The Naming of Aki

K-Gr 5–There is no better way to flip the perspective of taking from the earth to caring for the earth than by introducing students to traditional Native American stories and to the stewardship practiced by Native Americans. Unfortunately, there are still few current Native American stories for children. Peacock, an elder and an educator and Horner step into this gap by retelling the traditional Ojibwe creation story where First Human and Ma’iingan, the wolf, are called upon by the Creator to name everything on Nimaamaa Aki, or Mother Earth. Ma’iingan and First Human journey together through the splendor of our planet, picking “beautiful” names for everything, including the wind, the sounds, the emotions, and the animals. Horner’s vibrant illustrations vividly show readers the wonder experienced by the two traveling companions. But the telling lacks dramatic tension and neglects the specific events that created the deep relationship between Ma’iingan and First Human. Although this provides a broad, beautiful overview of the naming experience, there is a good chance that children today will remain unmoved.