Otter Doesn't Know

August 1, 2023

PreS-Gr 4-Fritz opens by inviting readers to share stories with the "smun'eem," or children in their lives. Thuqi' is a sockeye salmon who has grown large enough to swim back up the river to her birthplace to spawn. But she had no one to swim with, having been separated from her family, and she cannot remember the way back. She asks Tumus, the otter, for help, but he is brusque with her, and she sets out alone. Gaining confidence, but still unsure, Thuqi' is surprised when Tumus shows up in the deep waters, as lost as she once felt. She kindly helps him back to shallow waters and he, chastised by the example of her good behavior, offers his own version of help. The story ends on a note of hope that Thuqi' will find her way home. The swirling forms and colors of the art match the resonant echoes of the story: the call of home, the treatment of others, purity of mission. Fritz invites readers to fill out the story, and also teaches the language in open-ended, accessible manner. Back matter includes a pronunciation guide and glossary. VERDICT A welcome contribution to the shelves of First Nation literature, as well as a starting point for learning more about Coast Salish art and traditional storytelling techniques.-Kimberly Olson Fakih

Copyright 2023 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

August 15, 2023
Thuqi', a resourceful sockeye salmon, gets lost on her way to Sta'lo', the ancestral spawning river. Thuqi' swims through Leeyqsun ("the place of many Douglas firs") and Tth'hwumqsun ("the Shining Point"). When she asks Tumus the otter for help, he brushes her aside. Left to fend for herself, she draws on the love of her family and ancestors to keep her focused. Thuqi' and Tumus cross paths again--this time, because Tumus has become turned around in the dark water and demands help in getting home. Though Tumus had little compassion for Thuqi', the empathetic fish realizes how alone he must feel. She decides to accompany him home, and her generous spirit sparks regret in the once-selfish otter. In return, Tumus steers Thuqi' in the right direction, and the fish learns that "no matter what [happens], her kindness and her bravery [will] help her find a way." Drawing on Coast Salish storytelling and artistic techniques, Fritz (Lyackson First Nation) has crafted a heartwarming tale that encourages readers to persevere despite uncertainty. Her bright, flat artwork makes intriguing use of geometric shapes, and she thoughtfully weaves Hul'q'umi'num' words (defined in an appended glossary) into the text. If, as Fritz puts it in her foreword, "storytelling is a basic building block of a healthy community," then Coast Salish culture is safe in her deft hands. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A gem of Coast Salish storytelling. (language guide, information on learning Hul'q'umi'num', online resources) (Picture book. 6-9)

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