Description
Johnny's Pheasant is written by Cheryl Minnema (Waabaanakwadookwe), a member of Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, and illustrated by Julie Flett, Cree-Métis. Johnny's Pheasant starts with their car stopping: "Pull over, Grandma! Hurry!” Johnny says. Grandma does and Johnny runs to show her what he spotted near the ditch: a sleeping pheasant. It’s hard to say who is most surprised by what happens next—Grandma, Johnny, or the pheasant. This story is a lesson about patience, kindness, and respect also imparted by Grandma’s gentle humor, Johnny’s happy hooting, and all the quiet wisdom found in Cheryl Minnema’s stories of Indigenous life and Julie Flett’s remarkably evocative and beautiful illustrations. Cheryl Minnema along with writing children’s literature and poetry, creates Ojibwe floral beadwork and nature photography. Julie Flett is an author, illustrator, and artist. She has received many awards, including the 2017 Governor General’s Award for Children’s Literature, the 2016 American Indian Library Association Award for Best Picture Book, and Christie Harris Illustrated Children’s Literature Awards. Johnny's Pheasant is the Winner of the Charlotte Zolotow Award 2020, This Award is an American literary award presented annually for outstanding writing in a picture book published in the United States during the preceding year. Johnny's Pheasant is a delight on many levels - American Indians in Children’s Literature. Highly recommended.