Picture Book Review: The Moose of Ewenki by Gerelchimeg Blackcrane

Image: Greystone Books

The Moose of Ewenki by Gerelchimeg Blackcrane. Illustrated by Jiu Er. 68 p. Greystone Kids/ Greystone Books, September, 2019. 9781771645386. (Review of finished copy courtesy of publicist.)

I dare you to resist the lure of this fantastic cover! Take a real close look. Note the detail - the brushstrokes, the long lashes and the insouciant stare.  Prepare to fall in love. If you're reading it aloud, prepare for that blessed hush that happens when the audience is rapt.

The opening double-page spread introduces the reader to the Reindeer Ewenki, who live in the Greater Hinggan Mountains in Northern China. An elder, named Gree Shek has been waiting to ambush a moose all night and is successful. This spread shows the hunter and his hound headed toward their prey. The detail in each of these two spreads (indeed in every illustration) invites lingering. There is such careful attention to detail. 

Sadly, Gree Shek has killed a mother moose and her calf is trembling in nearby shrubs. The old man calms his dog and offers his hand to the poor, motherless calf, who follows him home. And proceeds to wreak havoc in the campsite. Even so, he becomes part of the camp and makes himself quite at home among the Ewenki and the reindeer. Gree Shek names him Xiao Han, little moose. But Gree Shek is elderly and he understands his time is limited. When he injures himself and needs to seek care in the village down the mountain, Xiao Han follows. But he is not suited to life among humans there. 

Perhaps, neither is Gree Shek. He returns to the mountains and brings Xiao Han deep into the forest, where he chases him away. Gree Shek does not return to the Ewenki though. He dies in the forest, with his trusty dog at his side. His dog remains even after Gree Shek is buried. The Ewenki never return to that part of the forest again. The giant moose remains though, guarding the forest and his dead hunter.

This story is so powerful, I am sure that whomever you read it to will ask, "Is this true?" You can say with certainty, "Yes." Share this widely. You will not be disappointed. Beautiful storytelling by a Chinese bestselling author accompanied by stunning illustrations, this story of kindness and nature should have universal appeal. Highly recommended.