When I’m a Moshom by David A. Robertson. Illustrated by Corrie Hill

Author David A. Robertson, a member of the Norway House Cree Nation, now residing in Winnipeg, Man., wrote this winsome children’s book as a companion to On the Trapline, written to honor his father and their relationship with each other and the land. As he was concluding work on that book, his father died.

Robertson’s young son became curious about his grandfather—moshom—so, in response, Robertson wrote When I’m a Moshom.

A young boy reflects, “When I’m a moshom, / A long, long time from now, / I will go to all my grandchildren’s activities, / Just like Moshom did. / I’ll watch them dance: / Jingle or jazz, ballet or hip-hop. / I’ll watch them swim / And cheer louder than all the other fans.”

The young boy continues to imagine that when he is a moshom, his participation in his grandchildren’s lives will be full and generous—he will watch them do gymnastics, cheer them on while they play hockey, show them their culture, and take them fishing.

The boy envisions that when he is a moshom, he will pass on to his grandchildren his religious beliefs and help them to seek the good life. He will speak with them in their ancestral language, Swampy Cree.

Most importantly, the boy is sure he will emulate his moshom by telling his grandchildren over and over again that he loves them, by sharing his heritage of stories, and by taking his grandchildren on the trapline.

Illustrator Corrie Hill, a member of the Mohawk Nation, Bear Clan, from Six Nations of the Grand River near Brantford, Ont., poignantly depicts a First Nations child’s dreams of becoming like his moshom. Hill’s artwork vividly portrays the community’s vibrant life and the profound role that a moshom can play in the lives of his grandchildren and environs.

Parents might use this book as a springboard to talk with children about God’s gift of varying cultures and the role grandparents play in shaping their grandchildren’s and other kids’ lives. Parents might ask, “When you’re a grandparent, a long time from now, what kind of grandparent would you like to be?” (Tundra Books)