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The Water Walker
The determined story of an Ojibwe grandmother (nokomis), Josephine Mandamin, and her great love for nibi (water). Nokomis walks to raise awareness of our need to protect nibi for future generations and for all life on the planet. She, along with other women, men and youth, has walked around all the Great Lakes from the four salt waters, or oceans, to Lake Superior. The walks are full of challenges, and by her example she challenges us all to take up our responsibility to protect our water, the giver of life, and to protect our planet for all generations.
36 pages, Hardcover
Published September 5, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
January 6, 2021
An Ojibwe grandmother walks the coastal perimeters of the US and returns to her home on the Great Lakes to raise awareness of the continued degradation of the water and of the watery biomes of our planet (Turtle Island). Includes an Ojibwe glossary and references to Ojibwe spirituality. Children's Picture Book - ages 4 and up.
March 28, 2021
Fans of We Are Water Protectors should definitely check out this story. It's not as well known (though it was published first) but shares a very similar message about the importance of clean water and clean environment and the need to raise public awareness of this. In this case, Nokomis [Grandmother] Josephine Mandamin, walks hundreds and hundreds of miles at a time to raise this awareness. Her story is amazing (during one walk alone, put almost 4,500,000 footsteps on her sneakers) and her call to action inspiring While the illustration style isn't one of my favorites, I actually found it very effective and engaging here, and I enjoyed the storytelling, as well. I appreciate the Ojibwe words used throughout the text, though I would have liked having the translation somewhere on the actual page rather than having to flip to the list in the back of the book so often which makes for a challenging read-aloud.
I do wish there were specific ideas given for readers whose actionable steps cannot be actual steps like Josephine's but rather steps they can make in daily habits to make positive differences that will help protect the water (seemy review of We Are Water Protectors for a list of ideas). However, I did like that the author's note invites readers to write to Josephine and share what they are doing to help protect the water.
You can learn more about Josephine and her water walks at motherearthwaterwalk.com
Author Joanne Robertson, a member of Atikameksheng Anishnawbek, is the founder of the Empty Glass for Water campaign to raise awareness of the drinking water crisis in Indigenous communities across Canada and produced a film about the water crisis called "Glass Action"
I do wish there were specific ideas given for readers whose actionable steps cannot be actual steps like Josephine's but rather steps they can make in daily habits to make positive differences that will help protect the water (seemy review of We Are Water Protectors for a list of ideas). However, I did like that the author's note invites readers to write to Josephine and share what they are doing to help protect the water.
You can learn more about Josephine and her water walks at motherearthwaterwalk.com
Author Joanne Robertson, a member of Atikameksheng Anishnawbek, is the founder of the Empty Glass for Water campaign to raise awareness of the drinking water crisis in Indigenous communities across Canada and produced a film about the water crisis called "Glass Action"
May 12, 2017
A small picture book that brings to light the importance of water and how it has been abused. With a glossary and pronunciation guide for Ojibwa words this book provides a great topic for saving our environment and a look at Native culture.
December 12, 2019
A story about nature and life. Text is always presented in English and in a first nation dialect. Interesting and well done for this kind of book, but a bit too long of a story for the targeted reader age in my opinion!
February 22, 2021
A wonderfully illustrated picture book that tells a lovely story of the importance of water to the Ojibwe people, its sacredness and how it gives life to everything. The story follows a woman's journey as she finds ways to raise awareness for the importance of water and how it is being mistreated and damaged. She gathers women to be Water Walkers who carry water in a copper pot and walk around the great lakes of their land for seven years, singing and praying. The woman speaks on television and radio raising awareness for the protection of water, but feels she must do more. She continues bravely to encourage many others to join the Water Walkers to protect water.
The book uses Ojibwe words and gives definitions, pronunciations and illustrations to help children who do not speak Ojibwe to access these words.
The book uses Ojibwe words and gives definitions, pronunciations and illustrations to help children who do not speak Ojibwe to access these words.
July 5, 2017
Having just gone through five years of drought, in California, I am well aware of how precious water and the lack of it can be.
