Before the angels stars grew dim
And wondering hunters heard their hymn
One mystic flute-one hundred drums
One message clear, "A King has come!"
Not one had ever seen the like
By light of day or moon of night
Before the angels stars grew dim
And wondering hunters heard this hymn…

An Aboriginal Carol is the ultimate Aboriginal collaboration: poetry by Metis poet David Bouchard, paintings by First Nations artist Moses Beaver, and the music of Inuit song writer Susan Aglukark.

Best-selling Canadian author David Bouchard reworks Canada's oldest and most well-known carol, The Huron Carol. The art of Moses Beaver, from the fly-in reserve of Summer Beaver, Ontario (Nikinamik), resonates and awakens an awareness that is at once exciting and empowering a way for all people to understand the birth of Christ from an Aboriginal worldview. The pride of the north, Susan Aglukark, interprets, for the first time, the revered carol.

Written in English and in Inuktituk, the language of Canada's Inuit people, the book is accompanied by a CD, which includes a reading in both languages and a performance by Susan. An Aboriginal Carol is certain to become a classic.

Awards/Recognition:

One Red Deer Press title has been selected as one of the 250 outstanding new international books for children and young adults to be included in The White Ravens 2008. An Aboriginal Carol was selected from thousands of review copies from various publishers, authors, illustrators, and organizations throughout the world. Books for the White Ravens 2008 exhibition will be presented at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair at the White Ravens booth/stand, and bibliographic and review information will be included in the White Ravens 2008 catalogue.

AUTHOR'S COMMENT:

I cannot express the honour and the pleasure I feel at being able to work with such talented individuals. My legacy will surely be that of a man able to sell his heart and his vision to others. Thank you Moses and Susan, Northern Cree and Allan Sapp, Yang and Michael Lonechild… Marcee Nokum.