Wabi: A Hero’s Tale, Joseph Bruchac

When I was about 12, my mother turned up home with 3 new books for me. Wabi, was one of them. Reading the blurb of the book, I must admit it was the last one for me to pick up. I didn’t think it was what I wanted, didn’t think I would enjoy it, and I suppose what I am saying is I didn’t think at all.

I should not have hestitated. Going back to the novel now, 8 years later. I cannot believe I ever for a second doubted this piece of work.

Wabi, is an owlet. A newly hatched one to be precise. Immediately he has sibling issues (very relatable for some). Eventually, he is literally kicked out of the nest. Now, we all as a society feel that being kicked from the nest is a jarring thing, but for Wabi, it was literally being kicked out of the next. However, Wabi was slighlty more fortunate than those being kicked from the nest in the real world. With a doting, and patient grandmother, Wabi grows up – with a fond hand to show him the way of life. Due to his nearness to the village, Wabi develops a fondness, and protective characterisation towards it.

Eventualy, Wabi falls in love.

Wabi's grandmother – as all grandmothers have an all-seeing eye – somehow understands that Wabi wishes to become a human to win the hand of the women he’s fallen in love with, the Chieftans Daughter, Dojihla. However, despite his grandmother mysteriously helping him become a human, Dojhla rejects him. Heatbroken, Wabi begins a quest to aide his animal companions to find their true home.

Wabi is compassionate and brave, and through these qualities, he helps his friends achieve their goals. On their way back from their dangereous mission, Wabi somehow senses that the village he protected is in danger. He bravely fights the bear and saves the village, only to find that his great-grandmother took part in protecting the villagers. She also missed Wabi so much, she too becomes human! Dojihla and Wabi ultimately are united.

Family is the strongest tie throughout this novel.

Throughout this novel, there are a few key messages which resonate. However, the one which is the most potent is the idea that all live is honoured, and everything is full of wonder.