Heart Berry Moon: A Native Tale of Forgiveness and the First Strawberry (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9798295837500)

Under the glow of the Heart Berry Moon (Strawberry Moon known in Ojibwe teachings as Ode'imin Giizis), the time when sweet red berries ripen and hearts are reminded of love, two playful American pine marten siblings find themselves in a disagreement. The brother marten chases after his sister through the forest, calling out as she rushes past raspberry, blueberry, and blackberry bushes, too upset to stop. As they move across the land, the Creator gently places gifts along their path, to slow the sister so the brother can catch up, hoping to guide them back to one another. When the sister finally stops and turns around, the siblings discover that forgiveness is the sweetest gift of all, just like the first strawberries of the season.

Inspired by Ojibwe seasonal teachings and the natural life of the pine marten near Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Heart Berry Moon is a tender story about family, healing, and the love that brings us together again.

In Ojibwe teachings, the full moons are carried across the turtle's back, marking the changing seasons and guiding life on the land. The June moon, Ode'imini-giizis, the Heart Berry Moon signals the beginning of summer, when strawberries ripen and the earth grows sweet again. Part of The Moons of Turtle Island series, this story shares the meaning of the Strawberry Moon through the journey of two young pine marten siblings, reminding us of love, connection, and forgiveness.