SPRING'S MIRACLES

An Indigenous child draws courage from the land on a springtime climbing adventure.

To welcome the beginning of mnokme (spring), Dani and her family plan a trip to the mountains. They’ll camp out, go rock climbing, build a fire, and enjoy a feast. Their outing is a happy one but marked occasionally by Dani’s moments of nervousness, from strange noises outside the tent and the dizzying heights of a cliff. But when she’s afraid, Dani finds solace in her family, the land, and her cultural knowledge. She reminds herself that “Grandfather Sun rises every day, no matter what is going on in the sky,” and she takes four deep breaths, counting in Potawatomi. Doing so helps her remember that “even when she is scared, she can still do great things.” Bravery and celebration are at the heart of Curtice’s (Potawatomi) feel-good story, which connects Dani’s determination in the face of fear and her family’s honoring of spring with their Native heritage. Félix’s upbeat cartoon illustrations employ bright colors and playful depictions of animals to highlight the story’s cheerful message. The narrative covers a lot of ground, but readers will be satisfied, especially those interested in the outdoors and in Indigenous cultures.

A fun excursion centered on a family’s observance of a special time of year.