Description
Written by Shawna Lee Corbould, Matachewan First Nation, and illustrated by Abenaki (Wabanaki) Odanak illustrator, Jessica Somers.
When a young moose calf gets lost in a storm, he is found by Nana and Papa, a kind couple who offer him shelter and a name: Charlie. They bring him home to Matachewan First Nation, where two dogs, Spike and Molly, happily welcome him into their pack. Together, Charlie and his friends spend their days digging holes on the beach, playing fetch, and having fun.
But Charlie is growing fast, and soon it will be time for him to return to the forest. With Spike and Molly by his side, Charlie sets off on an adventure to learn more about himself—and what it means to be a moose.
This illustrated chapter book is recommended for ages 6 to 9. The chapters are each titled with an Ojibwe word or phrase, and a glossary of the Ojibwe words and their pronunciations is included at the back of the book. Discussion questions and an author’s note can also be found at the end of the book, and a free lesson plan is available for download on our website.
With an engaging story, lovable characters, and powerful messages, Charlie the Matachewan Moose is perfect for readers transitioning from picture books to chapter books. Meaningful themes of identity and self-awareness provide opportunities for discussion, making this book an excellent choice for homes and classrooms.
Curriculum Connections
English Language Arts – figures of speech, reading, listening, discussing
Science – diverse ecosystems, animal behaviours and habitats
Personal and Social Awareness – personal and cultural identity, connecting to community, identifying values
Art – traditional Indigenous art styles
Social-Emotional Learning – recognizing and managing emotions, building positive relationships, showing empathy
Indigenous Knowledge and Traditions – Ojibwe language and teachings, cultural significance of animals