And yet, I have never heard of Josephine Mandamin and her efforts to make people aware, on Turtle Island (North American), how precious water (Nibi) is. What a great introduction to the importance of water, and to the indigenous Ojibwe people's words.
Hightly recommend this book both for the story, and the introduction to this important water warrior that we should be hearing more about.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
And yet, I have never heard of Josephine Mandamin and her efforts to make people aware, on Turtle Island (North American), how precious water (Nibi) is. What a great introduction to the importance of water, and to the indigenous Ojibwe people's words.
Hightly recommend this book both for the story, and the introduction to this important water warrior that we should be hearing more about.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
July 6, 2017
Such a meaningful children's story! Glad to see Indigenous women bringing such a literary gift to readers. This book allows young ones to understand the importance of respecting the earth.
July 23, 2017
4 stars for this account for children of Josephine Mandamin and the Mother Earth Water Walkers.
This lovely children's book tells the story of grandmother/nokomis Josephine Mandamin's decision to draw attention to how precious water (nibi) is and how endangered by pollution. Nokomis began walking around Turtle Island - North America - with a staff in one hand and a pail of nibi in the other. Over time, she and fellow Mother Earth Water Walkers walked around all the Great Lakes and the St Lawrence river, and later to more distant shores. The story has a glossary and pronunciation guide for the Ojibwe words that appear in the text, and there is a page containing facts about Nokomis Josephine Mandamin as well as a photograph of her with the author.
This is an important book about stewarding the earth which asks of us all 'What are you going to do about it?' It is also a necessary story in highlighting the indigenous peoples of Canada and the United States, through an Ojibwe woman's campaign. As well as this, the picture book is an engaging story with appealing illustrations: I am particularly fond of the bunny slippers Nokomis wears when she is at home.
I received this ebook free from NetGalley and Second Story Press.
This lovely children's book tells the story of grandmother/nokomis Josephine Mandamin's decision to draw attention to how precious water (nibi) is and how endangered by pollution. Nokomis began walking around Turtle Island - North America - with a staff in one hand and a pail of nibi in the other. Over time, she and fellow Mother Earth Water Walkers walked around all the Great Lakes and the St Lawrence river, and later to more distant shores. The story has a glossary and pronunciation guide for the Ojibwe words that appear in the text, and there is a page containing facts about Nokomis Josephine Mandamin as well as a photograph of her with the author.
This is an important book about stewarding the earth which asks of us all 'What are you going to do about it?' It is also a necessary story in highlighting the indigenous peoples of Canada and the United States, through an Ojibwe woman's campaign. As well as this, the picture book is an engaging story with appealing illustrations: I am particularly fond of the bunny slippers Nokomis wears when she is at home.
I received this ebook free from NetGalley and Second Story Press.
December 18, 2019
I read this book last night and I thought it was a great introduction to the beliefs or other cultures.
This book is dual language between Anishinaabemowin and English and it has the emphasis on how important water is to all life and should be treasured and protected, we shouldn’t take clean water and a good supply for granted as not everyone is fortunate to have this and it shows the lengths some have gone to emphasise this point and spread this message.
The images were nice and they really supported the story. The glossary at the end was good too an it showed the pronunciation of the different words that are unfamiliar to most people.
This book is dual language between Anishinaabemowin and English and it has the emphasis on how important water is to all life and should be treasured and protected, we shouldn’t take clean water and a good supply for granted as not everyone is fortunate to have this and it shows the lengths some have gone to emphasise this point and spread this message.
The images were nice and they really supported the story. The glossary at the end was good too an it showed the pronunciation of the different words that are unfamiliar to most people.
October 24, 2018
Josephine Mandamin is a hero of mine. Her efforts to protect and pray for the waters of the world will be felt for many generations. I have heard that it won’t be scientists that save this planet it will be indigenous people and if the efforts of this woman are any indication then there is truth in that sentiment.
February 18, 2022
A children's book about the true story of a Native American woman who loves and respects water. She began her Water Walk to draw attention to the importance of water conservation and protection. A great story about protecting the environment and modern Native Americans.
