Precious Cohanzick Lenape Crabs

by Tyrese Gould Jacinto, Arnild C. Aldepolla (Illustrator)

Is it appropriate to consider the continuous traditions of a people as cultural retention? It is much more than what one would define. Simply describing the ways of our people as cultural retention would imply that we are at risk of losing the very traditions that keep our community alive.

Life, in general, is about teaching our children and passing on our people's ways. Life is about knowing how to identify the seed, when to plant the seed and when to harvest the fruit. Our life is about learning how to prepare the meal that comes from the fruit. Our life is about knowing how to preserve the seed for future generations that come from harvesting the fruit that we planted.

We are taught how to identify the birds' feathers of prey from that of an eagle or an owl or a red tail hawk. We know how to whittle wood and heat it in the fire to harden.
We are taught how to build a fire so that the fire lasts through the night to keep us warm.

We teach our children that sinew is the fiber substance on the back of the hide and how important it is to tie clothing and tools. We know how to twine rope from the fibers from the trees. We gather the pine needles to make baskets. We gather the clay to make bowls. We are taught then teach our children that every part of the animal is used, from the horns, brains, and toes.

This story is only a part of our life based on what we as a people experience. Although we face many changes, the fact remains that we are our ancestors as we are their children. This book was written so that I can share my experiences of walking the ditches with my Dad, Chief Mark Quiet Hawk Gould, to gather crabs, so my children and grandchildren can have hopes that they will experience this as well.

I want to thank the illustrator, Arnild, who is, in my opinion, a true artist and genius. He brings my stories to life in a truly incredible way.

54 pages, Paperback

Published June 2, 2022

About the author

Tyrese Gould Jacinto is a self-published author, artist, herbalist, Mystic, and cultural educator from Southern New Jersey. Her books invite readers into stories of imagination, nature, healing, and spiritual reflection, offering children, families, and thoughtful adults a warm path toward wonder, resilience, and connection.
Through picture books, youth stories, poetry, and wisdom-centered works, Tyrese shares a voice that is reflective, heart-centered, and deeply rooted in lived experience. Her writing honors the sacred relationship between people and the natural world while encouraging readers to listen more closely to beauty, memory, belonging, and inner growth.
An award-recognized artist and community advocate, Tyrese creates books that uplift, inspire, and open space for meaningful conversation. Readers who discover her work often find stories and reflections that feel meditative, imaginative, and full of gentle wisdom.