Copyright Date:
2007
Edition Date:
2008
Release Date:
11/12/07
Pages:
1 volume (unpaged)
ISBN:
0-88995-406-2
ISBN 13:
978-0-88995-406-9
Dewey:
781.723
Dimensions:
28 cm. +
Language:
English
Reviews:
Horn Book
(Wed Apr 01 00:00:00 CDT 2009)
There's nothing "aboriginal" about "The Huron Carol," the seventeenth-century hymn written by a French missionary upon which this text is based. That's not the only culturally questionable claim: an unsourced introduction states that legendary Deganawideh is believed to be the reincarnation of Christ. Inuktitut translation and posterlike paintings by Canadian Aboriginal artist Moses Beaver add a veneer of authenticity.
Kirkus Reviews
This innovative interpretation of the Huron Carol, Canada's oldest Christmas carol, is a collaborative effort by three Canadians of different ethnic backgrounds. Bouchard, a Metis poet, revised the traditional words to the carol; Beaver, a First Nations artist, provided stunning illustrations; and Aglukark, an Inuit singer, sings the carol in both English and an Inuit language on an accompanying CD. The intriguing illustrations use vibrant colors, surrealistic images and traditional First Nations artistic elements to convey both the specifics of the carol's verses and the overall theme of the song. The carol's text in English is followed on each page by a translation into Inuktitut. This second language is identified by name only on the jacket flap copy and on the label of the CD, leaving readers who are unfamiliar with Canadian history puzzled as to the origins of the translation. A more specific author's note with background information on the Huron Carol and on the Inuktitut language would have extended the usefulness of this beautifully illustrated but ultimately rather mysterious volume. (Picture book. 5-9)
Before the angels stars grew dim <br > And wondering hunters heard their hymn <br > One mystic flute - one hundred drums <br > One message clear, "A King has come!" <br > Not one had ever seen the like <br > By light of day or moon of night <br > Before the angels stars grew dim <br > And wondering hunters heard this hymn. . .
An Aboriginal Carol is the ultimate Aboriginal collaboration:
Poetry by Metis poet David Bouchard. <br > Paintings by First Nations artist Moses Beaver. <br > Music by Inuit performer Susan Aglukark. <br >
Best-selling Canadian author David Bouchard reworks Canada's oldest and most well-known carol, The Huron Carol. The art of Moses Beaver, from the fly-in reserve of Summer Beaver, Ontario (Nikinamik), resonates and awakens an awareness that is at once exciting and empowering, a way for all people to understand the birth of Christ from an Aboriginal worldview. The pride of the north, Susan Aglukark, interprets, for the first time, the revered carol.
Written in English and in Inuktituk, the language of Canada's Inuit people, the book is accompanied by a CD, which includes a reading in both languages and a performance by Susan. Also available in French and Inuktituk. An Aboriginal Carol is certain to become a classic.