Book Review-Wisdom Weavers: Explore the Ojibwe Language and the Meaning of Dream Catchers by James Vukelich Kaagegaabaw, Illustrated by Marcus Trujillo
Book Review
Wisdom Weavers: Explore the Ojibwe Language and the Meaning of Dream Catchers
By James Vukelich Kaagegaabaw, Illustrated by Marcus Trujillo
Publisher: becker & mayer! kids
32 page Harcover in Full Color
Release Date: September 3rd, 2024
Another kids book that totally blew my mind! Wisdom Weavers is a beautifully illustrated, full-color book for children with an interest in dream catchers and Ojibwe culture. The book is easy to follow along with, giving the wisdom of the Ojibwe Dream Catchers and their lore, while also teaching phonetically and with spelling how to say certain phrases or words in the Ojibwe language. As the Ojibwe are located in the Great Lakes region, and I am not located far from the Great Lakes at all, I found this to be especially pertinent for youth in my area, to learn about and better understand their cohort’s culture. The book also gives QR codes to scan, where you can learn more words, phrases and hear them correctly pronounced. At the very end of the book, instructions are given to make your own Dream Catcher, something I very well may end up doing myself soon!
This book was a joy to read, and I found myself enjoying its lighthearted, fun nature as an adult, while also learning about a culture I didn’t know much about. Because of all of these wonderful things, I give Wisdom Weavers a 5 out of 5. I have nothing bad to say, and only good things to say about this kids’ book. I don’t want to say more, in fear of giving too much away, so you’ll have to pick it up and read it with your young ones!
James Vukelich Kaagegaabaw is a descendant of Turtle Mountain and renowned international speaker, author, educator and social media personality who shares indigenous wisdom for a life well-lived. He is the creator of the Ojibwe Word of the Day, he is recognized as a leading voice on the interconnectedness of language and culture. He has developed keen insights by speaking with and recording the elders, as well as other Native language speakers across North America as part of the Ojibwe Language Dictionary Project. He lives in Twin Cities, Minnesota with his wife and son.
Marcus Trujillo is an enrolled tribal member with the Pueblo of Laguna, one of 23 sovereign nations located in New Mexcio. He is a graphic designer and illustrator driven to give back to his community through his work. He earned a bachelor’s degree from UNM and currently contributes his skill sets to the Department of Education in Laguna Pueblo. He centers his work on kids materials, hoping to reach future generations and help them learn. You can find Marcus at haatzeedesigns.com
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Author Bio:
The Modern Merlin has been a Polytheist and Animist Pagan, Witch, Sorcerer, Wizard, Druid, Mystic, Ceremonial Magician, Occultist, Shaman, Seer and Soothsayer for 15 years, worshipping and casting magick with deities and spirits from many cultures, including Ancient Greece, Rome, Norse & Germanic, Celtic, Egyptian, Sumerian, as well as many Faeries, Nymphs, Dryads, Ancestors and other nature and land spirits and spirits of place. He has experience in the Left and Right Hand Paths, working with both hands as needed. He currently practices Necromancy and Deathwalking, as well as Traditional Witchcraft, Druidry, Hellenism and Ceremonial Magick, incorporating all of them into a cohesive practice, with some shamanic touches. He studies and practices Astrology as well as Tarot and other forms of divination such as Runes, Palmistry and Ogham. He has a personal blog where he shares Astrological, Pagan, and other magickal wisdom for free! He gives readings and other spiritual services on his Facebook Page, The Modern Merlin, as well other free informational posts for everyone to see!
