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French Titles

Lune d'érable
Connie Brummel Crook
Illustrations: Scott Cameron
Translation: Marie-Andrée Clermont
Markham, Ontario: Éditions Scholastic,
2000. 31 p.
ISBN 0439985978
Ages 8 to 10
Published in English under the title Maple Moon
(Toronto: Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 1997)

The book is inspired by an Aboriginal legend about the discovery of maple water (sap). The story explores traditional Aboriginal life and it is also a lovely tale of ingenuity and personal discovery. Fend-le-vent, who becomes Petit-Corbeau-avisé, is a small boy and a member of the Mississauga nation. This eight-year-old is the victim of harassment by other children of the tribe because he limps. Since he cannot share in the children's games, he often takes refuge in the forest with his dog and faithful friend, Nimouche. This year, winter is harsh and everyone is starving. Thanks to his talents of observation and the help of a small red squirrel, the boy discovers maple water, which saves his people from famine.

At the end of the book, the author includes historical notes which explain the discovery of maple water and the making of syrup — a complicated process at that time.

Scott Cameron illustrates the life of this handicapped boy with sensitivity. He depicts a youngster who, because of his courage and determination, has carved a place for himself in the community.

–HBP