First Nation Communities Read: 2025 - 2026 Children's Nominated Titles
Details:
This bundle includes the First Nation Communities READ 2025-2026 children's nominated titles.
First Nation Communities READ (FNCR) is the Ontario First Nation Public Library Community's contribution to the reading movement. Launched in 2003, it promotes a community-based approach to reading. Learn more HERE!
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2025 - 2026 Children's Nominated Titles
Synopsis:
In this fun board book for young kids, turtles skateboard, salmon snorkel, bears take photos and otters frolic with floaties!
Mi’kmaw artist Mel Beaulieu’s lively modern take on traditional beadwork brings these animals to life. Mi’kma’ki’s most iconic animals are portrayed in this colourful and whimsical book.
Mi’kmaw names (and pronunciation guides) make this a great introduction to contemporary Mi’kma’ki for very young children.
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 2 to 5.
Additional Information
6.53" x 6.53 | Board Book
Synopsis:
Perfect for nature-loving young readers who want to expand their knowledge of Arctic animals beyond polar bears and walruses!
Animals Illustrated mixes fun-filled animal facts suitable for the youngest of readers with intricately detailed illustrations to create a unique and beautiful collection of children’s non-fiction books about Arctic animals.
Each volume contains first-hand accounts from authors who live in the Arctic, along with interesting facts on the behaviours and biology of each animal. In this book, kids will learn what ravens eat, where they live, how they raise their babies, and other interesting facts, like the fact that ravens have one of the biggest brains of any bird and that they can use tools!
Educator & Series Information
Recommended Ages: 6-8
This book is part of the non-fiction Animals Illustrated series, which mixes fun-filled animal facts suitable for the youngest of readers with intricately detailed illustrations to create a unique and beautiful collection of children’s non-fiction books on Arctic animals. Each volume contains firsthand accounts from authors who live in the Arctic, along with interesting facts on the behaviours and biology of each animal.
Reading Levels:
Fountas & Pinnell Text Level Gradient: P
Guided Reading Level: P
Additional Information
28 pages | 6.50" x 9.00" | Hardcover
Synopsis:
Big or small, sweet or savoury, with stew or with sprinkles, there are tons of ways to enjoy bannock!
This rhyming book explores a favourite Inuit food, and has some fun along the way. What’s your favourite way to eat bannock?
Try it at home with the included bannock recipe!
Written by Inuk/Dene writer Masiana Kelly, this sweet and simple narrative celebrates this delicious food!
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.
Additional Information
28 pages | 9.00" x 9.00" | Hardcover
Synopsis:
Hello! Who do you see and hear in the woods today? Meet a variety of woodland and water animals in this story written in Anishinaabemowin and English.
Can you see a fox digging, spot two minnows dancing or hear a swarm of bees buzzing? Boozhoo! / Hello! introduces children to familiar animals as they go about their daily activities: walking, running, swimming, climbing and finally - when the day is done - sleeping! Illustrated in a vibrant and colorful woodland style that will appeal to readers young and old alike, and accompanied by an author's note.
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 6.
Dual-Language: Anishinaabemowin and English.
Translated by Mary Ann Corbiere.
Key Text Features: Author's note, translations, illustrations
Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.3
Describe characters, settings, and major events in a story, using key details.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.7
Use illustrations and details in a story to describe its characters, setting, or events.
Additional Information
32 pages | 8.75" x 8.75" | Hardcover
Synopsis:
Mistakes can be an opportunity for growth.
Indigenous artist and storyteller Andrea Fritz tells the tale of a wood duck and a crow who turn a mistake into an opportunity for friendship and growth.
Qwiwilh the wood duck is preparing to nest in his favorite tree when Q'uleeq'e' the crow invites him to play in the tall branches. They jump higher and higher up the tree until they accidentally break the branches and come crashing down into the stream below. After a daring rescue, Qwiwilh sadly realizes his nesting spot is gone, and Q'uleeq'e' decides to make things right for her new friend.
In this original story set in Coast Salish Traditional Territory, author and artist Andrea Fritz uses Indigenous storytelling techniques and art to share the culture and language of the Hul’q’umi’num’-speaking Peoples. This is the second book in the Coast Salish Tales, following Otter Doesn't Know.
Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.
This is the second book in the Coast Salish Tales series, following Otter Doesn't Know.
Recommended in the Indigenous Books for Schools catalogue as a valuable resource for English Language Arts and Art in K to Grade 3.
Themes: Animals, Art, Community, Connectedness to Nature, Respect, Language, Relationships, Traditional Knowledge
Additional Information
32 pages | 8.75" x 10.75" | Hardcover
Synopsis:
Told in the voice of a boy and his father by turns, this book takes a thoughtful and heartfelt look at the emotional toll of a child being taken from their family and community to attend residential school.
While the child’s internal monologue expresses his fear, confusion, and loss, the father’s monologue conveys his own sadness, fears, and hopes for the future of his child. The narrative gives voice to the things left unsaid between a parent and child experiencing this heart-rending separation. Upon his return to his community, when father and son are reunited, they must start the long process of reconnection.
Based on the author’s family history of residential school separation, this book provides a unique perspective on the difficult cycle of loss, reconnection, and regaining hope for the future.
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 9 to 12.
Additional Infroamtion
40 pages | 9.00" x 8.00" | Hardcover
Synopsis:
Wanting to belong can be hard, and walking away can be even harder.
