Julie Flett

Set in the Okanagon, BC, a First Nations family goes on an outing to forage for herbs and mushrooms. Grandmother passes down her knowledge of plant life to her young grandchildren.

Reviews
"A Day With Yayah is a story sharing the special relationship that is built when a child learns from their Elders. It centers around an Indigenous family out on the land picking herbs and the Grandmother passing down her knowledge." - The Dalai Lama Center

Educator Information
Recommended for grades K-2 for the following subjects: Art Education, English Language Arts, Social Studies.

This resource offers a glimpse into the Nłeʔkepmx of the Nicola Valley in BC's Interior.  A glossary of Nłeʔkepmxcin words appears at the back of the book.

Additional Information
32 pages | 9.25" x 10.25" | colour illustrations

A tender, luminous portrait of art, nature, and connecting across generations.

When a young girl moves from the country to a small town, she feels lonely and out of place. But soon she meets an elderly woman next door, who shares her love of arts and crafts. Can the girl navigate the changing seasons and failing health of her new friend? Acclaimed author and artist Julie Flett’s textured images of birds, flowers, art, and landscapes bring vibrancy and warmth to this powerful story, which highlights the fulfillment of intergenerational relationships and shared passions.

Awards

• TD Canadian Children's Literature Award

Educator Information
Recommended Ages: 3 to 8

Recommended Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 3.

Curriculum Connections: Family - Indigenous, Friendship, Emotions and Feelings, Nature, Seasons

Gorgeous artwork captures life cycles, changing seasons, and the passing of life, providing a gentle way to discuss difficult subject matter with youth including loneliness, death, and grief.

Guided Reading Level: L

RRL: 19

Common Core State Standards
W.2.3,5,7,8
SL.2.1,1b,1c,2,3,4,6
RF.2.3,3d,3f,4,4a,4c
L.2.3,4,4a,4d,5,5a,5b,6

Recommended in the Canadian Indigenous Books for Schools 2020/2021 resource list as being useful for grades K-2 in these areas: English Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies.

Additional Information
48 pages | 10.00" x 10.00"

Black Bear, Red Fox - Colours in Cree is a dual-language board book authored and illustrated by Cree artist Julie Flett. Different animals and plants and their colours are shown in English and then in Cree.

Additional Information
22 pages | 7.75" x 7.25"

Based on true events, Dolphin SOS recounts the story of three dolphins trapped in an ice-covered cove on the coast of Newfoundland. After the government fails to provide assistance, some young boys take matters into their own hands in order to save the distressed dolphins.

Reviews
"Striking, strong black, white, and gray—toned watercolor and collage art portrays the cold climate that the dolphins and rescuers endured. The happy ending will delight children after they witness how these animals were almost lost to the elements."— School Library Journal

"A beautiful book...It is a story of compassion, endurance, and a special brief moment when humans and animals connect. Everything about this book is done with elegant simplicity...Flett's artwork is exquisite, using mainly black and white to portray the landscape with a bit of colour...Highly recommended for both school and public libraries."— Resource Links

"This life—and—death story will resonate with readers as much as it did with the western Canadian writers and illustrator who gave it a new life....The spare text is set in a sea of whites and grays, a stark reminder of this moving rescue's chilly setting.... Distress gives way to relief in this you-are-there tale for young readers and listeners who enjoy real-life animal encounters."— Kirkus Reviews

"Dolphin SOS is a beautiful narrative which is based on a true event . . . a charming story of dolphin rescue [that] introduces children to modern superheroes."— CM Magazine

"Young Nicole tells this exciting rescue story based on an actual event . . . "It's a beautiful ending." We share Nicole's concern, empathy with the dolphins, and satisfaction at the end."— Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz

"Julie Flett's picturebooks honour her aboriginal heritage."— Quill & Quire

Educator Information
Recommended Ages: 4-8

Additional Information
32 pages | 10.25" x 9.33"

Dragonfly Kites is the third book in Tomson Highway's magical Songs of the North Wind trilogy. Like Fox on the Ice and Caribou Song, it has a bilingual text, written in English and Cree. And once again Tomson Highway brilliantly evokes the very essence of childhood as he weaves a deceptively simple story about the power of the imagination.

Joe and Cody, two young Cree brothers, along with their parents and their little dog Ootsie, are spending the summer by one of the hundreds of lakes in northern Manitoba. Summer means a chance to explore the world and make friends with an array of creatures, But what Joe and Cody like doing best of all is flying dragonfly kites. They catch dragonflies and gently tie a length of thread around the middle of each dragonfly before letting it go. Off soar the dragonflies into the summer sky and off race the brothers and Ootsie too, chasing after their dragonfly kites through trees and meadows and down to the beach before watching them disappear into the night sky. But in their dreams, Joe and Cody soar through the skies with their kites until it's time to wake up.

