The Cedar Mother - (Mothers of Xsan) by Hetxw'ms Gyetxw Brett D Huson (Hardcover)

About the Book

Step outside to explore the cedar tree life cycle in this beautifully illustrated non-fiction book for young scientists ages 9 to 12. This book invites young readers to discover the life of a tree that is much more than meets the eye, offering lessons in interconnectedness, and in wisdom passed down through generations.

Book Synopsis

Step outside to explore the hidden mysteries of the cedar tree life cycle in this beautifully illustrated, engaging non-fiction book for young scientists ages 9 to 12.

Meet Nox Sim Gan, the cedar mother, whose life cycle spans centuries and whose roots anchor the landscape. The cedar mother plays a vital role in the ecosystem: offering shelter for birds in her strong limbs, providing refuge for small creatures beneath her bark, and healing the Gitxsan with a medicinal tea made from her soft, green leaves. She also creates the very oxygen that all land-dwelling creatures need to breathe.

Delve into the remarkable story of the western red cedar as you learn how she nourishes herself through an unexpected connection to salmon, the secret web of life that thrives beneath the ground, and how, at the end of her life, she leaves a final gift for the Gitxsan. This book invites young readers to discover the life of a tree that is much more than meets the eye, offering lessons in interconnectedness, and in wisdom passed down through generations.

Review Quotes

The Cedar Mother is the newest offering in Brett D. Huson's award-winning Mother of Xsan series, which now consists of eight beautifully illustrated books that share his Gitxsan culture, nature and knowledge. The story of The Cedar Mother emphasizes her "importance to the surrounding ecosystem....Her bark allowed the Gitxsan to create clothing; her trunk was used to build homes and craft tools; her roots became ropes; and her sapling made teas and medicines.