Unwrapping
The Train
Written by Jodie Callaghan
Illustrated by Georgia Lesley
* Ages: 6-9
* Grade Level: 1-3
* Hardcover: 32 pages
* Publisher: Second Story Press, 2020
* Pub. Date: March 24, 2020
* Language: English
Praise for The Train
“Through Uncle's story, Callaghan (Mi'gmaq) presents a harsh topic in a gentle way. Lesley's soft color palette and expressive characters blend beautifully with the story without lifting its heaviness. Keeps a critical memory alive. ” - Kirkus Reviews
“Mi’gmaq author Jodie Callaghan has created a sensitive and flowing text that, in the course of describing a short afternoon’s encounter between a child and an elder, embodies a generation’s suffering. A touching line near the end of the story states, ‘I am waiting for what we lost that day to come back to us.’ But the hopeful note of Uncle’s pride in his young relatives leaves us waiting for better things too.” - CM: Canadian Review of Materials
Unwrapping Some Wonderful Illustrations for You
The Book
Ashley spots her uncle, all alone, waiting by the old train tracks on her way home from school. Whatever could he be doing there she wonders? When she gets closer to him she notices how sad he is and asks him why.
"I'm waiting for the train," he let out in a small voice."
Ashley looked down the old rotting tracks and giggled, "Uncle! The train doesn't come here anymore."
Ashley sees his deep sadness and shares it as he relates to her why he is feeling such deep sorrow now.
The train used to bring supplies to the community and then one day it didn't give... it took. It loaded up the children from the reserve and took them away to a residential school, away from their families, their traditions and were treated very cruelly. They were punished for speaking their native language, Mi-gmaq. They were forced to cut their long hair and to obey the priests and nuns who ruled over them with iron fists and brutality. He told her how difficult it was to be separated from his family and not have a voice. He became quiet " like a little mouse" and lived in the shadows, fearing the punishments that would be bestowed upon him. How he longed for the hugs and comfort that only his loving family could provide but was denied.
He confided to Ashley how her family, she and her sister, make him very happy now and have restored his hope for the future. He is waiting today by the tracks hoping that which was stolen from him will be returned.
This is a heartbreaking story really, a terrible and shameful time in Canadian history. It is told in simple words that children can understand. The illustrations are very well done and the colour pallet seems soothing in contrast to the harsh reality of the story. They enrich and soften the harshness of the text. The author has included a Glossary of Mi'gmaq Words at the end and a synopsis of that time period in history. I love books like this that keep history alive for new generations to grasp and grapple with, never to be repeated...ever... lest we forget. I highly recommend this book.
Meet the Author
Jodie Callaghan jodiecallaghan.com is a Mi'gmaq woman from the Listuguj First Nation in Gespegewa’gi near Quebec. She has always been drawn to story-telling and has found writing to be the best way to connect to her history and her culture. She was inspired to write The Train after listening to many people tell her about their residential school experience. Jodie is currently working as an adult education teacher in her community. She lives with her husband, child, and her two pugs.
About the Illustrator
Georgia Lesley is a Canadian-born professional artist and illustrator living in British Columbia's Cariboo region. She began illustrating in 2006 and strives to create a sense of depth, emotion, and visual storytelling to assist and enhance the written word.
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