The Sasquatch, the Fire and the Cedar Baskets

Kwantlen Stories Then and Now #1

by Joseph Dandurand, Simon Daniel James (Illustrations)

“Deep in the thickest part of a cedar forest there lived a young Sasquatch. He was over nine feet tall and his feet were about size twenty. He had long brown hair that covered all of his body. His hands were so big and his arms so long he could wrap them around the biggest of the cedar trees. He had been born here many years ago and he did not know his parents, as they had been scared away by a great fire. He was left on his own and he had survived by eating berries and he had grown into the Sasquatch he now was...”


So begins this charming story for children by Kwantlen storyteller Joseph Dandurand. The Sasquatch, spirit of the great cedar forest, eludes human hunters, falls in love, fathers a lovely daughter and saves his little family from a forest fire by dousing the flames with water stored in baskets carefully woven by his mate.


The story is told with grace and simplicity by a master storyteller in the great tradition of the Kwantlen people. Accompanied by whimsical illustrations from Kwakwaka’wakw artist Simon Daniel James, The Sasquatch, the Fire and the Cedar Baskets follows a similar style to popular Nightwood titles such as Salmon Boy, Mayuk the Grizzly Bear and How the Robin Got Its Red Breast.

Genres: Indigenous, Picture Books, Childrens

24 pages, Paperback

Published June 6, 2020

Reviews

[Lia · Rating 3 out of 5]

heartwarming and a bit sad at the same time :(

[Mrs.MakesReadingFun · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this traditional story by master Kwantlen First Nation storyteller Joseph Dandurand. The illustrations were so great- a "cut-out" style drawing of a sasquatch, over a real image of nature.
I think this story truly showcases many elements of First Nations culture and traditions- and ultimately, speaks of the love & importance of family.

This is great for any home, classroom or library collection- especially those looking to expand their BC, Canadian, and Indigenous content.

[AnneMarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book because it reminds me of me and my boyfriend. I know that must sound silly ! But, he loves Sasquatch, and Bigfoot stories, and always jokes around with me that I am the Lady Sasquatch that he found one day in the forest. This was a delight to read, I thought the pictures were funny and adorable, with a happy ending. Can't wait to show him. Glad to have stumbled upon this from my local library.

[Yasmin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Spirit of the forest saves the forest from a terrible fire. Perhaps the Lady Sasquatch knew instinctively that a fire was due in the forest to help it regenerate, as when she came across Sir Sasquatch and had a child with him.

[Jbondandrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed this Indigenous book. I have always been fascinated with stories of Sasquatches and this was just the sort of book I have been wanting to read.