Reviews
"Unlike most fiction, Dragonfly Kites does not follow a standard plot line. Like the dragonfly kites that the boys follow, the plot simply glides along until the boys wake up from their dream. This is appropriate due to the significance the illustrations play in this picture book, as well as the age of the intended audience. Readers are not overwhelmed by the storyline and are free to appreciate the accompanying illustrations. The illustrations in Dragonfly Kites act as an extension of the story. The pictures in the book are colourful, beautiful, and have an austere, stark quality. This is consistent with other works produced by award-winning illustrator Julie Flett. This style suits the story as, aside from the nature that surrounds around them, Joe and Cody are depicted as being by themselves. While they live with the parents, their adventures occur when their parents are fishing without them. The full-page illustrations demonstrate the vast space that surrounds the boys." — CM Magazine

"At once a celebration of heritage, the wilderness, and imagination, this book is a breath of fresh northern air." — Kirkus Reviews

Educator & Series Information
This is the third book in the Songs of the North Wind series, a dual-language (English and Cree) series about two young Cree boys.

This book is available in French/Cree: Les libellules cerfs-volant/Pimithaagansa 

Additional Information
32 pages | 9.26" x 10.70"

An empowering story of resistance that gently introduces children to the history of residential schools in Canada.

A young girl notices things about her grandmother that make her curious. Why does her grandmother have long, braided hair and beautifully coloured clothing? Why does she speak Cree and spend so much time with her family? As she asks questions, her grandmother shares her experiences in a residential school, when all of these things were taken away.

When We Were Alone won the 2017 Governor General's Literary Award in the Young People's Literature (Illustrated Books) category, and was nominated for the TD Canadian's Children's Literature Award. This edition includes the text in Swampy Cree syllabics and Roman orthography, as well as the original English.

Reviews
"When We Were Alone is a story about finding the strength to push forward when everything is against you. It follows a young girl asking her grandmother questions to learn more about her past. The grandmother shares her experience of a time when she was unable to make her own decisions and how she got through it." — The Dalai Lama Center

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

This edition includes the text in Swampy Cree syllabics and Roman orthography, as well as the original English.

Translated by Alderick Leask.  Alderick Leask is a respected Swampy Cree language instructor originally from Sapotaweyak Cree Nation, Manitoba. His experience includes conducting classes in Native Studies, Native Cultures, Native Languages and Canadian History from the Indigenous perspective using Traditional Elders’ Knowledge (TEK) and land-based learning. Mr. Leask places Creation and its bounties as his background in instructing students when learning basic outdoor survival skills. His usage of the functional and descriptive language of Swampy Cree demonstrates its practicality.

This book is available in an English-only format: When We Were Alone

This resource is also available in French: Quand on etait seuls

Additional Information
32 pages | 7.50" x 10.00" | Hardcover 

Qu’est-ce qui te remplit le cœur de bonheur ? Le soleil sur ton visage ? L’odeur de la banique qui cuit au four ? Tenir la main d’une personne que tu aimes ? Ce magnifique album cartonné, illustré par la talentueuse artiste Julie Flett, rappelle aux petits et aux grands de penser aux moments de la vie qui leur apportent de la joie et d’en profiter.

La conférencière et autrice de réputation internationale Monique Gray Smith a écrit J’ai le cœur rempli de bonheur pour soutenir le bien-être des enfants et des familles autochtones, et pour encourager les bambins à chérir les moments qui les rendent heureux.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 2 and under by the publisher.

This book is available in English: My Heart Fills with Happiness

This book is available in English and Plains Cree: My Heart Fills With Happiness / Ni Sâkaskineh Mîyawâten Niteh Ohcih

This book is available in English and Anishinaabemowin: My Heart Fills With Happiness / Nijiikendam

Recommended in the Canadian Indigenous Books for Schools 2020/2021 resource list for grades K-2 as a French resource (Français langue première, Français langue seconde).

Additional Information
32 pages | 8.00" x 8.00"

An encounter with a pheasant (which may or may not be sleeping) takes a surprising turn in this sweetly serious and funny story of a Native American boy and his grandma

"Pull over, Grandma! Hurry!” Johnny says. Grandma does, and Johnny runs to show her what he spotted near the ditch: a sleeping pheasant. What Grandma sees is a small feathery hump. When Johnny wants to take it home, Grandma tries to tell him that the pheasant might have been hit by a car. But maybe she could use the feathers for her craftwork? So home with Grandma and Johnny the pheasant goes . . .

