The Animal People Choose a Leader by Richard Wagamese, Illustrated by Bridget George

Reviewed by Christina Barber

Richard Wagamese was a man whose soft-spoken and generous nature were evident in his writing and in his actions. His death in 2017 was felt keenly by Canada’s literary community. With the reissuing of Wagamese’s stories as illustrated children’s books, it has been a great comfort to reconnect with his courage, his humanity, and creative spirit, and to share those stories with a whole new generation.

The Animals Choose a New Leader, written by Richard Wagamese is an exceptional book that serves as a touchstone in these challenging times. With the tumultuous nature of global politics, it is difficult not only for the adults who have to navigate an ever-changing and hard-to-predict political landscape, but it is even more so for our children who do not have the background knowledge or lived experience to grasp and grapple with these same realities. Here, Wagamese’s story of Rabbit, Buffalo, Horse, Cougar, Eagle, and the other creatures of the Animal Kingdom tells of what it means to be a great leader and how to live as part of a community.

The story begins with the critters coming together to determine who will represent them. Everyone has a different idea of the necessary criteria; for some, it is strength and pride, for others it is knowledge and wisdom. As is so often the case, it is a race the animals decide that will determine who will be appointed to the prestigious and significant role. However, this is no ordinary race, and Eagle, who serves as an arbiter of sorts, has designed a challenging course around the lake that will test the mettle of all who seek the esteemed position. Wolverine, Horse, Buffalo, and Cougar, the obvious contenders all step up to the quest. But there is one more who seeks to complete the challenge, Wabooz the rabbit; and, as so happens time and again in a world where the loudest and the strongest succeed most easily, even among the animals, the quietest and most unassuming individuals are discouraged from trying, lest they fail. Rabbit perseveres, however, showing great courage, calling into question the assumptions and expectations of everyone around her and showing them that their greatest strength lies not in one individual but in shared leadership. A good leader understands that they do not act alone and that they need to bring people together; the community is stronger when it is united.

---

About the Author

Richard Wagamese, an Ojibway from the Wabaseemoong First Nation, was one of Canada’s foremost writers. His bestselling novels include Indian Horse, which earned an array of awards and was made into a feature film. He was also the author of highly praised memoirs and personal reflections, such as Embers and One Story, One Song, winner of the George Ryga Award for Social Awareness in Literature. Wagamese’s work was recognized with a National Aboriginal Achievement Award and the Writers’ Trust of Canada’s Matt Cohen Award. He died in 2017 in Kamloops, BC.

Bridget George is an Anishinaabe author-illustrator and graphic designer. She was raised on the Kettle and Stony Point First Nation and now lives in London, ON. George is the author of the 2020 book It’s a Mitig!, an acclaimed introduction to the Ojibway language for young readers. Her previous picture book collaboration with Richard Wagamese, The Animal People Choose a Leader, was a Top 20 BC Bestseller of 2024.

About the Reviewer

Christina Barber is a writer, dramaturge, artist, and educator based in Vancouver. Her poetry has appeared in The Whimsical Poet and contributed to the Vancouver City Poems Project.

Book Details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Douglas & McIntyre (Oct. 12 2024)

• Language ‏ : ‎ English

• Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 32 pages

• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1771624183

• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1771624183