September 6, 2017
This is the true story of Nokomis (Grandmother) Josephine Mandamin who began Mother Earth Water Walkers, a movement of women (and men), who walk to raise awareness of how precious water is to us.
Nokomis loved nibi (water) in all its iterations. Then an important elder asked her what she was doing to protect it.
Nokomis gathered her friends around her, and in 2003, they set out walking around the Great Lakes. A movement was begun. She herself has worn out three knees and eleven pairs of sneakers. In 2005 she walked almost 4,500,000 steps for water!
The story is told using Ojibwe vocabulary. At first this was disconcerting but I was mostly able to figure out the story without peeking into the glossary at the end of the book. The illustrations help to make the new vocabulary clear. I still went back and reread it a few times to check my interpretations.
The illustrations are bright and bold with stylized people and lots of colour. I love how Nokomis' love of nibi is captured in the first pages.
Later on the images reveal all the ways water is threatened; from individuals letting water run while brushing their teeth, to corporations spilling oil and dumping toxins into oceans.
My only wish is that the text was formatted differently. It is small and some pages are almost overwhelmed by it.
This is an important book to use during a unit on the hydrosphere with all ages of students. It pushes beyond basic understanding of the water cycle into its importance for our survival. At the same time as it introduces readers to cultural awareness of nibi, it directs students of all ages to think politically about water. Perhaps they can come up with their own powerful ways to answer the Ogimaa's question, What are you going to do about it?
Josephine Mandamin is an indigenous woman from Wikwemikong on Manitoulin Island. She now lives in Thunder Bay Ontario, Canada. Click below to find out more about Mother Earth Water Walkers.
http://www.motherearthwaterwalk.com/
Nokomis loved nibi (water) in all its iterations. Then an important elder asked her what she was doing to protect it.
Nokomis gathered her friends around her, and in 2003, they set out walking around the Great Lakes. A movement was begun. She herself has worn out three knees and eleven pairs of sneakers. In 2005 she walked almost 4,500,000 steps for water!
The story is told using Ojibwe vocabulary. At first this was disconcerting but I was mostly able to figure out the story without peeking into the glossary at the end of the book. The illustrations help to make the new vocabulary clear. I still went back and reread it a few times to check my interpretations.
The illustrations are bright and bold with stylized people and lots of colour. I love how Nokomis' love of nibi is captured in the first pages.
Later on the images reveal all the ways water is threatened; from individuals letting water run while brushing their teeth, to corporations spilling oil and dumping toxins into oceans.
My only wish is that the text was formatted differently. It is small and some pages are almost overwhelmed by it.
This is an important book to use during a unit on the hydrosphere with all ages of students. It pushes beyond basic understanding of the water cycle into its importance for our survival. At the same time as it introduces readers to cultural awareness of nibi, it directs students of all ages to think politically about water. Perhaps they can come up with their own powerful ways to answer the Ogimaa's question, What are you going to do about it?
Josephine Mandamin is an indigenous woman from Wikwemikong on Manitoulin Island. She now lives in Thunder Bay Ontario, Canada. Click below to find out more about Mother Earth Water Walkers.
http://www.motherearthwaterwalk.com/
July 11, 2017
Thank you Net Galley for the ARC to review.
What would happen if the water on earth became so contaminated that it was scarce and expensive? This is what Josephine Mandamin and the Mother Earth Water Walkers want to bring to everyone's attention. Since 2003 Nokomis, (Grandmother in Ojibwe), has walked around the Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence river and other parts of North America to make people aware of the plight of our limited water supply. What incredible commitment to an important cause! The colorful illustrations and beautiful text are a great way to get children thinking- "What are you going to do about it?"
What would happen if the water on earth became so contaminated that it was scarce and expensive? This is what Josephine Mandamin and the Mother Earth Water Walkers want to bring to everyone's attention. Since 2003 Nokomis, (Grandmother in Ojibwe), has walked around the Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence river and other parts of North America to make people aware of the plight of our limited water supply. What incredible commitment to an important cause! The colorful illustrations and beautiful text are a great way to get children thinking- "What are you going to do about it?"
October 20, 2018
https://raisethemrighteous.com/2018/0...
