S.P. Joseph Lyons

Algonquin author S.P. Joseph Lyons, from Kitigan Zibi First Nation, was placed in foster care as a young child and is a survivor of the Sixties Scoop. Foster Care can be scary and lonely. Through S.P. Joseph Lyons’ experiences, the Little Bear in Foster Care book makes foster care a little less frightening.

Little Bear in Foster Care connects children to a range of emotions, encourages them to find their voice, and lets them know they are not alone or to blame. Through Little Bear in Foster Care, S.P. Joseph Lyons helps young children process their feelings and experiences.

The richness of Indigenous cultures and emotions come alive in this story of healing and resilience. This is an important book for adults to read to all young children. Little Bear in Foster Care is geared for young school-aged children.

Little Bear gives voice to the feelings and fears children experience when placed in confusing and unfamiliar environments.

Awards

• 2022 Co-winner of the First Nation Communities READ PMC Indigenous Literature Award, Children’s Category winner

Educator & Series Information
Includes information about smudging, talking feathers, and traditional circles.

This book is part of the Foster Care Series.

Little Bear in Foster Care is a dual language book written in Anishinaabemowin, the language of the Anishinaabeg, and English. Translated by Potawatomi Odawa Elder and Language Keeper, Mawla Shawana, from Wikwemikong Unceded Territory.  With vibrant illustrations by Julian Grafenauer, Ojibwe, from Rolling River First Nation.

Additional Information
32 Pages | Paperback

Journey with Turtle Hatchling on her search to find herself and her place in Creation. This book expresses children’s questions when they do not know their parents. It helps them tap into their identity, inner knowing, and Truth. It affirms the healing and belonging that comes through connection to the Land.

Educator Information
Recommended for Grade 3 students.

Additional Information
Hardcover

Wolf Pup Finds His Pack is about a young wolf pup who moves from home to home looking for a safe place to stay while Mother and Father Wolf get healthy. As Wolf Pup left his family with his brother, Mother Wolf gave the Pups Sweetgrass. Mother Wolf taught them that Sweetgrass, a Sacred Medicine, would give them peace when they felt scared and alone. On their journey to find a new home, the pups visit Grandmother and Grandfather Wolf. They tired easily and had no room for Wolf Pup. As Wolf Pup was leaving, Grandfather Wolf handed him some Cedar for strength as he continued his journey. Wolf Pup then stayed with Auntie Wolf a while but then had to leave. Auntie Wolf gave him some Sage. Learn with Wolf Pup as he continues to find a safe place to stay.

Algonquin author S.P. Joseph Lyons, from Kitigan Zibi First Nation has also written Little Bear in Foster Care. Wolf Pup Misses His Pack is a second book in his Foster Care Series.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 1 to 4.

This is the second book in S.P. Joseph Lyon's Foster Care Series.

Keywords / Themes: Medicine, Wolves, Family, Foster Care, Home, Safety, Adoption.

Additional Information
42 Pages | Paperback