Accompanied by award-winning illustrator Bridget George's luminous artwork, this tradition-steeped story from renowned author Richard Wagamese meditates on the unifying powers of wisdom, kindness and respect with all the visionary clarity of our most essential legends.

The unmistakable voice of revered Ojibway author Richard Wagamese returns with this moving tale, beautifully illustrated by original work from Anishinaabe artist Bridget George.

The story unfolds in a "Long Ago Time" when animals of all kinds share a common language and gather to solemnly consider which of them should be their leader. After hearing boasts about the qualities of the candidates—Horse's fleetness, Buffalo's stamina, Cougar's patience, Wolverine's stealth—the conference decides to settle the matter with a race between the challengers around a foreboding mountaintop lake. And there will be one more contestant of the most unlikely sort: a small, charmingly humble rabbit named Waabooz, whose chances are considered slim by all.

In the action that follows, described with the piercing clarity and richness of any great legend, Wagamese and George gracefully convey the limits of physical force and the quietly irresistible energies of humility, empathy and a loving attachment to the land. Unforgettable for its lyrical power and poignant message, The Animal People Choose a Leader is yet another example of the late author's unique gifts as a storyteller, and a welcome reminder of his honoured place in Canadian writing. (From Douglas & McIntyre)

The Animal People Choose a Leader is for ages 5-9.

Richard Wagamese was an Ojibway writer from the Wabaseemoong First Nation in Ontario. He is the author of six novels, including Indian Horse, which was a finalist on Canada Reads 2013, defended by Carol Huynh. He also wrote a collection of poetry and three memoirs.

Bridget George is an Anishinaabe writer and illustrator from London, Ont. She was raised on the Kettle and Stony Point First Nation, and she belongs to the bear clan. Her first picture book that she also wrote was It's a Mitig!. She has illustrated numerous children's books including Autumn Peltier, Water Warrior by Carole Lindstrom.