Northwoods Lullaby is one of the latest children’s books from the University of Minnesota Press. It features the words and illustrations of two northern Minnesota creatives, Mary Casanova and Jordan Sundberg. The book, designed for young children, celebrates the sights and sounds of spring exploding in the northwoods.
An adult and young child wander through the richly colored pages of Northwoods Lullaby, searching for signs of spring. Big, colorful shapes and textural overlays draw the reader into the book, written and illustrated by two Minnesota natives, Mary Casanova and Jordan Sundberg.
The two wanderers start out in a large, colorful span of woods where they quickly discover animals moving about. Images of animals and their babies, such as loons and foxes, fill the pages. As the lullaby unfolds, the reader begins to understand that a new cycle of life has begun.
Trees, flowers, and ferns are unfurling their leaves as well. Flowers are beginning to bloom. The wanderers stop in the dense woods and pause. It’s a sweet reminder that we discover more when we slow down and look.
As the lullaby continues, more animals appear, and new signs of spring emerge. The story ends with the wanderers returning home. A loved one gently tucks the child into bed and sings a soothing song over them.
Author Mary Casanova grew up in St. Paul. She eventually moved north, where she now lives and writes along the Minnesota-Canadian border. She has written numerous children’s books. In her bio, she says, “I want kids to pick up my books and enjoy reading them from cover to cover, page by page, chapter by chapter. I strive to hook them firmly, like a fish on a line, and pull them all the way in.”
Duluth artist Jordan Sundberg created the illustrations and has produced beautiful artwork for many years. She draws lasting inspiration from her northern roots.
We asked Jordan to share more about the inspiration behind her illustrations and work as an artist.
Quetico Superior Wilderness News: What drew you to the idea of collaborating on Northwoods Lullaby?
Sundberg: I had the very big honor of being contacted by Erik Anderson of the University of Minnesota Press to work on Northwoods Lullaby. He had Mary Casanova’s manuscript and called to ask if I would illustrate the text. I felt so lucky to be paired with beloved Mary and her beautiful work; I instantly related to a walk in the woods in spring—something our family does often.
Something interesting about picture books that many don’t know is that the author and illustrator typically don’t collaborate or share feedback. I received Mary’s words without any direction or notes. I sat with them for some time, thinking through how to structure the story on pages and which images would support the narrative I felt the words conveyed. That part is so fun for me and so full of possibilities!
QSWN: Are there specific areas, seasons, or experiences in northern Minnesota that influence or inspire your creative approach?
Sundberg: Ever since our kids were born, I entered into a slower pace of noticing the world around me. Kids, especially very little ones, move so slowly on walks and are so curious about everything they see. They taught me to pay attention, too, and I was rewarded with beauty everywhere–in ants climbing all over peonies, in the different wild flowers and mushrooms quietly popping up in succession, in the colors of the clouds and the good feeling and smells of weather coming in and going out. It’s all quietly happening, and doesn’t seem to care if we pay attention, but it’s like an orchestra performance if we can tune in.
QSWN: Describe a special animal encounter of your own in the northwoods.
Sundberg: This past year, we moved from the house we had lived in Duluth’s Hillside for the past fifteen years. Even though the new house is just a little over a mile away from the old one, there’s a lot more space around us and woods everywhere. Last spring, as we were going to bed, we heard some noises below our bedroom window. We opened the window, stuck our heads out, and saw, ten feet below us, the biggest mama bear and three squirrely cubs feasting on our garbage. I had never been close enough to a bear to hear their grunty-growly noises or realize how much work it is for a mama bear to corral three cubs who climb all over her and everything around them. I had a big urge to reach down, pick up a cub, and smooch it. However, I remained a quiet and astonished observer.
QSWN: What feeling or takeaway do you hope readers will have?
Sundberg: My hope is that the book transports us to remembering the good, rich feeling we have when entering the woods, full of curiosity, with a child we love. We really are being welcomed into the hospitality of a community of earth, plants, and animals all working together, and if we pay attention (kids are so good at this), we see the beautiful world happening before us, around us, and in us. It is so delightful and points us to what is true. I think that’s why we feel so filled up after a walk in the woods.
Northwoods Lullaby will be available for purchase from the University of Minnesota Press in April 2026.
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