It’s hard to say who is most surprised by what happens next—Grandma, Johnny, or the pheasant. But no one will be more delighted than the reader at this lesson about patience and kindness and respect for nature, imparted by Grandma’s gentle humor, Johnny’s happy hooting, and all the quiet wisdom found in Cheryl Minnema’s stories of Native life and Julie Flett’s remarkably evocative and beautiful illustrations.

Additional Information
32 pages | 9.50" x 8.50"

In this lyrical picture book by Kim Rogers (Wichita), with illustrations by Boston Globe-Horn Book Honoree Julie Flett (Cree-Métis), Becca watches her grandma create, play, and dance—and she knows that she wants to be just like Grandma.

Becca loves spending time with Grandma. Every time Becca says, “Let me try,” Grandma shows her how to make something beautiful.

Whether they are beading moccasins, dancing like the most beautiful butterflies, or practicing basketball together, Becca knows that, more than anything, she wants to be just like Grandma.

And as the two share their favorite activities, Becca discovers something surprising about Grandma.

Educator Information
Features an author’s note and glossary.

Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Additional Information
32 pages | 9.00" x 11.00" | Hardcover

Les magnifiques albums de la série Chansons du vent du nord racontent, à travers les aventures et l’imagination fertile des deux jeunes frères cris Joe et Cody, le territoire, les peuples et les coutumes du nord du Manitoba. Publiés originalement en anglais et en cri, les voici maintenant offerts en français et en cri. Joe et Cody profitent de l’été pour explorer le monde et se lier d’amitié avec de nombreuses créatures. Ce qu’ils aiment par-dessus tout, c’est d’attraper des libellules et de nouer doucement un fil autour de chacune d’elle avant de les laisser s’envoler. Les frères poursuivent alors leurs libellules cerfs-volants à travers les arbres et les prairies jusqu’à ce qu’elles disparaissent dans le ciel nocturne. Et dans leurs rêves, Joe et Cody planent dans les cieux avec leurs cerfs-volants jusqu’à ce vienne le temps du réveil.

Educator & Series Information
Part of the Songs of the North Wind Series (Chansons du vent du nord), now available in French/Cree.

This book is also available in a dual-language format in English/Cree: Dragonfly Kites

An extraordinary book that celebrates skateboarding, family, and community, from beloved artist and author Julie Flett, a winner of the New York Times / New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Book Award.

Every day, a little boy watches kids pass by on skateboards, and dreams of joining them. One day, his mother brings a surprise: her old skateboard, just for him! haw êkwa! Let’s go! Together, they practice on the sidewalk, at the park, in Auntie’s yard—everywhere. But when it comes time to try the skatepark, the skateboarders crash down like a waterfall. Can he find the confidence to join them?

Let’s Go! features:

• A glossary of Cree words featured in the book, and a Cree refrain (haw êkwa!) repeated throughout
• A note to the reader from Julie Flett about her inspiration for the story

This fun and touching story is a tribute to family, friendship, and perseverance. Julie Flett’s renowned art and powerful text shows a community of support is all around, ready to help each other… go!

Reviews
“Beautifully highlights the value of perseverance along with the joy of skateboarding.”—Horn Book, STARRED Review

“Extraordinary…. A fun read from start to finish, "Let's Go!" is especially and unreservedly recommended as a choice pick for family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library Self-Esteem and Family Life picture book collections for ages 3-8.”—Midwest Book Review

“Masterful, simple, powerful….a must-read for anyone who skateboards or wants to — or doesn’t.”—Amina Chaudri, Booklist

“Using onomatopoeic language to capture the sounds of the sport, Cree-Métis creator Flett (We All Play) shows the hard work and investment of time that goes into both learning a new skill and becoming ‘a part of something—/ and myself.’”—Publishers Weekly, STARRED review

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 8.

Curriculum Connections: Sports / Indigenous Languages / Community / Goal-Setting / Risk-Taking / Self-Awareness / Self-Confidence

This book is available in French: On y va!

Recommended in the Indigenous Books for Schools catalogue as a valuable resource for English Language Arts, Art, and Physical and Health Education in kindergarten to grade 3.

Additional Information
44 pages | 11.00" x 9.00" | Hardcover 

Un jeune garçon voyage vers le nord à la découverte de la ligne de trappe de son Moshom, son grand-père. Celui-ci explique à son petit-fils que les lignes de trappe sont des territoires où les gens chassent les animaux et vivent de la terre. Puis il l’emmène là où il a grandi, et le jeune garçon apprend bien plus de choses qu’il ne l’avait imaginé. La vie de ses ancêtres était-elle si différente de la sienne aujourd’hui?

