This is a beautiful book from an Indigenous author/illustrator collaboration.
Through heartfelt text the author shares the anticipation and joy of a mother waiting for the birth of a child. Through the course of the patient months, the mother gathers meaningful elements form nature to create a medicine bundle for her child. Following the birth, the mother recognizes that the new baby is a medicine bundle for herself and for the community.
2021 Caldecott Medal-winner, Michaela Goade, has created luminous watercolors in twilight shades of purple, blue and pink. The expressions of wonder on the mother’s face through the waiting time are particularly evocative. A cloud-like visual element the illustrator named “the swoosh” appears on every page, showing the continuity of energy through time.
I Sang You Down From the Stars is a loving and gentle welcome new baby offering.
The Read Native 2021 reading challenge is provided by the American Indian Library Association. You can enjoy this and other books by Indigenous authors and illustrators.
--reviewed by Ruth