Call of the Fiddle
- Publisher
- Gabriel Dumont Institute
- Initial publish date
- Jan 2011
- Category
- General
- Recommended Age
- 8
- Recommended Grade
- 3
-
Paperback / softback
- ISBN
- 9781926795041
- Publish Date
- Jan 2011
- List Price
- $12.95
Classroom Resources
Where to buy it
Description
Call of the Fiddle completes the trilogy of a young boy as he embraces his Métis heritage and carries on his family’s traditions. Wilfred Burton and Anne Patton capture Batoche’s history and significance with their words, while Sherry Farrell Racette brings the land and Métis culture to life with her vibrant illustrations. Join Nolin one last time as he hears the rollicking rhythm of the “Red River Jig,” learns of tearful memories, and experiences the excitement of jigging at Batoche! In addition to the story, the book contains a translation into Michif-Cree by Michif specialist Norman Fleury, as well as a CD with narrations in English by author Wilfred Burton, and in Michif by translator Norman Fleury.
About the authors
Wilfred Burton, a proud Michif, grew up in the Midnight Lake area of Saskatchewan. He was an elementary teacher, university instructor, and literacy coordinator before retiring. In retirement, he is extremely busy doing contract work for various educational publishers, and volunteering at Gabriel Dumont Métis Local 11, Li Toneur Niimiyitoohk Métis Dance, the Open Door Society, and various other organizations. Wilfred is the author of several Métis-specific children’s picture books, including the Fiddle Dancer series, which he co-authored with Anne Patton. He wrote Roogaroo Mickey, Road Allowance Kitten, The Big Tease, Road Allowance Kitten: Broken Promises, and a set of emergent readers called the Taanishi Books, co-authored with Angela Caron. He also co-authored Master of the Métis Fiddle with Cheryl Troupe; John Arcand: The Man, The Music, The Festival with Cheryl Troupe, and John and Vicki Arcand; as well as Let Me See Your Fancy Steps with Sylvie Roy and Jeanne Pelletier. His identity and love of Métis storytelling, fiddle music, and dance was a gift from his mother, Georgina Nolin. Currently you might find Wilfred beading, working in the garden, practising the fiddle, or playing with his two feline friends, Leo and Baptiste (Ba-chees).
Anne Patton’s books for children include Fiddle Dancer and Dancing in My Bones – books that explore Metis culture through the world of dance – and the Tyler collection for Scholastic Education.
Fiddle Dancer was nominated for a Saskatchewan Young Readers’ Choice Award, while Dancing in My Bones was the recipient of the 2010 Moonbeam Spirit Award. Full Steam to Canada, the first book in the Barr Colony series, was the winner of the Saskatchewan Writers' Guild John V Hicks Unpublished Long Manuscript Award. The second book, Through Flood and Fire, was a Moonbeam Children’s Book Award Silver Medalist.
Born in Ontario, Anne taught elementary school in Regina for many years, before retirement launched her into a career as a prolific children’s author. She now makes her home in Victoria, British Columbia.
Sherry Farrell Racette is an artist and educator. She has been painting, drawing and making things since she was little. Sherry received a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Certificate in Secondary Education from the University of Maitoba and later, a Masters in Education from the University of Regina.A member of the Timiskaming Band of Algonquins in Quebec, Sherry was born in Manitoba and has been involved in Indian and Metis education for many years. She is currently an assistant professor with the Faculty of Education, University of Regina.Sherry wrote and illustrated The Flower Beadwork People for the Gabriel Dumont Institute and recently illustrated Maria Campbell’s Stories of the Road Allowance People (Theytus Press).
Sherry Farrell Racette's profile page
Originally from St. Lazare, Manitoba, Norman Fleury is a gifted storyteller and teacher. Dedicated to the conservation and promotion of the Michif language, he has contributed to dozens of language resources. He currently teaches Michif in the College of Education at the University of Saskatchewan.
Awards
- Short-listed, Saskatchewan Book Awards - Regina Book Award
- Short-listed, Saskatchewan Book Awards - First Peoples' Publishing Award
Librarian Reviews
Call of the Fiddle
Nolan travels to a Métis celebration at Batoche with his mother and grandfather. He is shy about participating in the jigging competition but encouraged by his family he overcomes his reluctance. Although Nolan does well he doesn’t win but he knows that the next year he will be ready with some new steps and more confidence. The Sunday visit to the church at Batoche is a sobering history lesson.The text is written in English and Michif. A glossary follows along with two pages of historical information on the 1885 Northwest Resistance and the Battle of Batoche. The accompanying CD contains narration of the text in English and in Michif along with four selections of traditional fiddle music. Engaging illustrations in bright colours enhance the text.
Source: The Association of Book Publishers of BC. Canadian Aboriginal Books for Schools. 2013-2014.
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Métis Christmas Mittens
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Manny's Memories
My First Métis Lobstick
A Story of Métis Life During the Voyageur Fur Trade Days
Roogaroo Mickey
The Diamond Willow Walking Stick
A Traditional Métis Story About Generosity
The Giving Tree
A Retelling of a Traditional Métis Story