Thanks to the kind folks at Groundwood Books, I have the picture book Mooz / Moose by Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley, translated by Mary Ann Corbiere, on the review docket! Happy reading!
Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley, a member of Wasauksing First Nation, is an incredible and incredibly prolific Anishinaabe illustrator and writer. You might be familiar with his previously published children’s titles such as Mii maanda ezhi-gkendmaanh / This Is How I Know and Mnoomin Maan’gowing / The Gift of Mnoomin (both written by Brittany Luby); The Trickster Shadow; and Gathering the Light (written by Joy Harjo). Mooz / Moose is the second book in The Boozhoo Series, written and illustrated by Pawis-Steckley, with translation by Mary Ann Corbiere.
Mooz / Moose is a picture book presented in English and Anishinaabemowin, providing readers the opportunity learn animal vocabulary in both languages. Readers are introduced to a smiling cat named Mooz, “which means Moose in Anishinaabemowin”. But Mooz does not, in fact, look at all like a moose with big antlers- she does, however, bear some resemblance to a beautiful lynx! As we continue with Mooz’s story, we learn more about the ways in which Mooz shares similarities to animals (that are not moose!): Mooz can race like a hare, is small like a marten and climbs trees like a raccoon; and the gentle way in which she sneezes is just like a little mouse. With each page of short yet descriptive text, the facing page contains a colourful illustration of Mooz in action- highlighting Mooz’s versatility and ability to morph and fold herself into different ways of being. Pawis-Steckley’s digitally created illustrations for Mooz / Moose are joyful, capturing all kinds of movement and feline attitude and essence.
A marvellously illustrated story, Mooz / Moose uses elements of repetitive structure in its storytelling to great effect, proffering creature vocabulary in a lively, affectionate story perfect for cat enthusiasts. Readers who love feline-centres stories; the vibrant art of Pawis-Steckley; or those who love the work of Indigenous creators such as Danielle Daniel, Julie Flett, Alan Syliboy, or Roy Henry Vickers, might especially adore Mooz / Moose. Back matter includes an author’s note (including some fantastic cat anecdotes), and translator’s note.
I received a copy of this title courtesy of Groundwood Books/House of Anansi in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and comments are my own.
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