John Rombough

Joe and Cody are young Cree brothers who follow the caribou all year long, tucked into their dog sled with their Mama and Papa. To entice the wandering herds, Joe plays the Kitoochigan, his accordion, and Cody dances, whirling like a young caribou. They are so busy playing and dancing, they don't hear the rumble of the caribou. Bursting from the forest, ten thousand animals fill the meadow like a lake. Joe is engulfed; he can barely see Cody a few yards away, perched like a doll on the caribou moss. Their parents seem to have disappeared.

And yet what should be a moment of terror turns into something mystical and magical, as the boys open their arms and their hearts to embrace the caribou spirit.

A tale that is perfectly simple and satisfying, yet infused with layers of wonder that will open both children's and adults' minds to the intriguing possibilities of independence, separation and the strength of the spirit, Caribou Song is the first in a three-book series about Joe and Cody.

Reviews
"Caribou Song is a story of family, tradition, spirit, and livelihood. Music weaves the elements together, making them soar just as Highway's words and Rombough's art beautifully and evocatively express a way of life that has slipped (or is slipping) away. Rombough's illustrations in Caribou Song are strongly influenced by the Woodland (or Anishinaabe) School, with its emphasis on dark outlines, vivid colours, and visionary imagery. Founding member Norval Morrisseau's iconic style lives on in Rombough's work, but where they diverge is in the almost effervescent quality of Rombough's paintings. Bubbling with circular imagery and spots of amethyst, sapphire and topaz, framed in black and laid over flat washes of colour, each scene is like a pane of stained glass; a mix of storytelling and spirituality that is simply magnificent." — 32pages.ca

"Tomson Highway's mastery creates an exciting, action-packed plot. Elements of suspense simultaneously entertain beauty, magic, and whimsy. Highway artfully crafts his scenes with the vivid river imagery capturing the full drama of the caribou's presence - the sound of their hooves beating on the earth like the pounding of drums. Caribou Song is an experience for the senses. — CM Magazine

Educator & Series Information
Written in English with Cree translations.

This is the first book in the Songs of the North Wind series.

This book is available in French/Cree: Le chant des caribous/Ateek Oonagamoon

Additional Information
32 pages | 9.00" x 10.50"

Les magnifiques albums de la série Chansons du vent du nord racontent, à travers les aventures et l’imagination fertile des deux jeunes frères cris Joe et Cody, le territoire, les peuples et les coutumes du nord du Manitoba. Publiés originalement en anglais et en cri, les voici maintenant offerts en français et en cri. Joe et Cody suivent les caribous toute l’année en traîneau avec leurs parents. Joe joue de l’accordéon et Cody danse pour attirer les caribous errants. Mais lorsque des milliers de caribous répondent à leur appel, ce qui devrait être un moment de terreur se transforme en quelque chose de mystique et de magique quand les garçons ouvrent leurs bras et leur coeur pour embrasser l’esprit du caribou.

Educator & Series Information
Part of the Songs of the North Wind Series (Chansons du vent du nord), now available in French/Cree.

This book is also available in a dual-language format in English/Cree: Caribou Song

This card holder features the Remember design by Chipewyan Artist John Rombough.

As the two ancestors watch over the land, they pray for all the children – every child matters.

Additional Information

• Card holders are made from synthetic leather
• Measurements: 14.2 x 7.5 cm
• 4 card slots and a zipped compartment

The Remember puzzle is designed by Chipewyan artist John Rombough.

As the two ancestors watch over the land, they pray for all the children – every child matters.

Part of the proceeds of the Remember puzzle will help support the Indigenous Arts Collective of Canada, a volunteer organization led by indigenous women.

Additional Information

• The puzzle comes in a 26.5cm x 20.5cm x 6cm box, and is 50cm x 70cm when finished.
• Printed on high-quality and matte-laminated cardboard.

This Sticky Notes Set features Chipewyan Artist John Rombough's Bear design.

“On an early spring morning, the bear in his elements is walking alongside grandfather rocks. As the Ancestors watch over the land, the ravens welcome the bear from a long winter's nap.” - John Rombough

Additional Information

• There are 7 sticky note pads in 3 different sizes included in the set.
• Set Size: 13.5 x 18.5 x 6 cm