Tonya Simpson
Tonya Simpson is of Scottish and Cree ancestry. She is a member of Pasqua First Nation and was born and raised in central Alberta. Tonya completed the MA program in anthropology at the University of Alberta and now works as a research assistant while raising her children at Pigeon Lake in Westerose, Alberta. Forever Our Home is her first picture book and was originally written as a lullaby for her son.
Kids Books (4)
Synopsis:
A lullaby of reconciliation and reclamation, celebrating the ancestral relationship between Indigenous children and the land that is forever their home.
Under glowing morning sun and silvery winter moon, from speckled frogs croaking in spring to summer fields painted with fireweed, this meditative lullaby introduces little ones to the plants and animals of the Prairies and the Plains. Featuring stunning artwork by celebrated artist Carla Joseph, Forever Our Home is a beautiful and gentle song about our spiritual connection to the land.
Reviews
A tender hymn to the prairie in all seasons...Uplifting and joyous." — Kirkus Reviews
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.
This book is available in a the dual-language format (English and Plains Cree): Forever Our Home / kâkikê kîkinaw
Additional Information
32 pages | 9.00" x 9.00" | Hardcover
Synopsis:
A lullaby of reconciliation and reclamation, celebrating the ancestral relationship between Indigenous children and the land that is forever their home.
Under glowing morning sun and silvery winter moon, from speckled frogs croaking in spring to summer fields painted with fireweed, this meditative lullaby introduces little ones to the plants and animals of the Prairies and the Plains. Featuring stunning artwork by celebrated artist Carla Joseph, Forever Our Home is a beautiful and gentle song about our spiritual connection to the land.
Reviews
A tender hymn to the prairie in all seasons...Uplifting and joyous." — Kirkus Reviews
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.
Written in both Plains Cree and English and featuring stunning artwork by celebrated artist Carla Joseph, Forever Our Home / kâkikê kîkinaw is a beautiful and gentle song about our spiritual connection to the land.
Find the English version here: Forever Our Home
Additional Information
32 pages | 9.00" x 9.00" | Hardcover
Synopsis:
It flows in your blood and echoes in your soul...Listen, my baby, to the sweet song of your home.
As daylight fades to dusk and slips into darkness, this gentle lullaby celebrates the sounds of the Prairies and the Plains on a stormy summer's night.
From the hum of dragonflies to the drumming of thunder, with grasses swirling and the northern lights glimmering, This Land Is a Lullaby shares a song and dance—a gift from the ancestors that soothes children to sleep and reminds them of their deeply rooted connections to the land.
Written as a lullaby for the author's daughter and featuring striking pointillism artwork, this lush lullaby of the land honors the beauty of the Prairies and the Plains and the spiritual connection between Indigenous children, ancestors and their Traditional Territories.
Reviews
“The book’s lexical simplicity and visual dynamism will engage even the youngest readers, providing a beautiful glimpse into the unbreakable bond between Indigenous people, their lands, and their ancestors who are still a part of them. Like a stirring song, this tale will move readers with its tranquil, reverent tone.”- Kirkus Reviews
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.
Reading Levels
Fountas & Pinnell Text Level Gradient: M
Lexile measure: AD570L
Guided Reading Level: M
This book is available in a dual-language format (English and Plains Cree): This Land Is a Lullaby / cistomâwasowin ôma askiy
Additional Information
32 pages | 8.75" x 10.75" | Hardcover
Synopsis:
It flows in your blood and echoes in your soul...Listen, my baby, to the sweet song of your home.
As daylight fades to dusk and slips into darkness, this gentle lullaby celebrates the sounds of the Prairies and the Plains on a stormy summer's night.
From the hum of dragonflies to the drumming of thunder, with grasses swirling and the northern lights glimmering, This Land Is a Lullaby shares a song and dance—a gift from the ancestors that soothes children to sleep and reminds them of their deeply rooted connections to the land.
Written as a lullaby for the author's daughter and featuring striking pointillism artwork, this lush lullaby of the land honors the beauty of the Prairies and the Plains and the spiritual connection between Indigenous children, ancestors and their Traditional Territories.
This bilingual book includes full text in both English and Plains Cree.
Reviews
“The book’s lexical simplicity and visual dynamism will engage even the youngest readers, providing a beautiful glimpse into the unbreakable bond between Indigenous people, their lands, and their ancestors who are still a part of them. Like a stirring song, this tale will move readers with its tranquil, reverent tone.”- Kirkus Reviews
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.
Dual Language Format: English and Plains Cree.
Reading Levels
Fountas & Pinnell Text Level Gradient: M
Lexile measure: AD570L
Guided Reading Level: M
This book is available in English: This Land Is a Lullaby
Additional Information
32 pages | 8.75" x 10.75" | Hardcover