Early Bird

a whimsical novel by Waubgeshig Rice

FROM THE AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR OF THE BESTSELLER MOON OF THE TURNING LEAVES COMES A WARM, INTIMATE NOVEL ABOUT THE LIGHTER SIDE OF LIFE ON THE REZ

Even in the smallest communities, there is a diverse and compelling cast of characters that make everyday life funny and entertaining. In Early Bird, bestselling author Waubgeshig Rice showcases the wonderfully authentic humanity and hilarity that thrives in a modern First Nation, weaving interesting characters together in unforgettably comedic and dramatic moments.

Over the course of a snowy Saturday two weeks before Christmas, a fictional Anishinaabe community on the north shore of Lake Huron is rocked by a leak of unexpected news: it might lose its beloved bingo hall. People from across the community — students and retirees, councillors and snow-plow drivers — air their thoughts and grievances, leading to sometimes bizarre outcomes. As personalities collide, people eventually come to learn what matters most to community members: the bonds between them.

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71,000 words
Manuscript available Fall 2026

RIGHTS SOLD
Canada: Random House (Spring 2027)

ABOUT WAUBGESHIG RICE

Waubgeshig Rice grew up in Wasauksing First Nation on Georgian Bay and now resides in Sudbury, Ontario, with his wife and three sons. He's the author of four fiction books, most notably the perennial bestsellers Moon of the Crusted Snow and its sequel, Moon of the Turning Leaves, published in 2018 and 2023 respectively. He’s a former broadcast journalist, current novelist, and ongoing Anishinaabemowin learner. He holds a journalism degree from Toronto Metropolitan University, an honorary Doctorate of Letters from Nipissing University, and a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He has sold an option on film rights to Moon of the Crusted Snow to Jennifer Podemski’s Red Cloud Studios.

PRAISE FOR MOON OF THE TURNING LEAVES

"The attention to the material culture of the future Anishinaabe people is particular and impressive. . . yields an immersive power." — WALL STREET JOURNAL

“Rice puts a refreshing, Indigenous perspective on postapocalyptic tropes. . . The humanity and heart on offer here make this a showstopper.” — PUBLISHERS WEEKLY (starred review)

“There’s a kindness, a gentleness, and a deep respect at the heart of the culture Rice portrays, and it stands in refreshing contrast to the usual violence and cynicism of most dystopian fiction. Rice’s evocation of the countryside is gorgeous and immersive; the land becomes an essential character in its own right. This is a pastoral travel tale of much grander scope than its predecessor and a powerful, remarkable follow-up.” — BOOKLIST (starred review)

PRAISE FOR MOON OF THE CRUSTED SNOW

“The rising literary star has created an unsettling story about a snowbound northern Anishinaabe community, where a postapocalyptic reality—no power, dwindling food, chaos—slowly creeps its way through the band. A young man, Evan Whitesky, seeks to restore hope and order to his community by turning to the land—to Anishinaabe tradition. A stellar Indigenous thriller.” — THE GLOBE AND MAIL

“Rice has created not only a compulsive narrative but, perhaps more significantly, a compelling world, rooted in both the traditions of the Anishinaabe and the ashes of late-stage capitalism. It’s a powerful, tour de force accomplishment that will leave readers hoping for a third book.” —TORONTO STAR

“Rice seamlessly injects Anishinaabe language into the dialogue and creates a beautiful rendering of the natural world… This title will appeal to fans of literary science fiction akin to Cormac McCarthy as well as to readers looking for a fresh voice in indigenous fiction.” —BOOKLIST

Waub at the 2023 Giller Prize gala