Stand Like a Cedar

by Nicola I. Campbell, Carrielynn Victor (Illustrator)

Overview

When you go for a walk in nature, who do you see? What do you hear?

Award-winning storyteller Nicola I. Campbell shows what it means to “stand like a cedar” on this beautiful journey of discovery through the wilderness. Learn the names of animals in the Nłeʔkepmxcín or Halq’emeylem languages as well as the teachings they have for us. Experience a celebration of sustainability and connection to the land through lyrical storytelling and Carrielynn Victor’s breathtaking art in this children’s illustrated book.

Discover new sights and sounds with every read. A glossary and pronunciation guide can be found at the back of the book.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781553799214
Publisher:	Portage & Main Press
Publication date:	02/23/2021
Pages:	40
Sales rank:	256,777
Product dimensions:	8.12(w) x 7.75(h) x 0.31(d)
Lexile:	AD660L (what's this?)
Age Range:	3 - 5 Years

About the Author

Nicola I. Campbell is the author of Shi-shi-etko, Shin-chi’s Canoe, Grandpa’s Girls, and A Day with Yayah. Nłeʔkepmx, Syílx, and Métis, from British Columbia, her stories weave cultural and land-based teachings that focus on respect, endurance, healing, and reciprocity.

Nicola's books have been among the finalists for numerous children’s literary awards. Shin-chi’s Canoe won the 2009 TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award and was a 2008 Governor General's Award for Illustration finalist.

Carrielynn Victor is fueled by the passion to tell stories through her art. Her ancestors come from around the world descending from bloodlines in Scotland, Ireland, and Wales that arrived in the Americas in the 1600s, and Coast Salish ancestors that have been sustained by S’olh Temexw (our land) since time immemorial. Carrielynn was born and raised in S’olh Temexw and nurtured by many parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles.

Along with a thriving art practice, Carrielynn maintains a communal role as a plant practitioner. The responsibilities for traditional plant practitioners range from protection and preservation of lands to networking and trade, and harvest and preparation methods.

Editorial Reviews

Nicola Campbell offers a poetic song about excursions into the wild throughout the seasons. Abundance, respect, gratitude and intergenerational closeness suffuse Campbell’s poem. Carrielynn Victor’s illustrations reflect a lovely diaphanous beauty.

Toronto Star

Among Indigo's Best Kids' Books of 2021

Indigo

Among Top Recommended Reads for TD Summer Reading Club

TD Summer Reading Club

[An] evocative book that poetically explores how important it is for us to see ourselves as part of the land. Victor’s illustrations bring that world to life.

The Globe and Mail

Exquisitely illustrated picture book...a tender evocation of the joys of nature and family, [and] a celebration of Indigenous language. Highly recommended.

Calgary Herald

Paired with illustrations by Carrielynn Victor, Stand Like a Cedar shines brightly, in both its text and artwork.

Quill & Quire

Stand Like a Cedar is a work of grace and dignity, a celebration of land, family, and knowing who you are and where you come from and being so grateful for everything you've been given. Bravo, Nicola Campbell and Carrielynn Victor for creating this treasure. I love it.

RIchard Van Camp

Stand Like a Cedar is a strong song of peoples and place. It’s emotive and instructive and begs us all to be attentive to how we interact with the land and its life.

CanLit for LittleCanadians

A beautifully articulated book about the changing seasons and the connection to nature, family and oneself.

Modern Mama

2021-01-04
A child explores nature and honors the past and present in this picture book.

A young Indigenous narrator chronicles interactions with her environment. As she views and listens to her surroundings—revels in autumn leaves, goes berry-picking, runs on a mountain trail, and more—she emphasizes appreciation and respect. (“I am grateful for the roots and shoots, they provide the first springtime feasts for all living things.”) The child also describes lessons learned from animals, like a grandfather deer who “explained that death is part of our life cycle. He said to honour our tears as though they were stars in the sky.” Throughout the story, the girl connects to her heritage and family (“I am grateful to walk in the footsteps of my ancestors. Their courage to survive ensured our culture and traditions will always be shared”) and explains the importance of cherishing loved ones and valuing the land and animals. Campbell’s rhythmic writing is wonderful, conveying important messages about the environment and family. Victor’s vibrant renderings accompany the engaging text nicely. Bold illustrations portray elements such as weather, nature, and animals alongside evocative details like glowing skylines. An author’s note explains the Coastal and Interior Salish languages and the history of Indigenous communities in British Columbia. The book features Nłe7kepmxcín and Halq’emeylem words and phrases, their English translations above in a smaller font. Also included is a glossary that supplies pronunciations and a translation guide.

An Indigenous girl shares vivid lessons in this lovely, thoughtful environmental tale. (glossary)

Kirkus Reviews