Synopsis
Summary
Raven loves round dances. The drums sing to the people, and the people dance to their songs. Raven especially loves dancing with his grandma, sidestepping to the rhythm of the drums. His favourite part of all is watching the ribbon skirts swirl like rainbows. “Nohkum, do you think a boy could wear a ribbon skirt?” Raven asks his grandmother one day. She tells him she has lived for a long time, but she has never seen it. That evening, she sews late into the night, and Raven awakes to a rainbow skirt of his own. “I’ve lived for a long time,” his grandma says, “and I’m lucky to see beautiful things that I’ve never seen before.” At the next dance, Raven wears the swirl of unique ribbons with pride.
Notable Achievements
Reviews
Publishers Weekly: "Cree author Spillett captures the joy of the round dance, and a feeling of belonging and connection offered in intergenerational Indigenous community."
Kirkus: "Simple and tender, this picture book honors Native traditions as it makes space for all members of Indigenous communities to take part. Weaves Two-Spirit self-expression and collective belonging into a beautiful tribute to Indigenous heritage."
Link to Review
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Educator Guide
Link to Guide
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