Graphic Novel Review- "Adventures of Rabbit and Bear Paws-Bear Walker"

(Image taken from www.rabbitandbearpaws.com)

Graphic Novel Review By Christine McFarlane

Adventures of Rabbit and Bear Paws-Bear Walker

Published in 2011-32 pages full colour

$11.95 CDN

“Adventures of Rabbit and Bear Paws: Bear Walker,” is another delightful read for fans of Anishnaabe author Chad Solomon and his Adventures of Rabbit and Bear Paw graphic novel series.

Bear Walker is a full color graphic novel that is available in paperback only. Bear Walker, like Solomon’s other graphic novels, which are based on the 7 Grandfather teachings are set in 18^th century colonized North America, and follows the adventures of two Ojibway brothers.

The oldest brother is Rabbit, is a shrewd and headstrong little guy who is always looking for something fun and interesting to do and then there is his younger brother Bear Paws who is a 10-year-old boy, a “Little Giant” of a kid who loves to spend time with his brother playing jokes on people and animals. Bear Paws is also the older brother who will jump in and save Rabbit from schemes and adventures gone awry.

The two brothers are good, likable kids, who sprinkle themselves with spirit powder to transform into animals. They are always trying to get out of trouble, and trying to get out of chores. In “Bear Walker,” the first snow of winter has fallen on the village and the characters Rabbit and Bear Paws set out with their friend Strawberry to do a little tobogganing. As always, mischief and adventure are there to greet them when they encounter a mysterious Tall Bear. With the help of their mom, Clover Blossom, the two boys learn some important lessons about humility.

Young readers, and big kids at heart will enjoy following the adventures of Solomon and Meyer’s energetic young characters, and the joking and ironic word plays between the Ojibwe adults, children and animals. Solomon’s artwork is eye catching and appealing, and the dialogue between the characters is easy to follow. If you want a great book for your child, the “Adventures of Rabbit and Bear Paws: Bear Walker” is one to pick up.

Adventures of Rabbit and Bear Paws, “Bear Walker” is written by Chad Solomon, Christopher Meyer and Spirit Bear Productions. Artwork is also done by Chad Solomon. You can order this 32 page full colour graphic novel through www.goodminds.com 


For other books by Chad Solomon, please visit his website www.rabbitandbearpaws.com You can also see more Adventures of Rabbit and Bear Paws comics in Anishinabek News at www.anishinabek.ca