Adventures of Rabbit and Bear Paws vol 1: The Sugar Bush

by Christopher Meyer, Chad Solomon (Illustrator), Eva Solomon (Editor)

The Sugar Bush is set int he 18th Century colonized North America. We follow the story of two Ojibway brothers as they play pranks and have amazing adventures-using a traditional Ojibway medicine that transforms them into animals for a short time.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Historical Fiction

32 pages, Perfect Paperback

First published October 29, 2006

Reviews

[Skye Kilaen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every library in the country should own a set of these #ownvoices all-ages graphic novels. Not just because it's so hard to find comics about Native American and First Nations people, but also because this whole series is really funny and enjoyable. It's set in the 1750s and follows the adventures of two brothers named Rabbit and Bear Paws who are part of the Anishinabek Nation in what's now known as the Great Lakes region. The French and British are moving in nearby, so all three cultures interact quite a bit. Each Rabbit and Bear Paws book focuses on First Nations teachings, values, and traditions, but in a way that feels naturally integrated with the story. The brothers get into all kinds of trouble and have to get themselves back out. Highly recommended!

[Jessica DeWitt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall this is a fairly charming YA graphic novel. I liked that it is centers Indigeneity, Indigenous culture, and teaches respect for animals and other humans; although the protagonists, particularly Rabbit, are stereotypical annoying boys, the elders in the story have more agency in the story than adults in other similar series. I appreciate that their parents are adoptive parents, highlighting the legitimacy of decolonial family structures. I also liked that it tackles colonial history and represented Braddock in such a cartoonish manner.

However, I am concerned that Bear Paw is so large at the age of ten; the location of Niagara Falls in the story is concerning/inaccurate; Rabbit is still annoying.

[Karl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Solomon ( Anishnaabe from Henvy Inlet and grandson of elder Art Solomon) has created a wonderful indigenous universe during 18th century colonized North America. Sort of an Asterix style story.He visits our school occasionally to do puppet shows based on the characters in these books. I’m Anishnaabe as well and I fully endorse his work. This one focuses on the Seven Grandfather Teaching of Respect.