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First nations author Joseph Dandurand brings to life some helpful bears and a thankful wood carver. The Bears and the Magic Masks showcases five animals and bears who figure out how to use the masks. Masks can be such useful things (particularly if you are hungry, helpful bear.
Basic Details for The Bears and the Magic Masks
Title: The Bears and the Magic Masks
Author: Joseph Dandurand
Illustrator: Elinor Atkins
Series: Kwantlen Stories Then and Now, book 4
Publisher: Nightwood Editions
Pages: 28
Intended Audience: 6-8 years
Genre: First Nations, Animals, Picture Book,
Available formats: Paperback
Received: Paperback
Reviewed for: Nightwood Editions
Author and Story
Joseph Dandurand is a member of the Kwantlen First Nations in British Columbia. An author of several children’s books, he lives with his three children. He also writes poetry and was shortlisted for the Griffin Poetry Prize. His work relates to his indigenous culture.
The Bears and the Magic Masks features the first nations group he is part of. Afterall, it’s a Kwantlen wood carver that the bears thank, who then in turn makes the masks the bears have much fun with.
Mr. Dandurand’s story is reminiscent of other native/first nations stories that I have read. They have a certain flow and tone to them. So I supposed you’d stay this is written in a classic first nations style! 🙂
The story is simple. The bears saved a life. A thank you gift was made. The bears had to discover the secret (magical) nature of the gift. And then a thank you was again extended from the bears to the carver. Such a good lesson to be heard.
The art work is very first nation in design and style. The shape of the masks reminds me of the totem poles I’ve seen in videos (when my son was studying Canada) from British Columbia. Along with the animal masks made. Generally very much what I would have expected from this traditional First Nations tale.
I totally expected and discovered an eagle, a raven, a wolf, and a coyote. I thought the fifth would be a salmon but ended up being a sasquatch. So I learned something new in this story … about the importance of the Sasquatch in their history.
Recommendation?
So should you read this story with your children? I think so yes. It is not an exciting, grab you by the seat of your pants story, but it’s a learn about us story. See what happens when you are helpful and kind and thankful kind of story. And that’s a good thing yes? Don’t we all need more thankful, kind, and helpful people surrounding us?
I can TOTALLY see a homeschool connection here eh? If you are studying Canada or even just the First Nations people, read this book. Get a bit of a feel for the culture, and then perhaps make a paper totem from the animals you learned about, or even the bears themselves! Learn about the Kwantlen people, study the Fraser River, learn the history of Vancouver, and British Columbia.
