Book review: We Dream Medicine Dreams
By Carrie MacKenzie
We Dream Medicine Dreams written and illustrated by Lisa Bovin is a beautiful and moving story of a young girl saying goodbye to her dying grandfather who is in a coma in the hospital. She talks to him about the teachings that he passed on to her and how they are giving her strength as she deals with losing him. This book is geared towards children ages 5-8.
The story deals with death in a gentle and age-appropriate way. It handles the sadness the child feels but also focuses on the positive memories she has of being with her grandfather and the teachings he passed on to her. As she lays beside him saying goodbye, she tells him what they mean to her. The use of animal characteristics as well as those of the land, referring to them as gifts, shows the reader how to use them in their lives to deal with difficult situations. This prevents the reader from becoming emotionally overwhelmed by a difficult subject.
The language used is age-appropriate. The message in the book will be understood by the audience allowing them to process it and use it to grow stronger. It helps them from being overwhelmed by such a painful topic.
When referring to the teachings of her grandfather, the little girl calls them gifts, deepening and expanding the meaning of the word teachings. This allows the reader to see them in a different light. This opens the reader’s mind to different perspectives.
The language also creates amazing imagery allowing the reader to create mental pictures of their own. This enhances their creativity and their own visual images give them a sense of ownership and investment in the story.
The illustrations throughout this book are both stunning and breathtaking. They are full of amazing details and vibrant colours adding to the beauty and impact of the gifts that are being imparted to the reader. Again, this element helps to keep the reader engaged in the story. The illustrations also help to set and add to the character of the story.
This story has a tone that is gentle and loving, mirroring the relationship between a child and their grandparents. This hinders the reader from being overwhelmed emotionally allowing them to focus on the message of the book. It is therefore easier to process the message despite the sadness of losing a grandparent.
Indigenous culture is something else that is on full display in this story. This is exemplified by the teachings and the style of the illustrations. This has a two-fold effect on the audience. Indigenous children reading this book, get a sense of comfort and pride in seeing their culture brought to life. Also, non-Indigenous readers are given exposure to these aspects of Indigenous culture. As well, children relate to animals in a meaningful way. So, using animals and their characteristics to pass along these teachings helps keep their attention on what is being passed on. This also makes it easier for children the process difficult topics.
We Dream Medicine Dreams is an amazing story. It is beautiful both visually and linguistically. It would be a wonderful addition to any library both public and private.
Lisa Bovin, We Dream Medicine Dreams, (Winnipeg: Highwater Press, 2021).
ISBN: 9781553799870