In Caroll Simpson’s third book inspired by the art and legends of the First Peoples of the Pacific Northwest, she takes readers to the underwater world of Salmon, Killer Whale, Dogfish, Halibut and Sea Wolf. She also introduces readers to the powers of Thunderbird and Gray Whale and teaches the important lesson of how working together makes everyone stronger.
Written for children aged 3 to 8, this charming tale of the transformation of greedy twins into hardworking, generous people illustrates the downfalls and dangers of selfishness. Featuring Caroll’s distinctive colour paintings, The Salmon Twins is intended to spark interest in the art and culture of all First Peoples. A glossary of legendary mythical creatures and to the sea life in the oceans of the Pacific Northwest provides an informative backdrop for her dramatic tale.
When new twins are born in the village, everyone celebrates. The birth of twins is a rare and special occasion; they are the children of the salmon. But as the twins grow, they become selfish and greedy. Their mother warns the twins that selfishness and greed are not the way of their people, but the twins don’t listen. Seeing the twins fighting and arguing, Thunderbird is not happy and transforms them into a Two-Headed Sea Serpent and drops them into the ocean.
Once transformed, the twins must learn to work together as one. On their journey, they encounter Killer Whale, Dogfish, Sea Wolf and other magical, mythological figures. Only if the Two-Headed Sea Serpent learns to share will the twins be able to regain their human forms.
Caroll Simpson taught art and drama to grade-school children for many years before buying a remote fishing lodge, called Ookpik Wilderness Lodge, in the northern interior of British Columbia. Located on Babine Lake, it is accessible only by boat or float plane in the summer and by snowshoe during the winter. Caroll spends her off-season writing, painting and observing animals and nature. She enjoys giving interactive presentations to schoolchildren and encouraging them to write their own stories. She is also the author of The First Beaver and The First Mosquito.
