Wisahkecahk flies to the moon

Summary: Wisahkecahk Flies to the Moon is a story written especially for children by the noted Plains Cree scholar, Freda Ahenakew. In the introduction, the author explains why she has written this story about the Cree teacher and trickster in both English and Plains Cree. She recalls her uncle telling this story and she wants to pass on the story in the language to her grandchildren. This story is about Wisahkecahk and his attempt to go to the moon. He convinces Crane to fly him to the moon. On the trip, Wisahkecahk clings to Crane's legs and by the time they reach the moon's surface Crane's legs have stretched to great length. Crane returns home and Wisahkecahk thinks he will remain on the moon because the view of earth is wonderful. But something happens and the moon begins to shrink and finally disappears. Wisahkecahk falls back to earth. Because he created the things on earth Wisahkecahk wishes to fall in a soft spot. He lands in soft mud and becomes so angry at the mud that he curses the mud as a wasteland and calls it muskeg. Wisahkecahk tells the muskeg that it will have no value for humans. Each page is illustrated with wonderful colours and drawings by Sherry Farrell Racette that capture the mystery and beauty of the night sky. This book will delight young readers as it provides a well-told story in English, and the book can provide Cree language students with a traditional text to enjoy.