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Children's Fiction General

Roogaroo Mickey

by (author) Wilfred Burton

illustrated by Leah Dorion

translated by Norman Fleury

Publisher
Gabriel Dumont Institute
Initial publish date
Jan 2013
Category
General
Recommended Age
8
Recommended Grade
3
  • Paperback / softback

    ISBN
    9781926795126
    Publish Date
    Jan 2013
    List Price
    $15.00

Classroom Resources

Where to buy it

Description

Roogaroo Mickey is a children's story in which Mamayr tells her two grandchildren, Louis and Charlie, a story about the Métis werewolf, the Roogaroo. In addition to the story, the book contains a translation into Michif-Cree by Michif specialist Norman Fleury, background information about Roogaroos, a Q and A with artist Leah Dorion, 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).

Wilfred Burton's profile page

Leah Dorion (B.Ed., B.A., M.A.) is a Metis artist raised in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. A teacher, painter, filmmaker and writer, Leah views her Metis heritage as providing her with a unique bridge for knowledge that connects all people. She has numerous creative projects to her credit, including academic papers for the Royal Commission of Aboriginal Peoples, books for children, gallery showings of her art works, and numerous video documentaries that showcase Metis culture and history. Leah’s paintings honour the spiritual strength of Aboriginal women and the sacred feminine.

Leah Dorion'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.

Norman Fleury's profile page

Librarian Reviews

Roogaroo Mickey

Two little boys beg their grandmother for a scary bedtime story about the Roogaroo. She finally gives in and begins the story promising to finish it in the morning if they will go to sleep. The next day, while driving to town, Mamayr makes a sudden turn into the neighbour’s yard and rushes the boys inside stammering that she saw a Roogaroo in the back of the van. Happily for everyone the Roogaroo turns out to be Mamayr’s dog Mickey who had sneaked into the van. Renamed Roogaroo Mickey he joins the family on their trip to town for treats for everyone.

A Michif translation is added at the back along with information about the Métis Roogaroo legend. An extensive interview with the artist gives insight into the colours, style and symbolism of the illustrations. The attached CD tells the story in both English and Michif.

Source: The Association of Book Publishers of BC. Canadian Aboriginal Books for Schools. 2013-2014.

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