Description
Discover the western red cedar tree’s life cycle in The Cedar Mother, a captivating children’s non-fiction picture book from the award-winning Mothers of Xsan series.
Perfect for young scientists (ages 9–12), this latest release invites readers to explore the life cycle of the majestic western red cedar through a beautiful blend of STEM concepts and the traditional Indigenous knowledge and science of the Gitxsan.
Meet Nox Sim Gan, the cedar mother. Her story spans centuries and anchors the very landscape. As the seasons shift, readers will observe the vital environmental changes that define her existence:
- Spring & Summer: Watch as she breathes life into the forest, creating oxygen and offering her soft, green leaves for medicinal tea.
- Autumn: Discover the "salmon forest" connection, where Nox Sim Gan nourishes herself through the surprising nutrient cycle of local rivers.
- Winter: See how she provides refuge for small creatures beneath her bark and shelter for birds within her massive limbs.
This book delves deep into the secret web of life thriving beneath the soil, teaching readers about ecosystem interconnectedness. From the way she anchors the earth to the final cultural gift she leaves for the Gitxsan at the end of her long life, Nox Sim Gan’s story is a profound testament to the wisdom passed down through generations. Perfect for elementary classrooms, STEM curricula, and home libraries, this story offers a powerful lesson in how to respect and protect our natural world.
Author Bio
Hetxw'ms Gyetxw, also known as Brett D. Huson (he/him/his), is an award-winning storyteller and artist from the Gitxsan Nation in the Northwest Interior of British Columbia. Having grown up in this strong matrilineal society, he is passionate about his people's land and way of life. He founded Aluu'taa, an Indigenous research organization where he is developing new methods to bridge the gap between Indigenous knowledges and Western sciences. With his family's support, Brett continues to share stories through research, writing, art, and by creating spaces for Indigenous researchers and knowledge carriers.
Natasha Donovan (she/her/hers) is a Métis illustrator originally from Vancouver, British Columbia. Her sequential work has been published in This Place: 150 Years Retold and Wonderful Women of History. She is the illustrator of the award-winning Surviving the City graphic novel series and Mothers of Xsan children's book series, as well as Classified: The Secret Career of Mary Golda Ross, Cherokee Aerospace Engineer and the forthcoming A Good Hide by Karina Iceberg. She lives on an island in British Columbia with her family. @natashamdonovan
Review Quotes
The Cedar Mother is the newest offering in Brett D. Huson’s award-winning Mother of Xsan series, which now consists of eight beautifully illustrated books that share his Gitxsan culture, nature and knowledge. The story of The Cedar Mother emphasizes her “importance to the surrounding ecosystem….Her bark allowed the Gitxsan to create clothing; her trunk was used to build homes and craft tools; her roots became ropes; and her sapling made teas and medicines.
— Windspeaker.com