Review by Zobia Alam
Tundra Books, April 2024
40 pages, Hardcover, $24,99 CAD
ISBN: 9781774881125
Picture Book, Ages 3-7
Fiction, Indigenous Literature
“When we pick berries, we walk the same trails and pick them from the same plants our ancestors did.
When we thread beads on our needles, we follow patterns and techniques passed down for generations.
When our hearts feel the vibrations of the drums, something inside us knows – and remembers!”
Feasting on Bannock, picking Saskatoon berries, beading moccasins and jigging with family—Tasha Hilderman’s debut picture book, Métis Like Me is a delightful tribute to her heritage. It invites young readers, Métis or not, to explore Indigenous traditions and embrace cultural diversity.
The book opens with a welcoming question: “Are you Métis like me?” The story is narrated by a group of children as they chime in to share the ways in which they experience their Métis identity. Each turn of the page reveals a different custom, whether through food, song, crafts, or sharing traditional stories with each other. While one child doesn’t cook with her noohkom, she enjoys beading flowers onto moccasins. Another character’s family prefers song and dance to telling stories. This blend of perspectives and shared experiences establishes a sense of community in the narrative, and instantly situates the reader in Métis culture.
What makes this book particularly special is the introduction of a character who feels estranged from their Indigenous identity, which is a common but unspoken experience. Nonetheless, they are embraced by their community and encouraged to explore their roots. As Hilderman emphasizes in the story, “it is never too late. You can learn now!” Therefore, the book allows Métis readers from all walks of life to identify with the story and cultivate a sense of belonging with it, while also offering deeper insight into the culture for non-Métis readers. The overall playful and empowering tone of the narrative will inspire young readers everywhere to celebrate and share their diverse cultural experiences with each other. With its simple yet lyrical sentences, the text accommodates for independent reading and also makes for a cosy read-aloud.
The illustrations of children picking berries, going fishing and beading with their grandmothers beautifully accompany the text on each page. Risa Hugo’s illustration style is vibrant and thoughtful, full of beaded floral motifs and close attention to background details. Her use of coloured pencils adds intricacy, texture and depth to the drawings, making it a more immersive and exciting visual experience for the readers. The book also includes a Michif glossary and a recipe for Bannock in the back matter! These interactive elements may help provide a more holistic perspective of Métis culture and encourage readers to carry these traditions with them long after they have finished reading the book.
The book concludes with a heartwarming illustration of children from diverse backgrounds gathered around the fire. The narrator invites non-Métis readers to hear their stories, share their food and join in on their celebrations. As a South Asian immigrant in Canada, and a settler on unceded and ancestral territories, reading this picture book has been yet another enriching way to expand my knowledge on Métis culture. Tasha Hilderman’s Métis Like Me is a masterfully crafted picture book and a wonderful resource for young readers to learn empathy for others and embrace cultural diversity. It is definitely a book to be cherished, and one that deserves a permanent spot on your shelf!
Zobia is an undergraduate student pursuing psychology and creative writing at UBC. She is indefinitely inspired by the world around her, and is interested a variety of genres, though her love for romance and history always finds its way into her work.
YOUNG ADULTING 