The Water Walker (2017), written and illustrated by Joanne Robertson, a member of Atikameksheng Anishnawbek, brings attention to the work of Mother Earth Water Walkers. The group began walking around large bodies of water, beginning with Lake Superior in 2003, to bring attention to the water crisis. Robertson’s book, written with urgency, optimism, and humor, makes this important environmental issue accessible to young children. Even more, the story explores Indigenous traditions and values while depicting the important environmental activism of Indigenous women.
Drawn cartoonishly, Nokomis (Ojibwe for grandmother) is at first depicted enjoying and appreciating water. In one image, she is barefoot on a beach, dressed in a red skirt and blue t-shirt as she splashes in water. In another image she is standing in a puddle joyfully letting rain drip over her body as sad shadows of people struggle with umbrellas. In yet another image, Nokomis rows on a lake. She appreciates Nibi (Ojibwe for water).
For the first several pages water is not politicized; it is simply enjoyed by Nokomis.
Then, over a two-page spread, Nokomis begins to be portrayed as a member of a community, and bearer of traditions. Text and image reflect each other: “Every morning, like the women in her family before her, Nokomis hopped out of bed, and before doing anything else, she sang. ‘Gichi miigwech, Nibi, for the life you give to every living thing on Earth. I love you. I respect you.” Nokomis is participating in a familial and communal tradition. Still joyful, we are given a cultural context that connects her love of Nibi to a shared past.
However, on the same page an ogimaa (Ojibwe for leader or chief) warns Nokomis that water will soon become more expensive than gold and asks what she will do about it. The increasing scarcity of clean and accessible water shatters the unburdened appreciation previously depicted. Even more, Nokomis is roused to action. There is still joy and optimism even as a sense of foreboding and urgency enters the equation.
The next two-page spread depicts abuses to the land and water endemic to our historical moment: fracking, wastefulness, and polluting. Once Nokomis sees these abuses they overwhelm her with their ubiquity. Days pass and she continues to think about the ogimaa’s words. One night she has a bawaajgan (Ojibwe for dream).
The next morning her friends join her in a contemporary kitchen. Although the reader is not privy to their conversation, turning the page pushes us forward in time and we witness the action the conversation prompted.
The women are in a neat line, Nokomis at the front, as the text explains: “Four days later, Nokomis and the Mother Earth Water Walkers, as they came to be known, found themselves standing on the side of the road… wearing sneakers. Nokomis carried a copper pail full of Nibi in one hand and a Migizi Staff in the other.” For seven years the women spent the spring season walking around large bodies of water to raise awareness and encourage people to protect natural resources. Nokomis’s story became quite well-known, but still, the urgency of the project was dismissed.
The women’s seven-year pattern was broken when a friend of Nokomis had a dream and shared it with her. Much like the kitchen table conversation that led to the creation of the Mother Earth Water Walkers, the content of the dream is not revealed, but the action it prompted is. Women from all over gather at Turtle Island. They wear sneakers and bring copper pails and Migizi staves to make a large scale demand for acknowledgment. This is a quiet but firm spectacle steeped in tradition even as it demands a future with clean and accessible water through passionate and well-orchestrated activism in the present.
Effectively introduced in The Water Walker, The Mother Earth Water Walks continue, and as of 2017 Josephine Mandamin, who Nokomis’s character is based on, continues to play a critical role. These is a beautiful little book about a big, complex story, and Robertson tells it wonderfully. An important addition to any library because it engages so many issues, including environmentalism, activism, and First Nation cultural traditions, without feeling overwhelming or didactic. Beautiful book.
The Water Walker (2017), written and illustrated by Joanne Robertson, a member of Atikameksheng Anishnawbek, brings attention to the work of Mother Earth Water Walkers. The group began walking around large bodies of water, beginning with Lake Superior in 2003, to bring attention to the water crisis. Robertson’s book, written with urgency, optimism, and humor, makes this important environmental issue accessible to young children. Even more, the story explores Indigenous traditions and values while depicting the important environmental activism of Indigenous women.
