajidimo, suggests a race to decide the victor. Horse, Cougar, Bison, and Wolverine appear as the major contenders, and argue about why each would make the best leader. Eagle, due to “her role as Messenger”, declines to race the four, and instead takes on the role of overseer and observer of the race. Shortly before the start of the race- which decided to be four times around a lake surrounded by difficult terrains- a rabbit named Waabooz decides to enter. Extraordinarily patient, never lacking of humility, and solutions-focused, the larger troop of four animals seemingly dismiss Waabooz as a serious contender. Even Eagle voices her concerns with Waabooz entering the race! When the race begins and the four larger animals thunder and charge and bluster ahead, Waabooz appears to lack the urgency of the others. She pauses, ponders, explores, considers… and as the race continues, as the laps completed slow down, it becomes clear that intense struggle are happening- but only for the four largest Animal People.

Without proffering too many spoilers, I will say that readers who enjoy classic fables, legends, and “root for the underestimated”-type tales, might especially savour this read. A story with a focus on compassion, modesty, listening and trusting quieter voices; a story with more expansive action, climax and resolution than typical for picture books, The Animal People Choose a Leader is a sublime story to read and re-read, with elevated storytelling courtesy of Richard Wagamese and matched perfectly by Bridget George’s glorious, earthy-toned, to-be-pored-over artwork. For readers looking for a quieter, deeply insightful story; for those looking to explore and expand their reading of Indigenous stories; or for those looking to explore more of Richard Wagamese’s storytelling, The Animal People Choose a Leader is a marvellous pick.

Extras: Teacher’s Guide available through the Douglas & McIntyre website. Readers can also look forward to The Inquisitive Raven, written by Richard Wagamese, illustrated by Bridget George, coming out September 2, 2025.

I received a copy of this title courtesy of Douglas & McIntyre in exchange for an hones review.All opinions and comments are my own. Title has been published and is currently available.