Siha Tooskin Knows the Love of the Dance

by Charlene Bearhead, Wilson Bearhead, Chloe Bluebird Mustooch (Illustrator)

Overview

Paul Wahasaypa—Siha Tooskin—has invited his friend, Jeff, to a powwow. It’s Jeff’s very first powwow, and is he ever nervous! What if he says or does the wrong thing? Grass dancers, Fancy Shawl dancers, Chicken dancers—what does it all mean? Follow along as Jeff learns all about the dances and their beautiful traditions. See you at the powwow!

The Siha Tooskin Knows series uses vivid narratives and dazzling illustrations in contemporary settings to share stories about an 11-year-old Nakota boy.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781553798521
Publisher:	Portage & Main Press
Publication date:	05/26/2020
Series:	Siha Tooskin Knows , #8
Pages:	40
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.00(h) x 0.12(d)
Lexile:	920L (what's this?)
Age Range:	8 - 11 Years

About the Author

Charlene Bearhead (she/her/hers) is an educator and Indigenous education advocate living in Treaty 6 Territory in central Alberta. She was the first Education Lead for the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation and the Education Coordinator for the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. Charlene was recently honoured with the Alumni Honours Award from the University of Alberta and currently serves as the Director of Reconciliation for Canadian Geographic. She is a mother and a grandmother who began writing stories to teach her own children as she raised them. Adaptations of these stories have now been published as the Siha Tooskin Knows series, which she co-wrote with her husband, Wilson.

Wilson Bearhead (he/him/his) is a Nakota Elder and Wabamun Lake First Nation member in Treaty 6 Territory (central Alberta). A recent recipient of the Canadian Teachers’ Federation Indigenous Elder Award, he co-wrote the Siha Tooskin Knows series with his wife, Charlene. Currently Wilson is a board member for the Roots of Resilience Education Foundation. Wilson’s grandmother, Annie, was a powerful, positive influence in his young life, teaching him all of the lessons that gave him the strength, knowledge, and skills to overcome difficult times and embrace the gifts of life.

Chloe Bluebird Mustooch (she/her/hers) is from the Alexis Nakoda Sioux Nation of Central Alberta, and is a recent graduate of the Emily Carr University of Art & Design. She is a seamstress, beadworker, illustrator, painter, and sculptor. She was raised on the reservation, and was immersed in hunting, gathering, and traditional rituals, and has also lived in Santa Fe, New Mexico, an area rich in art and urbanity.

What People are Saying About This

NetGalley - Cheriee Weichel

4 out of 5 stars

Siha Tooskin (Paul) is an 11 year old Nakota boy. This series helps us understand what his life is like. Jeff, his new non indigenous friend is accompanying Paul and his Uncle Lenard to a powwow. It’s Jeff's first time and he’s excited to be seeing everything Paul has told him about. Paul and Uncle Lenard are both dancers. In this book Jeff and readers learn about the history of the powwow and the different kinds of dances.

There is a lot to love about this book. I liked that Jeff and Paul were responsible and worked together to set up their camp and Jeff was mindful that Paul needed to get into his regalia so he finished up this chore. I liked the camaraderie and joking between all of them. I appreciated that Jeff and other non indigenous readers learn about a time in history when powwows, potlatches and other indigenous gatherings were outlawed. Like Jeff I was fascinated by how the different dances have been adopted from different places and how they have evolved over time.

I was a bit surprised by this book because given the number of pages, I expected it to be a picture book. Instead it’s an illustrated short story. It’s a bit didactic (to me at least,) but I’m ok with that because I doubt student readers will be as cognizant of this.

Chloe Bluebird Mustooch’s illustrations are bright and colourful. I have mixed feelings about the cartoon eyes, especially after looking at her portfolio on line. Her more realistic art is absolutely stunning.

I hope to see this series of books in every school library across Canada. Not only will they be integral to understanding indigenous perspectives, the short length will make them satisfying for reluctant readers.

After reading this book I am especially looking forward to attending Hoobiyee 2020 this coming February. I will understand the dancing much better!

