Jigging for Halibut With Tsinii

Robert Davidson author Sara Florence Davidson author Janine Gibbons illustrator

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Portage & Main Press

Published:11th Nov '21

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Jigging for Halibut With Tsinii cover

A Haida boy learns important life lessons from his grandfather in this “love letter to Elders” (David A. Robertson).

Off the northern tip of Haida Gwaii, a boy goes fishing with his tsinii, his grandfather. As they watch the weather, jig for halibut, and row with the tides, there's more to learn from Tsinii than how to catch a fish.

Based on Haida artist Robert Davidson's own experiences with Tsinii (his grandfather), this tender story highlights intergenerational knowledge and authentic learning experiences.

Off the northern tip of Haida Gwaii, a boy goes fishing with Tsinii, his grandfather. As they watch the weather, jig for halibut, and row with the tides, the boy realizes there’s more to learn from Tsinii than how to catch a fish.

Written by the creators of Potlatch as Pedagogy, this book brings the Sk'ad'a Principles to life through the art of Janine Gibbons.

My father said once that we cannot forget the importance of Elders. He was worried that we don’t respect them like we used to, and wanted that to change. This book is a love letter to Elders, who are our doorway to the past, to the traditions, languages, and ways of living that give us not just identity, but life. It is at once poetic and calming, in both its words and illustrations, and gifts knowledge to us from those that have been entrusted with it.

-- David A. Robertson, Governor General's Award-winning author

I love this story! Beautifully illustrated. Beautifully told.

-- Katherena Vermette, The Girl and the Wolf

Sara and Robert Davidson share a beautiful and tenderly written story that takes readers out for a day on the ocean with Robert and Tsinii (his grandpa). We are introduced to gaffs and jigging, the movements of the tides and skies, and the importance of traditional harvesting. Janine Gibbons’s artwork poetically captures the coastal atmosphere, and the love and care between grandson and grandfather. Absolutely stunning.

-- Julie Flett, author/illustrator Birdsong

Among The Globe and Mail's Kids' Books Gift Guide

* The Globe and Mail *

Evocative and full of care, this beautiful book is an inspiring testimonial to the power of family relationships and the natural world.

* The Charity Report *

Among CBC Books The Best Canadian Picture Books of 2021

* CBC Books *

A heartwarming story that shares a piece of Davidson’s life and culture with young readers. The writing is strong...pulling readers into the story. The illustrations are gorgeous [and] full of life.
Highly Recommended.

* CM Association *
Among Top Recommended Reads for TD Summer Reading Club 2023 * TD Summer Reading Cl

  • Short-listed for Manuela Dias Book Design and Illustration Awards, Children’s Illustration 2022 (Canada)
  • Short-listed for Mary Scorer Award for Best Book by a Manitoba Publisher 2022 (Canada)
  • Long-listed for First Nations Communities READ 2022 (Canada)

ISBN: 9781553799818

Dimensions: 229mm x 206mm x 8mm

Weight: 323g

40 pages