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Grand Chief Salamoo Cook is Coming to Town!
Once upon a magical time, a young rabbit named Weeskits hurried home to Kisoos—a town known as the Earth’s belly button—to deliver some thrilling news. Salamoo Cook, the Grand Chief of all rabbits in the world, was on his way to announce a mysterious contest. The prize? A year’s supply of all-healing waaskee-choos juice fresh from spruce cones that have just fallen. Would Weeskits be able to help his brother Keegach win the juice to rid his wife of the dreadful manchoos? From Tomson Highway, acclaimed author and playwright, best known for his plays The Rez Sisters and Dry Lips Oughta Move to Kapuskasing and most recently his award-winning memoir, Permanent Astonishment . Grand Chief Salamoo Comes to Town! is a laugh-out-loud riot of a tale, interspersed with eight jazzy songs performed in Cree. This musical picture book includes a QR code to access the narrated story and songs online and a glossary of Cree words used throughout the tale.
- GenresPicture Books
48 pages, Hardcover
Published September 1, 2023
About the author
Tomson Highway
30 books177 followersIn the six decades since he was born in a tent in the bush of northernmost Manitoba, Tomson Highway has traveled many paths and been called by many names. Residential school survivor, classical pianist, social worker and, since the 1980s, playwright, librettist, novelist and children's author.
He is fluent in French, English and his native Cree. In 1994 he was invested as a Member of the Order of Canada -- the first Aboriginal writer to receive that honour. In 2000, Maclean's magazine named him one of the 100 most important people in Canadian history.
He currently resides in Toronto.
He is fluent in French, English and his native Cree. In 1994 he was invested as a Member of the Order of Canada -- the first Aboriginal writer to receive that honour. In 2000, Maclean's magazine named him one of the 100 most important people in Canadian history.
He currently resides in Toronto.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
January 18, 2024
Tonight my son and I read Tomson Highway’s new picture book, “Grand Chief Salamoo Cook is Coming to Town!” and we loved it so much I had to write a review on it here! I have always loved Highway’s work, how he doesn’t shy away from the dark, hard parts of life, but always tempers those aspects with humour, joy, and even the absurd (particularly his riotously funny, raw and dark, often absurd plays: “Rez Sisters” and “Dry Kips Oughta Move to Kapuskasing”). His children’s book follows suit! “Grand Chief Salamoo Cook is Coming to Town!” is not just a picture book for children, it’s an experience, a sensory journey for adults and children alike.
While I’m certain reading it without the audio is its own exciting journey, this book absolutely must be read along with the audio! The narration and music are essential to the sensory experience of this wonderfully written, perfectly narrated, joyously scored, and gorgeously illustrated picture book.
Truly a feast for the senses, this book immerses the reader in the story completely. From the clever and considered storytelling (anthropomorphism firmly rooted in life’s everyday realities) that seamlessly includes Cree words and culture, to the funny but beautifully performed Cree songs that made us wiggle and shake, the engaging narration and artful voice acting of each separate character, and the detailed rabbit illustrations in beautiful outfits and stunning regalia with so much expression and movement — every aspect of this picture book comes together, creating a unique and memorable experience.
My 8 year old was rapt the entire 30 minute reading! We both laughed aloud several times (the things the rabbits say, the English translations of the songs, and the whole plot are so funny)! But it’s not just a silly story; it’s also a tale of friendship, family, generosity, community, culture, and tradition as well as fear, unexpected beauty, belonging and joy. I suspect it will resonate and delight more and more with every read. Do yourself a favour and read this book!
While I’m certain reading it without the audio is its own exciting journey, this book absolutely must be read along with the audio! The narration and music are essential to the sensory experience of this wonderfully written, perfectly narrated, joyously scored, and gorgeously illustrated picture book.
Truly a feast for the senses, this book immerses the reader in the story completely. From the clever and considered storytelling (anthropomorphism firmly rooted in life’s everyday realities) that seamlessly includes Cree words and culture, to the funny but beautifully performed Cree songs that made us wiggle and shake, the engaging narration and artful voice acting of each separate character, and the detailed rabbit illustrations in beautiful outfits and stunning regalia with so much expression and movement — every aspect of this picture book comes together, creating a unique and memorable experience.
My 8 year old was rapt the entire 30 minute reading! We both laughed aloud several times (the things the rabbits say, the English translations of the songs, and the whole plot are so funny)! But it’s not just a silly story; it’s also a tale of friendship, family, generosity, community, culture, and tradition as well as fear, unexpected beauty, belonging and joy. I suspect it will resonate and delight more and more with every read. Do yourself a favour and read this book!
Want to read
April 30, 2023Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through Edelweiss.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews