Review - Singing Sisters: A Story of Humility

Singing Sisters: A Story of Humility (The Seven Teachings Stories)
by Katherena Vermette
illustrated by Irene Kuziw
Date: 2014
Publisher: HighWater Press
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 24
Format: e-book
Source: library

Ma'iingan knows she is a very good singer. Conflict erupts when her little sister wants to sing just like her.

Singing Sisters is one book in The Seven Teachings Stories series. The Seven Teachings of the Anishinaabe—love, wisdom, humility, courage, respect, honesty, and truth—are revealed in seven stories for children. Set in urban landscapes, Indigenous children tell familiar stories about home, school, and community.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This is a simple picture book with a sweet message. Ma'iingan likes to sing, and she sings everywhere she can. Her little sister wants to sing, too, but Ma'iingan seems to worry about her sibling stealing the spotlight. When her mother convinces her that there's enough singing to go around, Ma'iingan decides she can share the gift of song and even helps her sister improve her skills.

There's nothing that really stood out to me, good or bad, about this one. The writing is solid and the pictures are okay. I was a little confused, though, about the pronunciation guide at the back for Anishnaabemowin words because, aside from Ma'iingan's name, there doesn't seem to be any Indigenous vocabulary in the book at all. That was a little disappointing.

Overall, though, this would be a good book for kids who might be having issues with sibling rivalry, reminding them that one person's talent doesn't necessarily diminish another's, and that singing is something that's meant to be shared.

Premise: 4/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 4/5
Illustrations: 3/5
Originality: 3/5

Enjoyment: 3/5

Overall: 3.33 out of 5