Drawn cartoonishly, Nokomis (Ojibwe for grandmother) is at first depicted enjoying and appreciating water. In one image, she is barefoot on a beach, dressed in a red skirt and blue t-shirt as she splashes in water. In another image she is standing in a puddle joyfully letting rain drip over her body as sad shadows of people struggle with umbrellas. In yet another image, Nokomis rows on a lake. She appreciates Nibi (Ojibwe for water).
For the first several pages water is not politicized; it is simply enjoyed by Nokomis.
Then, over a two-page spread, Nokomis begins to be portrayed as a member of a community, and bearer of traditions. Text and image reflect each other: “Every morning, like the women in her family before her, Nokomis hopped out of bed, and before doing anything else, she sang. ‘Gichi miigwech, Nibi, for the life you give to every living thing on Earth. I love you. I respect you.” Nokomis is participating in a familial and communal tradition. Still joyful, we are given a cultural context that connects her love of Nibi to a shared past.
However, on the same page an ogimaa (Ojibwe for leader or chief) warns Nokomis that water will soon become more expensive than gold and asks what she will do about it. The increasing scarcity of clean and accessible water shatters the unburdened appreciation previously depicted. Even more, Nokomis is roused to action. There is still joy and optimism even as a sense of foreboding and urgency enters the equation.
The next two-page spread depicts abuses to the land and water endemic to our historical moment: fracking, wastefulness, and polluting. Once Nokomis sees these abuses they overwhelm her with their ubiquity. Days pass and she continues to think about the ogimaa’s words. One night she has a bawaajgan (Ojibwe for dream).
The next morning her friends join her in a contemporary kitchen. Although the reader is not privy to their conversation, turning the page pushes us forward in time and we witness the action the conversation prompted.
The women are in a neat line, Nokomis at the front, as the text explains: “Four days later, Nokomis and the Mother Earth Water Walkers, as they came to be known, found themselves standing on the side of the road… wearing sneakers. Nokomis carried a copper pail full of Nibi in one hand and a Migizi Staff in the other.” For seven years the women spent the spring season walking around large bodies of water to raise awareness and encourage people to protect natural resources. Nokomis’s story became quite well-known, but still, the urgency of the project was dismissed.
The women’s seven-year pattern was broken when a friend of Nokomis had a dream and shared it with her. Much like the kitchen table conversation that led to the creation of the Mother Earth Water Walkers, the content of the dream is not revealed, but the action it prompted is. Women from all over gather at Turtle Island. They wear sneakers and bring copper pails and Migizi staves to make a large scale demand for acknowledgment. This is a quiet but firm spectacle steeped in tradition even as it demands a future with clean and accessible water through passionate and well-orchestrated activism in the present.
Effectively introduced in The Water Walker, The Mother Earth Water Walks continue, and as of 2017 Josephine Mandamin, who Nokomis’s character is based on, continues to play a critical role. These is a beautiful little book about a big, complex story, and Robertson tells it wonderfully. An important addition to any library because it engages so many issues, including environmentalism, activism, and First Nation cultural traditions, without feeling overwhelming or didactic. Beautiful book.
October 27, 2018
The Water Walker was a great informative, motivative and inspiring story about Nokomis, or grandmother, Josephine Mandamin who began a movement to raise awareness of how precious water is. The movement is called Mother Earth Water Walkers. These women would walker around the great lakes for many years to raise awareness to protect not only just water but other natural resources. I think a lot of people take water for granted, and this can teach children at such a young age how precious water is and how to save water, for example, shutting off the facet when brushing their teeth. I enjoyed how the story was told using Ojibwe language. I also enjoyed how it tied in the Indigenous culture in a positive way. Not only did I enjoy how it tied in the Indigenous culture, but it also portrayed all of these women by being involved in this activist movement. This can be a big positive for little girls. The pictures are richly filled with detail and I found myself staring at the pictures for long periods of time just examining it all. The only downfall of this book was that the text was slight too small, and I feel that when reading with children, the text should be bigger as I feel it is ‘easier’ to read
December 12, 2019
This book is the story of Nokomis Josephine Mandamin, an Ojibwe grandmother, and how she has raised awareness of the importance of Nibi (water) and the need for immediate action to protect it. There is a version of the book printed in English with Ojibwe words incorporated throughout, and there is another version printed that has Ojibwe and English translations of the story represented equally. The story provides information about how human actions are negatively impacting the environment, especially water. Water has been disrespected and wasted, and this story can educate people of any age about that in a meaningful way. As Ojibwe words are incorporated throughout the story, they are printed in the exact same format as English words: same size, same font, same color, and no italics. There is a clear respect for language and culture, it includes a glossary to help with pronunciation, it can teach a lesson about activism and how important it is, and this story is so important for everyone to hear right now- so I would confidently give this 5 stars. This book would be great to share with children or even adults, as it poses a question that can challenge all people who read it, no matter how old they are: “What are you going to do about it?”
