SkySisters

Summary of Book

Two Ojibway sisters set off across the frozen north country to see the SkySpirits' midnight dance. It isn't easy for the younger sister to be silent, but gradually she begins to treasure the stillness and the wonderful experiences it brings. After an exhilarating walk and patient waiting, the girls are rewarded by the arrival of the SkySpirits --- the northern lights --- dancing and shimmering in the night sky. This powerful story, with its stunning illustrations, captures the chill of a northern night, the warmth of the family circle and the radiance of a child's wonder.

Author Biography

Jan Bourdeau Waboose is a Nishnawbe Ojibway from Northern Ontario who based SkySisters on her own childhood experiences and her relationship with her older sister.

In her writing, she tries to convey the Indigenous life she sees in her family, friends and community - a larger, fuller picture than the stereotypes prevalent in North American society, she says.

In the late 1960s, Jan began a long-term relationship with the Indian Bands of Ontario, working with them for ten years and eventually heading their child welfare program. Her interest in writing developed in tandem with this organizational work. She has written for many Indigenous magazines and newspapers on issues connected with child welfare. She has also tried to correct inaccurate media portrayals of Indigenous people and Indigenous life. And she has written personal material - stories and poems - which now, increasingly, are being published.

Illustrator Biography

Brian Deines is an acclaimed children’s book illustrator who has been nominated for the Governor General’s Award for Illustration, the Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Award and the Lillian Shepherd Memorial Award, among others. He has illustrated such varied titles as The Hockey Tree, On a Snowy Night, The Road to Afghanistan and The Vimy Oaks: A Journey to Peace.

Brian is a native of Red Deer, Alberta. He graduated from the Alberta College of Art. Before becoming an artist, he spent time as a ""roughneck and a rigger"" on the oilfields of Alberta and as a groundskeeper at a golf and country club. Brian also enjoys hockey, bicycling, photography and music. He lives in Toronto with his family.