I Sang You Down From the Stars

I Sang You Down From the Stars is, quite simply, the best book available in the “Welcome Baby” category. Lapping all others right out the gates, this picture book written by Tasha Spillett-Sumner and illustrated by Michaela Goade will make every child who hears it feel special, while simultaneously imparting a prevalent Indigenous worldview. As an instant timeless classic, I Sang You Down From the Stars will appeal to all ages. In particular, it’s an ideal gift for new parents and an effective tool for Indigenizing curriculum in preschool, Kindergarten, and Grade 1.

The narration is comprised of a mother (the narrator) addressing her newly born baby in second person point of view to explain how she prepared for their arrival. The story follows the mother’s description of the items she collects for the baby’s “bundle” (including a feather she finds and a quilt she sews). She explains both how these items relate to her—“With each stitch, I whispered a prayer for you and thought about wrapping you up warm and safe, just like you are now in my belly”—and how they will help the baby. For example, “Medicines of cedar and sage are for you to keep your spirit strong.” I Sang You Down From the Stars culminates in the baby’s birth and introduction to their community: “You brought them so much love and joy. I saw that you, my baby, are also a sacred bundle. You are my baby bundle.”

Spillett-Sumner’s author’s note explains that the book “shines a light on the traditional understanding of my Nation, the Inniniwak, and many other Indigenous peoples globally: that babies choose their parents. It also shows the mindful preparation that is involved in getting ready to welcome a baby into a family and a community.” I Sang You Down From the Stars does indeed accomplish all of this—and so much more.

The tender written text is beautiful enough on its own to carry the work, but Goade’s illustrations elevate this picture book to a near-mystical level. With soft watercolours, undulating lines, and images of the natural world on every page, the pictures clearly demonstrate the human connection with the natural world. The visual depiction of the narrator-mother shifts subtly yet powerfully from a pragmatic woman going about her daily work to a goddess-like figure engaged in the greatest creation work humans are capable of. The words tell listeners that new life is sacred; the illustrations show it. In light of current reconciliation efforts and initiatives to Indigenize various curricula, these images of the excruciatingly adorable infant gazing wide-eyed at their mother and being protected by her encircling embrace will provide a meaningful context for early childhood and primary programs dedicated to teaching about the residential school system and its ensuing generational trauma. Any reader would be hard-pressed to imagine this intimate mother-child pair being forcibly separated without grievous harm.

Goade’s artist’s note explains that she chose visual cues to “create a flow of energy that connects all living things on a metaphorical level and connects one page to the next on a literal level,” which helps readers “visualize the connections to land, culture, family, and identity.” These intentions radiate clearly from the illustrations throughout I Sang You Down From the Stars.

Everybody everywhere should acquire at least one copy of I Sang You Down From the Stars. Better still, families should keep multiple copies on hand ready to be gifted, librarians should fill their shelves with this sure-to-be-soon-in-high-demand picture book, and teachers everywhere should purchase classroom sets to anchor their Indigenizing curriculum activities. Check into various government grants and funding opportunities—there are plenty across Canada that could support these institutional purchases.