May 11, 2021
The Water Walker by Joanne Robertson is an informational book about Nokomis, an Anishinaabe woman, and her journey, turned movement about the importance of water and how it needs to be protected. This is also a bilingual picture book in Ojibwe and English. This book is published in two different versions, bilingual and English only. I read the bilingual version and the emphasis is not placed on the English words at all. The Ojibwe words are much bigger on the page than the English words. In the back is a pronunciation guide to Ojibwe words and a note about Nokomis and her recent advocacy. Joanne Robertson is an Anishinaabe author, illustrator, and water activist herself therefore reflects the anti-bias criterion. I personally have never read a story by and about the Anishinaabe culture so to read this and learn more about it was really interesting. This is a narrative nonfiction story that can teach children how important not only water is but the earth and world around them is. I found the storyline very interesting and informational. It gives great depth into the history of the organization and what they stand for. The illustrations are simple yet intricate and beautiful. They invite the reader right into the story as if they were there.
June 15, 2018
I had heard good things about The Water Walker, but it was one of those few books that truly exceeded expectations for me (although I feel like I've been handing out more five stars than usual this year).
Joanne Robertson uses crisp language and vibrant illustrations to bring a true story to life for a young audience. This is a wonderful way to introduce multiple topics to children. It addresses the importance of water in our everyday lives, as well as the ways we can take care of water. It looks at real-world women as part of a larger activist movement. It looks at indigenous culture and activism in a unique light. There is a lot going on here, but it is presented so subtly as part of the larger picture of the story. I also thought the use of Ojibwe words was well placed, important to the story, important to those the story is about, and important for the audience.
I thought this was an incredibly well-done picture book, and hope to see more books like it in the future. I definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a way to address keeping the water clean to younger readers or to anyone in need of a good picture book.
Joanne Robertson uses crisp language and vibrant illustrations to bring a true story to life for a young audience. This is a wonderful way to introduce multiple topics to children. It addresses the importance of water in our everyday lives, as well as the ways we can take care of water. It looks at real-world women as part of a larger activist movement. It looks at indigenous culture and activism in a unique light. There is a lot going on here, but it is presented so subtly as part of the larger picture of the story. I also thought the use of Ojibwe words was well placed, important to the story, important to those the story is about, and important for the audience.
I thought this was an incredibly well-done picture book, and hope to see more books like it in the future. I definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a way to address keeping the water clean to younger readers or to anyone in need of a good picture book.
December 19, 2019
A very worthy and interesting read, but not without flaws. It's a true tale of a beyond-middle-aged activist, who walked thousands of miles beyond her territories, to honour and prove the value of the water that was there. Apparently water sourcing is a great issue for the First Nations from the Great Lakes up into Canada, but we're not really told why, which is one of the flaws of this book. Another is the fact that the English is very much to the minor, being in much smaller font, and some is not even translated and leaves you with the final glossary as reference, even though the text began in English and got translated into Ojibwe. Now, I love the fact smaller languages get their own books produced even to this day, but this is not truly a bilingual book as a result. And so, when the issue is clearly one for the Ojibwe-speaking peoples and for everyone else besides, I don't think this sort of preaching-to-the-specific-audience volume is the right choice. Oh, and what is it about the lady concerned going through three knees – are they that interchangeable where she comes from?!
