Every once in a while, a children’s book comes along that warms both the heart and the stomach. Awâsis and the World-Famous Bannock, written by Dallas Hunt and illustrated by Amanda Strong, is one of those stories — a tender, sensory-rich tale that celebrates Cree language, community, and the shared joy of food.
The story opens with young Awâsis spending her usual Sunday with her Kôhkum (grandmother). This time, Kôhkum asks her to deliver some of her “world-famous bannock” to a relative. What begins as a simple errand quickly turns into a culinary adventure when Awâsis accidentally drops the bannock into a river. Heartbroken and unsure what to do, she journeys through the forest, meeting a series of animal friends who each offer her an ingredient to make things right.
Each encounter reveals a key part of Kôhkum’s bannock recipe: Sîsîp the duck offers tohtosapopimehkan (margarine), Wâpos the rabbit gives askipahkwesikan (flour), Ayîkis the frog contributes sîwinikan (sugar), and Ôhô the owl adds sîwihtâkan (salt). Finally, Maskwa the bear delivers tohtôsâpoy (milk), completing the circle of generosity. These animal helpers — called “other-than-human relatives” in Cree worldview — embody the book’s central message: we thrive through reciprocity, kindness, and respect for all living beings.
Dallas Hunt, a member of Wapisewsipi (Swan River First Nation), writes with warmth and rhythm, weaving Cree words naturally into the story. The language flows gently, accompanied by a pronunciation guide and a full bannock recipe at the end, inviting readers to both learn and taste. Hunt’s author’s note explains his choice to include different variations of words like Kôhkum, emphasizing that language revitalization is about inclusivity and joy. The book truly lives up to its promise of celebrating “the revitalization of Cree dialects and traditional Indigenous methods of storytelling.” https://english.ubc.ca/profile/dallas-hunt/
From a foodie’s perspective, this book is irresistible. The inclusion of Kôhkum’s World-Famous Bannock recipe transforms reading into a hands-on experience. Children can mix flour, margarine, sugar, salt, and milk — speaking Cree words as they bake — and discover that the story’s message of sharing continues in their own kitchen. The recipe’s closing line, “Be sure to share it with your friends,” beautifully echoes the story’s heart. Make a batch of Bannock in our Recipe section and get your kids involved…they’ll love eating their creations!
Amanda Strong’s illustrations are a feast for the eyes. The pages shimmer with deep forest greens, sky blues, and warm earth tones, evoking the rich textures of nature. Her signature stop-motion style gives the characters a sculptural, almost cinematic quality — you can feel the softness of Wâpos’s fur and the glow of the bannock baking in the oven. https://www.instagram.com/gidagaakoons_/?hl=en
Together, Hunt and Strong create an experience that transcends a typical picture book. Awâsis and the World-Famous Bannock is an invitation to listen, taste, and connect — to remember that food, like language, is a vessel of culture and love. Order this lovely book at https://www.portageandmainpress.com/Books/A/Awasis-and-the-World-Famous-Bannock or win a copy in our Giveaway section.
For parents, educators, and food lovers alike, this book offers a recipe for more than bannock. It’s a recipe for togetherness, gratitude, and the sweet satisfaction of learning something new — one Cree word, one crumb, and one story at a time.
Contents and images used with permission by Highwater Press. https://www.portageandmainpress.com/Books/A/Awasis-and-the-World-Famous-Bannock