18 Jan / Dragonfly Kites by Tomson Highway, illustrated by Julie Flett [in Booklist]
Brothers Joe and Cody, their parents, and Cody’s dog, Ootsie, spend each summer near one of the hundreds of lakes in northern Manitoba, Canada. By naming and playing with sticks, stones, and even small animals, the brothers have no shortage of available “friends.” Their favorite activity is flying “dragonfly kites,” created by gently tying a thread around a dragonfly’s body and running behind their captives wherever they lead.
Originally published in 2002, this updated version possesses the necessary elements for a successful multicultural title: Highway’s story (part of his Magical Songs of the North Wind trilogy, featuring Joe and Cody) is bilingually presented in English and Cree, while Flett’s new illustrations of the vast outdoors are atmospheric gems. That said, the story’s disturbing core can’t be ignored: dragonfly kites are not humane. Even as the dragonflies are eventually released, the still-attached long threads don’t bode well for natural survival. Sensitive children might eschew this promising story; offering kinder options could prove necessary.
Review: “Books for Youth,” Booklist Online, January 7, 2016
Readers: Children
Published: 2002, 2016 (new edition)