Book two in the award-winning Mothers of Xsan series, The Grizzly Mother uses striking illustration and lyrical language to bring the poetry of the Xsan ecosystem to life.
To the Gitxsan people of Northwestern British Columbia, the grizzly is an integral part of the natural landscape. Together, they share the land and forests that the Skeena River runs through, as well as the sockeye salmon within it. Follow mother bear as she teaches her cubs what they need to survive on their own.
Starred review from September 23, 2019
“Nox Lik’i’nxw, the Grizzly Mother, awakens from torpor. Her firstborn cubs gnaw and scratch at her, impatient to explore outside of their den.” Anchored in the culture of the Gitxsan Nation, this spellbinding account of a grizzly bear’s first few years with her cubs is the second title in the Mothers of Xsan series. The text centers observations and explanations of the bears’ behaviors, adroitly using Gitxsan words in a way that makes their meaning apparent: “Nox Lik’i’nxw and her cubs feel an air of change as Lasa gwineekxw, the Getting-Used-to-Cold-Moon arrives.” Sophisticated scientific concepts are seamlessly incorporated, then explained in crisp footnotes: “Torpor is a state of lowered bodily activity in response to cold.” Saturated with ocher hues and expressively detailed with black line, Donovan’s illustrations amplify the text’s lyricism with nuanced perspectives and subtle formline art motifs. A closing page provides information on the Gitxsan Nation. Ages 9–12.
October 1, 2019
Gr 3-7-A mother grizzly bear awakens and spends three years caring for her cubs near the Gitxsan Territories in northwest British Columbia in this informational picture book. Donovan's beautifully colored digital illustrations evoke traditional form line art and woodcuts to help tell the story of the bears and their relation to the Gitxsan people. While some vocabulary words are defined in numbered yellow footnotes on the pages on which they appear, there are many words of similar difficulty that are not defined. There is no pronunciation guide for the Gitxsan words used, and while some are defined in the text, not all are. Gyetxw's text is lyrical and thoughtful and will be engaging to readers who wish to learn more about the grizzly or the Gitxsan people's relationship with nature. The illustrations are captivating and meticulous two-page spreads-they are carefully laid out with keen attention to detail and inspire a close look. VERDICT This is a gorgeous book best suited for avid bear fans or collections needing more books about the Gitxsan Nation. Recommended for larger collections.-Kelsey Socha, Ventress Memorial Library, Marshfield, MA
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