Counting in Mi'kmaw / Mawkiljemk Mi'kmawiktuk

by Loretta Gould

One is Ne'wt, for one bear. Two is Ta'pu, for two women at the sacred fire. Counting from one to ten in English and Mi'kmaw, baby is introduced to both the ancestral language of Mi'kmaki and to Mi'kmaw culture and legend, through beautifully rendered illustrations of important animals, like turtle, bear, and beaver, to concepts integral to the Mi'kmaw world view, like the Four (Ne'w) Directions, and the Seven (L'luiknek) Mi'kmaw teachings. Features bright and detailed illustrations from celebrated Waycobah-based Mi'kmaw illustrator, Loretta Gould.

Genres: Picture Books

12 pages, Board book

Published August 30, 2018

Reviews

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Counting in Mi’kmaw is a beautifully illustrated counting book with each number and phrase written in English and Mi’kmaw. The illustrations are visually exciting with the use of vibrant colors certain to capture a child’s attention.

I like the concept of this book - the use of a basic child’s counting book to teach, and hopefully work to preserve, a native language. As noted in other reviews, I do wonder about pronunciation as there is no guide, and a brief story about those who speak this language would have been helpful. I am also curious about the book’s intended audience. Is it for Mi’kmaw young, to encourage preservation of the language in a time when indigenous tongues are being lost around the world? Or is it intended to introduce concepts of their life and language beyond their people? Either way, this is a beautiful book that adults should enjoy sharing with their youngsters.

A copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.

[La Coccinelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

The synopsis seems a little off for this one (the first illustration depicts a turtle, not a bear), but taken on its own, the book seems quite strong. Each number is written out in English and Mi'kmaw, and then we see a phrase (again, in both languages) along with an illustration. Some of the illustrations are really quite stunning; I haven't seen much in the way of Mi'kmaw art before, but if this book is representative of it, then I think I quite like it.

There's not really much you can say about a counting book, is there? My only complaint about this one is that I wish there was a pronunciation guide. I have a feeling I'd butcher the Mi'kmaw if I tried to read this book out loud.

Thank you to NetGalley and Nimbus Publishing for providing a digital ARC.

[Susan Underbrink · Rating 5 out of 5]

A big thank you to NetGalley and Nimbus Publishing for the ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. This is a children's counting book. I had to look up the language, it seems that this is a Canadian language, East Algonquin. No idea how to pronounce the words but the drawings are so beautiful!! Well worth it just for them. It would have been nice for a little information about the language and people who speak it. Overall a gorgeous book. 4 1/2 stars

[Digitally Lit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devangana's review:

In Counting in Mi’kmaw/Mawkiljemk Mi’kmawiktuk by, Loretta Gould, young children can learn how to count from one to ten in both English and Mi’kmaw, the ancestral language of the Mi’kmaq people of Atlantic Canada. The book’s vibrant pictures are created by Waycobah First Nation’s Loretta Gould, a self-taught Mi’kmaw artist. Through illustrations of significant animals like turtles, bears, and beavers, as well as ideas central to the Mi’kmaw worldview like the Four Directions and the Seven Mi’kmaw teachings, the book also introduces young readers to Mi’kmaw culture and legend. Nimbus Publishing published the book in 2019, and both educators and readers have given it favourable ratings.

It is a simple but substantial book that expands my understanding of every page. I especially liked how the book described the numbers using visuals, which added to the reader’s understanding. Each drawing is extremely well done and original. This book will undoubtedly be an important component of my journey to learn about the Mi’kmaw culture. I’ve already begun to reflect on the significance of each number in my toolbox of Mi’kmaw learnings, whether “Ne’wt” or “Ta’pu.”
The bilingualism in this book is an important feature since it allows readers to teach others about what they have learned from the book. The bilingualism portrayed additionally enhances children’s comprehension of the book by allowing them to connect with the art represented.

Referring back to my earlier point, every time I returned to the book, I was struck by how a basic concept like numbers might influence a culture’s identity. A culture has many identities, yet each part contributes to forming and reflecting the culture’s values and beliefs.

Overall, I rate this book 5/5 stars since it serves as a stepping stone in my path of learning about Mi’kmaw culture. I recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about Mi’kmaw culture and laying a solid foundation for their knowledge, as well as to children.

[Jill Jemmett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book as part of the Toronto Public Library reading challenge for 2019. It is a great children’s book!

This book teaches children how to count to ten in English and Mi’kmaw. The numbers and words that describe the illustrations are written in both languages.

The illustrations are beautiful. They contain images from the natural world in the Native style. They were detailed and a wonderful addition to the story.

I really liked this book. I’m glad to see a children’s book that is an introduction to Native Canadian culture, which is an important part of Canadian history.

[Becky Skillin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Board book - colourful for toddlers and just enough text for emerging readers in either language to engage new sounds. Great for learners of all ages. Helpful for understanding more about Mi’ Kmaw culture.

[April Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

More than just a counting book, the gorgeous illustrations give us a look into Mi'kmaw life and culture. A lovely book.
#CountingInMikmaw #NetGalley

[eveltrain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations reinforce the number lessons. Each number has an accompanying sentence. Presented on Mi’kmaw and English. Excellent introduction to Mi’kmaw language for young and old alike.

[Samantha]

A book from our First & Best lists

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is just a board book. It is, I would hope, to be a stepping stone for children to count in theri culture, while looking at the gorgeous illsutrations.

This is not a text book. It will not teach a child everything they need to know, about their culture, but it is a book in their native tongue, and they will love that.





The pictures alone are worth the price of admission.

Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.

[Laura]

Written and drawn by a Mi’kmaq artist, this book teaches children how to count to ten in both Mi’kmaw and English. The book features beautiful art with vibrant colors. The art depicts different animals and practices that feature into Mi’kmaw teachings and cultures. Readers will enjoy learning about these elements, or may enjoy seeing their own familiar words and teachings reflected in a bright and lovely book!