June 12, 2018
The Water Walker by Joanne Robertson was on the American Indians in Children’s Literature blog’s list of the best books of 2017. It tells the true story of Nokomis Josephine Mandamin, an Ojibwe grandmother who walks to raise awareness of our need to protect our water sources for future generations. Nokomis (the Ojibwe word for grandmother) and the Mother Earth Water Walkers walked every spring for seven years, praying and singing to the water. There are Ojibwe words throughout the book and a glossary at the end of the book. Students can practice their vocabulary in context skills with these words. In addition to learning about Ojibwe culture, the book could be used to teach young elementary students about environmental issues. The book even ends with the question Nokomis continues to wonder: “What are you going to do about it?” This could open up a conversation about our individual responsibility in protecting the environment.
May 10, 2018
Many of us dream or talk about the actions we'd like to take, but how many of us actually take the first steps that lead to action that might change the world? In this slim volume from Canada, readers meet a Ojibwe grandmother who has walked around various parts of the country, including the Great Lakes and from the Pacific Ocean to the nation's heartland as well as to the Gulf of Mexico with the Mother Earth Walkers in order to bring attention to how humans are treating an important natural resource--water. Not only does this book tell an inspiring story, but it also gives readers a taste of Ojibwe culture through the use of Ojibwe words and practices. The story is inspiring, and the brightly-colored illustrations made me smile and feel as though some of the rest of us need to do some walking on behalf of water.
June 17, 2022
This colourful book tipped from a four to a five star with the seriousness of its message. It acknowledges the work of Nokomis Josephine Madamin aka the Water Walker and the many miles she has put in her sneakers into bringing the care of our waters health to world attention.
When I was a child the great lake I lived near was so badly polluted the fisheries shut down. Eventually industry pollution was regulated and reduced drastically. But some things like mercury persist for years. I now live near a second great lake and vacation near a third. All these lakes which the Water Walker walked around still need constant care and remedial attention.
This simple illustrated book told me something new about something old. Wisdom comes in many forms. And wisdom can walk among us even when we are not ready yet to hear the words. A wise story well shared.
When I was a child the great lake I lived near was so badly polluted the fisheries shut down. Eventually industry pollution was regulated and reduced drastically. But some things like mercury persist for years. I now live near a second great lake and vacation near a third. All these lakes which the Water Walker walked around still need constant care and remedial attention.
This simple illustrated book told me something new about something old. Wisdom comes in many forms. And wisdom can walk among us even when we are not ready yet to hear the words. A wise story well shared.
February 12, 2025
The Water Walker is a story about a young girl that wanted other to see the importance of water. She was inspired by a dream from a leader that told her that water was sacred and needed to be used wisely. She then began the a group that walked in sneakers around all the great lakes. During the walks they prayed and sang. Another young girl shared a dream with Nokomis and they shared that they needed to stand and walk around turtle island. I thought the books shows a powerful lesson to all, that we need to be more self aware of how we use things like water that we may sometimes take for granted. I would use this book in my classroom to remind young children that they things that we have now in the world came from sacrifices and therefore we should never take things or others for granted.
March 24, 2018
This is an important tribute to activist Josephine Mandamin and the many Native women and men who have courageously walked around all of the Great Lakes to bring attention to the condition of our water. Her message is not political, but a simple plea to engage people to protect the water, our most important resource. It is an exceptional environmental and conservation story that even young children will understand. The language is lyrical and simply presented. Her detailed and illustrations show Josephine’s spunk and determination. The book is interactive and perfect for classroom discussions.
October 16, 2018
The Water Walker is a beautifully illustrated story that is inspirational and motivating. I enjoyed reading about the Mother Earth Water Walkers. I was amazed at where they walked and how many miles they did. I love reading about helping our earth and how others have made it their life goal to go to the ends of the earth to help it a better place. I learned about the culture and history of her family and how much the main character loved our earth so much she wanted to make a difference. I also loved that this story took place around the great lakes. Students will have knowledge of the location and will be able to connect with the story.