—NetGalley reviewer

Marie Wilson

Reconciliation is a big word, and it is a big job. Authors Wilson and Charlene Bearhead show us that even storybook characters can help when they are brought alive in authentic cultural settings. Meet Paul Wahasaypa, also known as Siha Tooskin or Little Foot, as he dances his way through these colourful pages, sharing some of the things he loves most with his new, non-Indigenous friend Jeff…his culture, his powwow dances, and even his beloved Uncle Lenard with all his teachings and teasing! More than an adventure between new friends, this is a colourful, youth-friendly, cultural exchange based on kindness, respect, and willingness to share and to learn.

NetGalley - Naomi D'Archangel

5 out of 5 stars

Beautiful illustrations barely do justice to a lovely story of a child sharing the powwow experience with a friend from school. This book is endearing and educational all in one.
—NetGalley reviewer

Tanya Talaga

Charlene and Wilson have managed to capture the waves of excitement and anxiousness that come with dancing in a powwow. Their storytelling honours the dances and the community that forms around these events. They do not shy away from the negative history of colonization, but do so gently as a means of reinforcing why powwows are so important to our people. Siha Tooskin Knows the Love of the Dance, with its words and illustrations, is a love letter to our family, culture, resilience, and pride.

Editorial Reviews

There are many reasons to love this series. Highly Recommended.

Bit About Books

5 out of 5 stars

I loved this story. Siha Tooskin Knows the Love of the Dance is a beautiful story about friendship and curiosity. I loved the way this story explains powwows and the importance of each type of dancer. In this story, Jeff goes to the powwow with Siha Tooskin and gets to learn and experience something so special.

NetGalley

#SihaTooskinKnows..., with its words and illustrations, is a love letter to our family, culture, resilience, and pride.

Tanya Talaga

Among Toronto Public Library's TD Summer Reading Club Top Recommended Reads (2021) list

TD Summer Reading Club

Among The Globe and Mail's twelve children’s books that will inspire and enlighten

The Globe and Mail

Reconciliation is a big word, and it is a big job. Authors Wilson and Charlene Bearhead show us that even storybook characters can help when they are brought alive in authentic cultural settings. Meet Paul Wahasaypa, also known as Siha Tooskin or Little Foot, as he dances his way through these colourful pages, sharing some of the things he loves most with his new, non-Indigenous friend Jeff…his culture, his powwow dances, and even his beloved Uncle Lenard with all his teachings and teasing! More than an adventure between new friends, this is a colourful, youth-friendly, cultural exchange based on kindness, respect, and willingness to share and to learn.

Marie Wilson

...the use of humour, historical content and details of how a powwow is run helps bridge gaps of knowledge for readers who may have no knowledge of what a powwow is. Siha Tooskin Knows the Love of the Dance sets out to inform, educate and include the reader and does it in a way that works. Highly Recommended

CM Association - John Dryden

Among Best Books for Kids & Teens, a starred selection of exceptional caliber

The Canadian Children's Book Centre (CCBC)

A First Nation Communities READ Children's Category nominee

First Nation Communities READ

5 out of 5 Stars

"Siha Tooskin Knows The Love of the Dance" is truly a suitable title for this story. Two young friends participate in a pow-wow and learn the meaning of the ceremony and the different dances. The story presents the information in an enjoyable format that young readers should find interesting, as the story moves forward at a quick pace. The color illustrations remind the reader of drawings that a child might create, adding to the appeal of the book.

Having attended pow-wows in the past, I was immediately drawn in to the story. I found myself nodding and thinking, "This is just how it is!" The sound of the drums calling the dancers resounded in my mind as I read the story and remembered my participation in the intertribal dances! The authors accurately captured the sights and sounds of the event, as well as the descriptions of the attire worn by the dancers and the meanings of the attire. The ceremony is at all times treated with respect in this book. Young readers who are not familiar with the pow-wow should find this story both informative and captivating. I hope they will share the story with their parents.

I received this book from the publisher and from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

NetGalley - Cheryl Owen

5 out 5 stars

Another beautiful title from Charlene and Wilson Bearhead with illustrator Chloe Bluebird Mustooch. I am a big fan of of Chloe’s style and the beautiful, bright colors in The Love of the Dance are not to be missed! The dancers outfits and colors stand out in her style or design and use of color. This series is becoming a favorite of mine as it introduces the young reader to the basics of Native American tradition and the importance of the culture and how it remains strong still today.

In my review of the Siha Tooskin Knows The Nature of Life (my first introduction to the series) I noted in the illustrations the “big eyes” and symbolism of being open to learning, taking in the knowledge and wisdom of the people and environment surrounding the characters. I was delighted to see my interpretation was spot on, and a theme in the series. Not to give too much away, but they make reference to, and provide the Nakota word for it!