Reviews
"Une histoire apaisante… d’amour et de résistance… Les illustrations de Julie Flett, simples et faites de couleurs qui rappellent la terre, sont douces et expressives…" ~ The Horn Book Magazine

"Épurée, poétique et touchante, cette histoire sur l’héritage cri provoque une impression puissante." ~ Kirkus Reviews

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

This book is available in English: On the Trapline.

Additional Information
7.99" x 9.01"

Richard Van Camp, internationally renowned storyteller and bestselling author of the hugely successful Welcome Song for Baby: A Lullaby for Newborns, has partnered with talented illustrator Julie Flett to create a tender board book for babies and toddlers that honors the child in everyone. With its delightful contemporary illustrations, Little You is perfect to be shared, read or sung to all the little people in your life—and the new little ones on the way!

Awards
- 2013 BC Books for Babies winner
- 2015 R. Ross Annett Award winner
- 2016 American Indian Library Association Best Picture Book winner

Reviews
"Van Camp composes a lyrical ode to a newborn child, which is matched in its loveliness by Flett's exquisite, collage-like images of a young one with his or her parents. Both collaborators are of aboriginal Canadian descent, and the book will have particular appeal for families looking for nonwhite representations of tender family moments. But families of every size, shape, and background can appreciate sentiments like, 'You are life and breath adored/ You are us and so much more/ Little ember with growing light/ Feel our love as we hold you tight.'" — Publishers Weekly, March 2013

"A sweet little board book...Richard Van Camp has written a beautiful poem that describes the feelings of parenthood...The illustrations, done by Julie Flett, are both simple, and bold at the same time...and helped bring such beautiful words to life. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys curling up with their little one with a good book. It's a nice quick little read, that captured my little one's attention right away. It's got a great message that I hope she'll remember for the rest of her life." — Just Trying to Let it Be blog, May 2013

"The spreads lovingly depict a young child growing from infancy to toddlerhood...The text has the gentle cadence of a lullaby...Flett, who is of Cree Métis heritage, gives each character tawny skin, almond-shaped eyes and dark hair. This, combined with her sophisticated and simple style, allows her featured family to represent relatively broad branches of the human family. The art, with the look of cut-paper collage, uses curved forms and playful prints to flesh out the affectionate tableaux...The soothing rhythms of the language and the affection of the scenes are right on target. A poetic and joyful celebration." — Kirkus Reviews, August 2013

Educator Information
This book is available in French: Tout petit toi

Richard Van Camp, internationally renowned storyteller and bestselling author of Welcome Song for Baby and We Sang You Home, has partnered with talented illustrator Julie Flett to create a tender book for babies and toddlers that honors the child in everyone. With its delightful contemporary illustrations, Little You is perfect to be shared, read or sung to all the little people in your life—and the new little ones on the way! 

From the winner of the New York Times Best Illustrated Book Prize and the American Indian Youth Literature Award

I’d like to tell you a rather true story about a big black cat who started out gray. Her name was May.

Margaux and her cat May became friends when Margaux was just six years old. They grew up together, sharing countless memories along the way. But one day, May is late coming home. Where is May? Is she under the porch? Maybe on the roof?

Margaux’s nitôsis (the Cree word for auntie) helps search for May in the tall grass. But soon nitôsis needs to leave: she’s moving away to the big city, and has to pack her things into boxes. Margaux helps nitôsis, but she can’t take her mind off May. Will she ever return? nitôsis is worried, too. But little do they know, May has a surprise in store for both of them!

This fun and heartwarming story with a surprise happy ending invites readers to share their own cat stories. My Friend May is a tribute to love and the balance between all beings, and the experiences and emotions that connect us all.

My Friend May features:

• A glossary of Cree words used throughout the book
• Backmatter content that includes a pronunciation guide

Reviews
"A quiet yet affectionate tribute to familial relationships of all stripes….Cat lovers… will particularly enjoy this sweet tale."—Kirkus Reviews

"From a talented picture book creator….Readers can reflect on great stories of their own encounters with beloved animal friends and share their tales with others….delightful.”—School Library Journal

"Award-winning author Julie Flett has created another beautiful story, perfect for read-alouds in kindergarten to grade three classrooms.... This heartwarming tale gently explores themes of love, loss, and reunion. With Flett’s signature artwork and tender storytelling, My Friend May will resonate with readers of all ages and spark connections to their own stories of friendship and change." -  Debra H., Elementary School Teacher, Indigenous Books for Schools

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

This title is included in the Indigenous Books for Schools database from the Association of Book Publishers of BC as a recommended resource for K to 3 English Language Arts.

Additional Information
40 pages | 11.00" x 9.00" | Hardcover