Dad, Is It Time to Gather Mint?: Celebrating the Seasons

ISBN

9781774921227

Publisher & Publication Year

HighWater Press, 2025

Publisher's Book Page

Author

Tyna Legault Taylor (Swamp Cree-First Nations)

Author's Website 

Illustrator

Michelle Dao

Synopsis

Summary

Learn about the rhythms of the seasons with Joshua in this captivating read-aloud story.

Joshua loves being on the land. When the weather is warm, Joshua and his dad gather mint from the shores of Animbiigoo Zaagi’igan Anishinaabek (Lake Nipigon First Nation) in northeastern Ontario. But when will that be? It’s not when the leaves are changing colour. It’s not when the snow falls from the sky. It’s not when the flowers are budding. When is it time to gather mint from the land?

Notable Achievements

Reviews

Kirkus: "Swampy Cree and Anishinaabemowin words for land, dad, and mint are repeated often in the gently rhythmic narrative, helping readers to build recognition for the Native words... Refreshing in its uplift of Indigenous languages."

Booklist: "Swampy Cree... and Anishinaabemowin words are interwoven seamlessly into the simply stated sentences. Dao’s vibrant illustrations radiate warmth and connection. Sharing land-based Indigenous knowledge, this is an informative picture-book-series opener."

Educator Guide

This guide, created by educator Jerica Ryan, includes discussion prompts and activities for before, during, and after reading.

Link to Guide

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