January 14, 2020
This charming picture book tells the true story of Nokomis, a woman who loved has a vision that one day we’ll run out of water if we don’t conserve it. She and her friends started walking to raise awareness of water conservation. Nokomis carried a Migizi Staff in one hand and a copper pail full of water in the other.
This charming bilingual book highlights one woman’s efforts to teach others about respecting the Earth. It shows how one First Nations woman used her knowledge to bring an important message to the entire world.
Teachers, librarians, conservationists, and parents should read and share this book and its important message.
This charming bilingual book highlights one woman’s efforts to teach others about respecting the Earth. It shows how one First Nations woman used her knowledge to bring an important message to the entire world.
Teachers, librarians, conservationists, and parents should read and share this book and its important message.
September 29, 2021
This is an incredibly powerful and inspiring story with very simple text. I absolutely loved that this was not only an indigenous walk but also a movement by women. It's very inspiring but also sobering to know that it's mainly women who care about water. I liked seeing the Oijbwe names for the Great Lakes. The glossary was very helpful.
I didn't care for the cartoon-like illustrations. The lack of facial features on the women seemed odd to me.
Backmater contains a glossary and biographical note about Nokomis Josephine Mandamin.
Yes the author does identify as AnishinaabeKwe and a member of Atikameksheng Anishnawbek
I didn't care for the cartoon-like illustrations. The lack of facial features on the women seemed odd to me.
Backmater contains a glossary and biographical note about Nokomis Josephine Mandamin.
Yes the author does identify as AnishinaabeKwe and a member of Atikameksheng Anishnawbek
June 5, 2024
This picturebook tells the story of Nokomis Josephine Mandamin, “Grandma Josephine,” and the Mother Earth Water Walkers who walked around the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River. Hoping to protect the waters, they walked every spring for seven years to pray, sing, and thank “Nibi.” “If no one noticed Nibi, maybe they would notice the Water Walkers.”
"Nokomis went through three knees
and eleven pairs of sneakers
walking for Nibi.
Every morning she puts down her
semaa for Nibi and sings her gratitute.
She prays people wake up and realize
that without Nibi there is not life ..."
Used: MKE Public Library
"Nokomis went through three knees
and eleven pairs of sneakers
walking for Nibi.
Every morning she puts down her
semaa for Nibi and sings her gratitute.
She prays people wake up and realize
that without Nibi there is not life ..."
Used: MKE Public Library
July 5, 2024
A beautiful book, challenging in the right ways - to feel, to understand, to admire, to empathize, to join. To feel that one's own efforts matter, to admire the vision, intention, purpose, action.
The Ojibwe /Anishinaabemowin dual-language edition humbles - a complex language that makes one reexamine the simple concepts the words represent. The pictures are beautiful and help ease the severity of the content. To read of the journey, and recognize the reader is literally being invited to join, asked to care, without ever being confronted or put on the spot - its brilliant. Humility mixed with a challenge elevates this work.
The Ojibwe /Anishinaabemowin dual-language edition humbles - a complex language that makes one reexamine the simple concepts the words represent. The pictures are beautiful and help ease the severity of the content. To read of the journey, and recognize the reader is literally being invited to join, asked to care, without ever being confronted or put on the spot - its brilliant. Humility mixed with a challenge elevates this work.
September 12, 2018
Age: Preschool-2nd grade
Activism: Water conservation
Culture: Ojibwe, Canada
A compelling story written about Nokomis Josephine Mandamin of the Ojibwe nation and her efforts to spread awareness of threats to our precious water supply. Inspiring others to join her, Nokomis has walked around all the Great Lakes seven times and across the nation for her love of water. While the story itself is interesting, Robertson creates an engaging movement of the plot to highlight the challenges and perseverance of Nokomis.
Activism: Water conservation
Culture: Ojibwe, Canada
A compelling story written about Nokomis Josephine Mandamin of the Ojibwe nation and her efforts to spread awareness of threats to our precious water supply. Inspiring others to join her, Nokomis has walked around all the Great Lakes seven times and across the nation for her love of water. While the story itself is interesting, Robertson creates an engaging movement of the plot to highlight the challenges and perseverance of Nokomis.
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