The Moose of Ewenki
A story of friendship and empathy in Mongolia
Gerelchimeg Blackcrane author Helen Mixter translator Jiu Er illustrator
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Greystone Books,Canada
Published:23rd Apr '20
Should be back in stock very soon
This touching tale highlights friendship and empathy through the story of Gree Shrek and a young moose calf in The Moose of Ewenki.
In The Moose of Ewenki, readers are introduced to the rich cultural tapestry of the Indigenous Ewenki peoples of Mongolia through a heartfelt narrative. The story revolves around Gree Shrek, a Mongolian elder who, in a moment of unfortunate error, hunts a female moose. This mistake leaves her young calf orphaned, setting off a chain of events that explores themes of friendship, empathy, and the deep connections between humans and nature.
As Gree Shrek grapples with the consequences of her actions, she embarks on a journey of understanding and reconciliation. The narrative beautifully captures the emotional weight of loss and the responsibility that comes with living in harmony with the natural world. Through her interactions with the calf, Gree Shrek learns valuable lessons about compassion and the importance of nurturing relationships, both with fellow beings and the environment.
The Moose of Ewenki is not just a story about a moose and her calf; it is a celebration of traditional ways of life and the wisdom of Indigenous cultures. The author, a beloved figure in children's literature, weaves a tale that is both engaging and educational, making it a perfect read for children and adults alike. The book invites readers to reflect on their own connections to nature and the impact of their choices on the world around them.
“[Gerelchimeg Blackcrane’s] extraordinary narrative is gorgeously paired with Chinese sculptor/painter Jiu Er's exquisitely detailed illustrations that rely on a simple palette of browns, greens and pinks to create resonating depth. Fair warning: tissues are an absolute must. An exceptionally affecting commemoration of unusual bonds, Blackcrane's formidable U.S. picture book debut should engender increased demand for Western access to more of his dozens of titles.”
—Shelf Awareness (Starred Review)
“Deeply satisfying in every way, The Moose of Ewenki is a beautiful story of friendship that will remain with readers long after the last page is read.”
—Books to Borrow, Books to Buy
“Beautifully detailed paintings complement this touching story, which highlights the traditional and vanishing way of life of the Ewenki people.”
—OmniLibros
“The tale is valuable for its thoughtful portrayal of the Reindeer Ewenki’s traditional ways. The illustrations’ delicate lines and shading meticulously model the characters, and there’s a solemnity to them even at their most slapstick. Plodding, endearing, and humorous—not unlike a baby moose.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“A beautiful book about an elder hunter-gatherer in Inner Mongolia and the friendship he strikes up with a moose calf. I loved that this book highlighted a place and way of life that isn’t commonly known, and in such a gorgeous way. The story is moving, and the illustrations are detailed and lovely.”
—Baby Librarians
“Watercolour and charcoal pictures—some sepia-toned, some delicately colorful—are plentiful and detailed...showing the magnificence of the (sometimes comical) beast and the breadth of the forest landscape.”
—Roger Sutton, Horn Book Magazine
“[The Moose of Ewenki] will appeal to a broad audience, and is simple enough for a very young audience to springboard the study of this culture’s legends and to compare them with other cultures of reindeer or caribou herders.”
—School Library Connection
[The Moose of Ewenki] is full of both humor and tears, an evocative reflection of the life of the Ewenki people. Gree Shek and Little Moose stole my heart and no one who sees Jiu Er’s stunning illustrations will be able to resist this gorgeous book. The illustrations enhance the powerful story beautifully. Don’t miss it.”
—Bookends
ISBN: 9781771645386
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
68 pages