Science and Storytelling

If you are familiar with the Mothers of Xsan series by Hetxw’ms Gyetxw and Natasha Donovan you have probably been eagerly anticipating this third book in the series, The Frog Mother. If you are not familiar, you are in for a treat. The whole series is a brilliant combination of science, traditional knowledge and storytelling.

Among the Gitxsan, the frog is revered as a storyteller, due to its long tongue. The Gitxsan believe it can speak all languages and knows the knowledge of the universe. As important members of the ecosystems of the Gitxsan Territories, it is of much importance to learn of their life cycle and how they support the ecosystem. Using a scientific approach, readers learn about the lifecycle and the adaptations of the Colombian Spotted Frog. Their metamorphosis from tadpole to frog, their winter behaviour and when they themselves become the frog mother.

What stands out about this series and this book in particular is it combines so many different elements to create a beautiful narrative about the frog mother. Using scientific fact and a storyteller’s heart, readers receive full knowledge of the frog. 

I loved how instead of a glossary, words are defined right on the page where they appear so that readers don't have to jump all around to fully understand what is being conveyed. Hetxw’ms Gyetxw provides readers with information about the lives and territory of the Gitxsan Nation as well as the names of all the moons in a year cycle.

The illustrations by Natasha Donovan are striking and complex. Flowing from season to season, they contain traditional symbolism and fill each two page spread with colour and movement. Readers will be transported to the Northwest Interior of British Columbia into the lakes and rivers with the frog mother.