Let’s Go! haw êkwa!

An ode to the skatepark, Let’s Go! haw êkwa! by Julie Flett is a story about perseverance and community.

A little boy watches the skateboarders from his window each day. When he is given his mom’s old skateboard he learns the value of perseverance when trying something new. He also learns the importance of building community.

In most places across the country, you will find skateparks full of skaters, scooter riders and bikers and it has always struck me how inclusive these spaces are. Old and young, experts and beginners all coexisting in this microcosm of a working community. Julie Flett takes that spirit and joy and infuses it into her new picture book, sharing with readers the importance of trying something new and also supporting and encouraging others.

I love how Julie Flettt conveys a whole world with her simple, short text. It’s a story that is easily shareable with early years readers as well as those who are a little older. The repetition of “Let’s Go! haw êkwa! Throughout the story encourages young readers to join in the reading and makes the story feel active instead of passive. The “cacussh! Cacussh! Cacussh!” of the skateboard is visceral and easily recognizable as part of the soundtrack of summer at the park.

I really love the dedication at the beginning of the book as well as the author’s note at the end. I always love to know where the inspiration for a story comes from so I really appreciate these little insights into the spark.

Julie Flett’s illustrations are beautiful as always. A simple, earthy colour palette and easily recognizable places and faces are part of her signature style which fills the pages and draws in the readers.