Veronika Barinova – illustratör

Return to a world of action and ancestral wisdom in The Search for Gluscap, a high-stakes children’s graphic novel for readers ages 6 to 8 rooted in Mi’kmaq culture.It’s salmon season, but the river is hauntingly empty. In this contemporary setting, Mali’s family faces a devastating reality: the fish aren't coming back. Seeking to understand the exploitation of natural resources, Mali and Puug discover a grim truth—the logging industry has choked the waterways with debris, poisoning the river and its sacred Water Guardian.The giant serpent, suffering from the toxic legacy of lumber mills, can no longer distinguish friend from foe. To save the river and ensure sustainability for future generations, Mali and Puug must embark on an urgent quest that will teach them the vital importance of environmental stewardship and social justice.Their only hope lies in finding Gluscap (Glooscap), the legendary protector of all living things. But the great hero has been missing for ages.Blending fast-paced children’s fiction with traditional Indigenous knowledge, this graphic novel honors the oral culture, language, and storytelling traditions of First Nations peoples.Core theme: An accessible, age-appropriate look at the impact of colonialism on the land.Cultural perspective: A unique Pacifique Mi’kmaw lens on nature, community balance, and ecosystem interconnectivity.The series: The thrilling second volume in the acclaimed Adventures of the Pugulatmu’j series by Mi’kmaw creator Brandon Mitchell.Can Mali and Puug find Gluscap before the Serpent Guardian is lost forever? Or will the salmon—and an entire way of life—vanish from the river?