ALA Booklist (Mon Nov 01 00:00:00 CST 1993)

This picture book for older readers is a handsome, striking showcase for 17 full-color, multimedia paintings by Plains Cree artist Littlechild. Each is introduced by comments from the artist, who reveals the meaning he hoped to communicate in the work. Reflecting on his humorous, rueful painting Columbus First Saw in which he pictures a man totally surprised by the sight of Columbus, Littlechild notes that knowing what I do now of our history, I would have offered Columbus a meal and a place to stay and treated him as a guest, but I would not have allowed him to take away our land. The notes for the title painting, This Land Is My Land include Littlechild's reflections on whether land can actually be owned and a reminder that all this land was once Indian land. The book answers the need for multicultural art resources and will serve as a window to Littlechild's work to date. (Reviewed Nov. 1, 1993)

Horn Book

Through poignant words and vibrant, multimedia collage paintings, Littlechild, a member of the Plains Cree Nation, shares his interpretation of the disastrous impact of white culture on the lives of his people. Reverence for his ancestors and the difficulties of growing up Native American are themes that reoccur in this innovative resource, which offers readers an exciting mix of history, autobiography, and social commentary by an authentic voice.

Kirkus Reviews

A book like a gallery tour narrated by an earnest, engaging artist. Littlechild, of the Plains Cree Nation, explains 17 of his vivid mixed-media paintings on Native American themes. Incorporating feathers, beads, sequins, shells, gummed stars, photos, toy horses, and rhythmic patterns of dots, bars, and scratched lines, his pictures (and text) are superimposed on pages printed to look like yellow leather. In words and images, a personalized expression of the pain and beauty of Indian history and culture. (Picture book. 6-10)"

School Library Journal

Gr 3-6-Littlechild's personal observations and autobiographical memories are woven with snippets of history in this short but powerful book. The author is a member of the Plains Cree Nation, the largest Indian nation in Canada. He grew up in Alberta and makes numerous references to the pain and suffering inflicted on his people. He mentions the fact that children were forcefully taken from parents to be ``re-educated'' in boarding schools, the cruelty and abuse many encountered there, and the unlawful seizure of land and other acts of injustice. The author's close connection to his immediate past is represented by a series of sepia-toned photographs of his ancestors, incorporated into some of his paintings. His art is powerful, primitive, and childlike in style-large shapes with little detail. He makes bold use of color, employing unusual juxtaposition. And in spite of the deep symbolism, the paintings are playful and fun. Although the information presented here is not in the form that is usually requested for school reports, it is insightful and deeply touching.-Alexandra Marris, Rochester Public Library, NY