Runs with the Stars

by Darcy Whitecrow, Heather M. O’Connor

A moving picture book about the Ojibwa Horse, the only Indigenous-bred horse in Canada. As they await the birth of a new foal, a man teaches his grandchild about the Ojibwa Horses that used to roam the forests of northwestern Ontario. The horses once ran wild and free, but when Grandfather was a boy, they almost disappeared. Now he is the caretaker of his own small herd, keeping the breed alive for future generations and teaching his grandchild about the loving bond between human and animals.

Genres: Picture Books, Indigenous, Childrens, Animals, History, Canada, Nonfiction

32 pages, Hardcover

Published May 1, 2022

About the author

Darcy Whitecrow is Ojibwe and Dakota; he is a member of the Seine River First Nation band in Northwestern Ontario, where he lives. Darcy practices traditional lifestyles like trapping, fishing, and ricing, as well as traditional spirituality in both the Midewiwin and Sundance traditions. With his partner, Kim, they have started a non-profit, Grey Raven Ranch, where they have been raising and caring for the Ojibwe Horses for the last decade to help preserve the breed and the tradition of symbiotic interaction with the Ojibwe people.

Reviews

[Ms. Hurtubise]

Definitely a good book to add to an elementary school’s Indigenous collection. Animals lovers will enjoy the story. I think it would make a good, quick read aloud.

[Melanie Dulaney]

Beautifully written and illustrated, RUNS WITH THE STARS captures the excitement of a young boy as he awaits the birth of a brand new Ojibwa Horse to join the small herd being raised by his grandfather. As the two wait, the grandfather tells the history of the breed, from large herds that worked with indigenous people in Canada to near extinction and now, as a breed on the way to recovery. Young horse lovers will love the story which can be used across ELA, history, and science subjects.

Thanks for the print arc, Second Story Press!

[Lolz]

The imagery of a silver foal born during a dream under grandmother moon is just so beautiful. Those picture pages were my favorite part.
I didn’t know about Ojibwe horses, now I’ve learned about the special herd and the humans who are taking care to bring them back from the brink

[DiAnne Warfield]

Holt-Delhi library PJ story time 11-09-2022

[Lisa's Book Corner]

Beautifully illustrated book about an Indigenous child waiting for her Ojibwe horse to have her baby.

[Christie Kaaland]

A fascinating account of the wild Ojibwe horses (sometimes. called Lac La Croix) of western Lake Superior that were almost driven to extinction in the 1977s, until Fred Isham took the last 4 remaining horses away and bred them with a Spanish mustang. Today there are 175 of this rare breed. The story here shows a young seven year old lad and his grandfather waiting for the birth of one of this rare breed.

[Little Batties]

Darcy Whitecrow's story is a look into a piece of indigenous history and turned it into a sweet, informative book for littles.

The story is about a little girl and her grandfather, both of who are waiting for Star (a horse) to give birth to her foal. While the characters are waiting, the grandfather tells the story of where the horses come from. It is based on the true actions of those who wanted to protect Ojibwe Horses.

It was a fun read, and the only thing I wish was that there had been a pronunciation guide so readers could pronounce the Ojibwe language respectfully, especially if they are going to be reading this out loud to others. Still, I can see kids really enjoying this book and it's beautiful illustrations. I would definitely recommend this to others.

[Laura]

This is a gorgeously illustrated picture book about the last four Objibwe ponies , and how they were saved, and how they came back. The story is told from the view of a boy who is waiting for a colt be be born, and his grandfather relating the story of how there used to be more horses when he was a boy, and how it got down to four remaining.

The pictures a etherial, and lovely. So sad that they were killed off as a nuisance, but glad that they are making a comeback.

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

[Karen]

This story depicts a beautiful relationship between a grandfather (Mishoomis) and his seven-year-old grandchild, with the child’s voice authentic to the age. As they lovingly care for his eight Ojibwe horses, he recounts the history of this only Indigenous breed of horses in Canada, from the time when they “ran wild in the woods, like the deer” to near extinction, to recovery. With the story centred around the anticipation and birth of a foal, it is a wonderful, hope-filled read-aloud book. The afterword includes historical details and resources for learning more.
Highly recommended.

[Sally]

I love illustrations. I love the birch trees in the middle of the book.
Grandfather tells the story of the Ojibwe Horses, how they were lost and saved.
He now has eight and his granddauther loves the horses, loves the story. She will
carry on the story and the care of the horses.

Includes an afterword tell about the horses

[Erin]

A simple and sweet story of a young girl, her grandfather, and one of their horses about to give birth. That alone would make for an engaging read for many young people, but this has the added and delightful twist that these horses were a rescued Ojibwe breed that the Canadian government was very close to eliminating.

Both entertaining and informative.

[Andréa]

Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through Edelweiss.

[Elisabeth]

3.5 stars.

[Alice]

4 stars for this picture book about Ojibwe horses, the only indigenous-bred horse in Canada

[SamSamSam]

Phonological awareness

[Jeanine]

Writing was fine, but not completely engaging. Illustrations were bright and beautiful. Based on a true story with reference to the story at the back.

[KaitandMaddie]

Super fascinating background to this lovely story.

[Gina]

The story of waiting for the birth of a foal is given along with the history of the Ojibwa horses, an interesting story to know.

Good for animal lovers.