Traditional Literature

Dembicki, M. (Ed.). (2010). Trickster. Fulcrum Publishing. Ages 12+.

This graphic novel, edited and published as a collection by Matt Dembicki, includes 21 short stories written by Indigenous storytellers. Each tale is meant to educate and teach the reader a moral lesson by using a "trickster" character, often represented by different animals.

 Each of these tales was told by different Indigenous writers, all of whom worked with artists to bring their stories to life. Every story has its own art style and tone, with some stories being dark and serious to some having a comical twist. 

Some of the themes explored in these short stories involve death, greed, honesty, and humility. 

Below, we see some examples of the styles of art one can find in the book:

"Trickster and the Great Chief" told by David Smith and illustrated by Jerry Carr

This story leaves the reader with a moral lesson and reiterates a belief held by the author. 

"Rabbit and the Tug of War" told by Michael Thompson and illustrated by Jacob Warrenfeltz

This tale emphasizes the need for humility as the rabbit tricks the buffalo after having been scoffed at.  

"The Dangerous Beaver" told by Mary Eyley and illustrated by Jim8ball

"The Dangerous Beaver" tells of the importance of kind acts and being aware of your surroundings. 

Grimm, Jacob and Wilhelm. (1973). The Juniper Tree and Other Tales From Grimm. (Segal, L. Trans.; Sendak, M. Illus.). Farrar, Straus & Giroux. 

The Juniper Tree, translated by Lore Segal and illustrated by Maurice Sendak, was originally created by The Brothers Grimm. This collection explores German folktales, with some major themes of death, family conflict, and justice.

The stories included in this collection are dark and somewhat grotesque. For reference, in some of the tales, there is cannibalism and abuse. Although this is the case, most of the stories try to have a happy ending by giving the most noble character their justice. This can be seen in the first story called "The Three Feathers," where the youngest brother who was made fun of and called Dumbkin ends up inheriting his father's kingdom after outsmarting his two brothers. 

The illustrations in this collection are in black and white, yet they include a great amount of detail and add to the mood of the stories. 

"The Three Feathers" 

"Brother and Sister" 

              

"Fitcher's Feathered Bird"