I enjoyed reading The Love of the Dance from Jeff’s perspective as an observer of powwow with limited knowledge of the culture. The experience is nicely tailored for young readers and supported by the illustrator’s beautiful representations.

As an adult, avid reader and educator I can say I knew much of the information in the book, but for young readers the content is perfect to pique the natural curiosity and encourage further reading. If you know a bit about Native American culture and tradition young readers can learn a lot about clans as well. The books covers several traditional dances at the powwow but paying particular attention to the medicine dance, which historically was passed on by right to the healers. The Bear Clan were known as the healers. The book mentions that Paul’s last name is Wahasaypa, identified in the glossary as “bear head.” The subtle information one can find within this delightful and quick read makes The Love of the Dance a terrific read for young readers and adults alike.

I highly recommend the Siha Tooskin Knows series to parents and educators looking to introduce young readers to the genre. For the curious, there are plenty of books to expand upon their multicultural interest!

NetGalley - Mandee Lee

4 out of 5 stars
I read this to my Bear Scout den and the boys really liked it. They enjoyed learning about the different types of dancers and what goes on during a traditional Pow Wow. It was educational and the images are bright and colorful. Their attention did waiver sometimes but I thought overall, it was a good book!! Very informational.

NetGalley - Cassandra Wengewicz

5 out of 5 stars

"Siha Tooskin Knows the Love of the Dance" is absolutely wonderful and I have such respect for the authors Charlene & Wilson Bearhead (Nakota) and Chloe Bluebird Mustooch (Nakota) in creating such a beautiful piece! The text and illustrations match together perfectly as well as creating such a positive learning atmosphere! This book was a genuine joy to read and the excitement of Paul (Siha Tooskin), his Uncle Lenard, and Paul's non-Indigenous friend Jeff put a huge smile on my face.

This wonderful story is about Paul taking Jeff to his first powwow and Jeff learning how to appreciate and understand what a powwow is while also being worried that he will accidentally say something offensive. Jeff learns about the laws in Canada intended to restrict Indigenous activities such as powwows and he is visibly shaken— not understanding how something so beautiful could be punished. This is such an important message and was handled so well.

"Siha Tooskin Knows the Love of the Dance" is a book for all ages that encourages readers to learn more about Indigenous groups and terms that are unfamiliar (the book has a glossary at the back). I am so excited to see that this is a series and I have so much more research to do based on the issues and traditions that the book discusses.

This is a book that is very much needed in Canada (although not just Canada) and I cannot articulate enough how much I enjoyed it and how much it will be with me in future. Truly, Charlene Bearhead, Wilson Bearhead, and Chloe Bluebird Mustooch deserve several awards for this book.
––NetGalley reviewer

NetGalley - Emma Cuneo

A beautiful story about the powwow. Seen through the eyes of a friend of an Indigenous boy. I loved how this story explains the history of the powwow and the dances. The images showing the regalia was simple and beautiful.

The sense of wonder and belonging in this story was so beautiful and I learned a lot about the powwow and the people who celebrate and dance.

I noticed also that there are more books in this series and I am excited to read them all.

––NetGalley reviewer

NetGalley - Leah Horton

4 out of 5 starts

We are taken to a Powwow, and experience it through the eyes of Siha Tooskin's (Paul Wasahaypa) friend from school, Jeff. Jeff is extremely grateful to Paul and his Uncle Leonard for taking him to the Powwow and learning all about the dances, and minor differences between certain ones. Jeff also learns that at one point Powwows were considered illegal in Canada. And Jeff is left amazed by that statement. As something as beautiful as a Powwow should never be illegal. (The kid's got a point.)

This is a book in a series of books in which we learn about Siha Tooskin and his Nakota culture. And I look forward to reading them.

My only nitpick about this book is simply it was too short.
I could have read about this story all day. :)

NetGalley - Fae's Finds

5 out of 5 stars

I loved this story. Siha Tooskin Knows the Love of the Dance is a beautiful story about friendship and curiosity. I loved the way this story explains powwows and the importance of each type of dancer. In this story, Jeff goes to the powwow with Siha Tooskin and gets to learn and experience something so special.

––NetGalley reviewer

NetGalley - Miranda Ryan