A 2013 story from the Ojibway author Richard Wagamese's posthumous One Drum is excerpted and abridged to create The Animal People Choose a Leader, an affecting, melodic picture book about how, in a time when all the animals could understand one another, they came together to choose a commander.
Each animal has a different idea about what physical qualities might make a good leader, so they confer and decide a race will determine the outcome. Horse, Buffalo, Wolverine, Cougar, and Rabbit all enter the race. Anishinaabe author/illustrator Bridget George (It's a Mitig!) provides stunning, evocative full-bleed illustrations that highlight the wonder of the natural world while encouraging a closer look at the familiar. The layered colors that compose the animals and plant life is rendered in a soothing, warmly earth-toned palette. When Rabbit appears the ultimate victor, she refuses the role: "I understand that when all our energies are directed toward the same goal, there is no need for one to lead. We all help each other complete the journey." --Michelle Anya Anjirbag, freelance reviewer