Siha Tooskin Knows the Nature of Life

Siha Tooskin Knows

by Charlene Bearhead, Wilson Bearhead, Chloe Bluebird Mustooch (Illustrator)

Rocks, grass, trees, birds—what can they possibly teach human beings?

Paul Wahasaypa knows that Ena Makoochay (Mother Earth) gives us many things. On this compelling nature journey with Ena (his mom), we learn how strength, generosity, kindness, and humility are all shown to us by grandfather rocks, towering trees, four-legged ones, and winged ones, reminding us of the part we have to play in this amazing creation. Join Paul and Ena as they experience the beautiful nature of life.

The Siha Tooskin Knows series uses vivid narratives and dazzling illustrations in contemporary settings to share stories about an 11-year-old Nakota boy.
 

40 pages, Paperback

Published May 26, 2020

Reviews

[Aaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Portage and Main Press for allowing me to read an ARC of this book. I was attracted to it as a short, chapter book written by an Indigenous writer from Canada. I don't find many books that fit that description for my library.
This is the second Siha Tooskin book that I have read and it follows Siha (Paul) as spends time with his extended family near "the woods." There isn't much set-up of the setting or the names of the people in Paul's family but the main point of the story is the lessons that Paul soaks up from his mother as they take a walk through the woods. The strength of the story is the teachings Paul's family get from the land, including the water (river), the trees, the grass and the rocks and how these teachings make them a stronger, wiser, more resilient people.

[Em (Diversify Your Shelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I am so grateful to have received this on Net Galley*

"Siha Tooskin Knows the Nature of Life" is a wonderful addition to the Siha Tooskin Knows series! In it, Paul (Siha Tooskin) goes with his mom (Ena) to learn about and from the forest. Paul and his mom talk about the importance of sharing, respect for animals and rocks, and the impact of colonization. I really enjoyed how Ena discusses how interconnected the world is and the strength of the Nakota people.

While this is a children's book, it is certainly appealing to older groups as well! There is lots of interesting information and everyone could do with being reminded that knowledge is not limited to one gender!

Chloe Bluebird Mustooch's illustrations enhance the experience of Charlene and Wilson Bearhead's words as well as clarify ideas that readers could be unfamiliar with.

Truly an educational masterpiece!

[Jake · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice children's book. I'm certainly interested in what different people teach their children and how it affects their lives. It's familiar surely, but that's why it appeals to all kinds of people. From love of who comes before to what some parts of the world mean to others. Not to mention it displays the pride of the Nakota nation in how, despite the tragedies, they don't want to be seen as victims of the past. Because respect is about love and struggles; it's how going through things again can reveal new ways of looking at life. Because compassion and kindness is all anyone really wants.

[Melodie Coulter-Pennington · Rating 4 out of 5]

With meaningful, intentional text and beautiful, well-paced illustrations, Siha Tooskin Knows the Nature of Life shares important life lessons and valuable history.

This book is a great read with an appeal to both children and adults- I can see it being used at home and at school. A glossary at the back with an explanation of how Nakota was used in the book offers even more educational usage. I'd love to see educator materials for discussion shared with this series as well!

I can't wait to see it on shelves in 2020!

[Cheriee Weichel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second in this series I've read. I don't think they need to be read in order.
Siha Tooskin (Paul) goes on a walk with his Ena (mother) where he learns that trees, rocks, and animals have important lessons to teach him that will help him grow up strong and generous.
I appreciate this insight into indigenous ways of knowing. I just wish there was more 'story' here.
You can read more about my thoughts on this series at my blog here: https://dickenslibrary.blogspot.com/2...

[Shauna Morrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series of books is awesome, I have enjoyed every single one.

I love that Paul is excited to go for a walk with his mother and spend time in nature learning the knowledge his mom will share. I thought this book did a fantastic job of explaining Nakota beliefs about nature and how we should all respect the gifts Ena Makoochay (Mother Nature) has been kind enough to provide to us.

#SihaTooskinKnows #NetGalley

[Miranda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great story where a young boy learns about his culture. The author does a great job of touching on heavy topics that youth can understand. This was a fun, sweet and happy story. Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review it. I cannot wait to add it to my collection.

[Nico · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely adorable book about a boy taking a walk with his mother and learning some valuable life lessons. Written clear enough for 2nd or 3rd graders and up, the lessons are straight forward and deep reaching.