I Am on Indigenous Land

Book Review: I Am on Indigenous Land by Katrina M. Phillips and Sam Zimmerman (illustrator) 🖼️🎨🖌️

Rating: 3 Stars

As someone who loves children's literature, I recently had the pleasure of reviewing "I Am on Indigenous Land" by Katrina M. Phillips, with illustrations by Sam Zimmerman. This picture book caught my eye because of its aim to explore the heritage and resources of thirteen Indigenous lands through lyrical text and vibrant visuals. 📚✨

The book does a fantastic job of introducing young readers to the beauty of these ancestral territories. With poetic simplicity, it showcases children and families enjoying everyday activities like biking, playing at the beach, or relaxing in parks. These scenes serve as a gentle reminder of how we interact with the land and the importance of recognizing the Indigenous nations that have called these places home for generations. Phillips, an Ojibwe citizen, and Zimmerman, an Ojibwe direct descendant, have created a heartfelt tribute that emphasizes respect and awareness of Indigenous cultures. 🌍❤️

While I appreciated the book's intent and execution, I found myself wanting a bit more depth. The colorful, painting-like illustrations are engaging and certainly draw you in, but I felt the content could have explored the histories or stories behind the tribes in greater detail. The glossary at the end is a fantastic addition, providing resources for further research and discussion, but I wish there had been a bit more narrative to accompany the visuals. 🎨🤔

Overall, I Am on Indigenous Land is a lovely introduction to Indigenous cultures for young readers, making it a great option for parents and educators looking to foster appreciation and recognition of these communities. However, it left me wishing for more substance to fully capture the richness of the stories it seeks to tell. A solid three stars! ⭐⭐⭐

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️