The Animal People Choose a Leader: A Richard Wagamese Storybook (Hardcover, 2025)

For the first time, a children's book by renowned Ojibwe author Richard Wagamese! Book 1 in a new series, The Richard Wagamese Storybook Collection, with illustrations by the award-winning illustrator of Autumn Peltier, Water Warrior.

The Animal People Choose a Leader is the first book in a new series that brings the unmistakable voice of beloved author Richard Wagamese to children. This tradition-steeped story meditates on the unifying power of wisdom, kindness and respect. Wagamese's original fable is paired with glorious illustrations by award-winning Anishinaabe artist Bridget George.

In the "Long Ago Time" when animals of all kinds shared a common language, they gathered to choose a leader from amongst themselves. The candidates--swift Horse, strong Buffalo, wily Cougar, and stealthy Wolverine--were about to begin a race to determine the winner when they were joined by an unlikely contender: gentle, earnest Waabooz the rabbit.

During four eventful laps around a foreboding mountaintop lake, the competitors come to realize the limits of self-reliance and physical force. Along the way, they discover the power of humility, empathy and loving attachment to the land. Wagamese's powerful storytelling and George's evocative artwork bring this poignant tale to life with the piercing clarity and lyrical richness of all great fables.