Description
The Frog Mother is the fourth book in the Mothers of Xsan series by author Hetxw’ms Gyetxw, Brett D. Huson, of Gitxsan Nation of the Northwest Interior of British Columbia, and illustrated by Natasha Donovan, Metis Nation of British Columbia. The Frog Mother describes Nox Ga’naaw a storyteller and speaker of truths of the universe to the Gitxsan of Northwestern British Columbia. When Nox Ga’naaw, the frog mother, releases her eggs among the aquatic plants of a pond, and the tiny tadpoles are left to fend for themselves. As they hatch, grow legs, and transform into their adult selves, they must avoid the mouths of hungry predators. Will the young frogs survive to lay their own eggs, continuing a cycle 200 million years in the making? This book explores the life cycle and special significance of the Columbia Spotted Frog to the Gitxsan, and how Nox Ga’naaw and her offspring are essential to the balance that is life. In The Frog Mother Gitxsan words and formline art return readers to the valley of the River of Mists. Textboxes with descriptive vocabulary further explain the illustrations and text. There is information about the Gitxsan Nation territory, lineage, rights and clans. Gitxsan moons and a map are also included.