When a storm plucks four eaglets from their nest to the forest floor, the displaced eaglets proceed on a journey across Turtle Island to rediscover where they belong. One by one, the eaglets encounter communities of creatures who claim them. Will these lost eaglets grow the courage needed to soar in their truths?
Inspired by the Students and Communities she has worked with, Nishinaabe author Karen Whetung shares an allegory of survivance and the desire to tell our stories, share our truths, and claim our place in the world in Four Fallen Eagles.
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 7 to 10.
Additional Information
32 Pages | 9" x 9" | Hardcover
Synopsis:
A grandfather teaches his grandson how we are all related to plants, insects, birds and animals—and that each of us has a place in the sacred web of life.
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 7 to 12.
Additional Information
38 Pages
Synopsis:
You never walk alone.
Remember the hummingbird's teachings. Remember you are loved.
Kokum warned us to watch out for one another. If we weren't careful, Windigo would eat us. But one night, alone in the darkness, I felt its breath on my neck. Windigo's lies crept into my heart, and I believed them. When we lose connection with others, we lose ourselves, and Windigo's darkness grows and spreads.
In this deeply emotional and beautifully illustrated picture book, the ancestors send a hummingbird to a child lost in Windigo’s darkness. Its teachings of resilience, love and connection bring the child home and remind us that our ancestors are always watching and can help us find our way if we only ask.
This bilingual book includes full text in both English and Anishinaabemowin.
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.
Fountas & Pinnell Text Level Gradient: U
Lexile measure: 520L
Guided Reading Level: U
Dual-Language: English and Anishinaabemowin
There are many dialects fo Anishinaabemowin, and this book presents a phonetic spelling of the language as learned by the author and co-translator in Duck Bay, northeastern Manitoba. This dialect is sometimes referred to as Western Ojibwa, Nakawemowin, Saulteaux or Plains Ojibwa. Translated by Norman Chartrand and Jennifer Leason.
This beautifully illustrated story expresses hope, healing and reclamation of Indigenous strength and identity in the wake of oppression and trauma.
Additional Information
32 pages | 8.00" x 8.00" | Hardcover
Synopsis:
Pauloosie loves his pet rock, Miki Rock. Pauloosie’s Anaana, his mother, tells him a bedtime story about what Miki Rock sees, hears, and feels in his Arctic home. As part of the land, Miki Rock sees char and beluga, listens to chirps and howls, and feels the snow and sun.
Through lyrical text and ethereal landscape illustrations by Pelin Turgut, readers are taken on an Arctic journey from the point of view of a most unlikely object—a child’s pet rock.
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.
Recommended in the Indigenous Books for Schools catalogue as a valuable resource for English Language Arts and Science for K to 2.
Themes: Animals, Land, Respect, Arctic, Connection to Nature
Additional Information
28 pages | 9.00" x 9.50" | Hardcover
Synopsis:
"Who are you?", whispers the voice in the wind. "You are Métis." What does this strange word mean? A young girl watches her father to understand the unfamiliar label. Through a series of vignettes centred around her dad, the child interacts with her riverlot surroundings and delights in her Métis way of life.
Discover the joy and vibrancy of the Métis culture from a child's perspective. Feel the author's pride in her Métis identity, and her love for her father, as she relives childhood memories.
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 9.
Caution: The word "Indian" is used in this work when the author recounts a memory from her childhood.
Additional Information
32 pages | 10.00" x 8.00" | Hardcover
Synopsis:
This beautifully crafted picture book celebrates one of the world's most awesome animals: the polar bear. Evocative but simple text by award-winning musician and artist Tanya Tagaq is accompanied by striking art in this classic counting book.
Beginning with 1 proud polar bear standing tall and ending with 10 bears waving goodbye, this delightful counting book shows polar bears in all their forms: slippery and fast, crafty and cool, hungry and proud. Tanya has created a story meant to be read aloud, incorporating simple Inuktitut words and using her keen ear for the musical sound of language.
This book is joyful, powerful, clever and striking — much like the bears who sniff, slide, swim, hunt, play and dance through its pages. And when you get to the last page, you won't be able to resist going back to repeat the journey!
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 7.
Concepts: Counting & Numbers; Animals - Polar Bears.
This book is meant to be read aloud and incorporates simple Inuktitut words.
Additional Information
24 pages | 10.50" x 9.00"
Synopsis:
An uplifting story of a girl’s connection to her beloved grandmother through the beadwork art they created together.
As she wakes up one dull morning, Kaiah feels as cold and grey as the day. She longs to be with her grandmother again. Kaiah’s life doesn’t feel right without her. But through Kaiah’s treasured bead box — and the beauty it holds — she is with her grandmother, in a garden that is full of colour and love.
This beautiful story from award-winning author Melanie Florence celebrates the universal love between grandmother and child. Featuring bright, breathtaking illustrations from Tsilhqot’in and Syilx artist Karlene Harvey, the book also features back matter about the Indigenous tradition of beading.
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 8.
This book is available in French: Le jardin de Kaiah.
Additional Information
32 pages | 8.35" x 10.27" | Hardcover
Synopsis:
The story of how the world came to be on the turtle's back can be found in Indigenous cultures throughout North America/Turtle Island. It has many variations. This moving version of the tale—a story of resilience, sacrifice, and friendship—is one that Annie Picard was often told as a child by her maternal grandmother while they lived in nutshimit (on the land) in the Labrador/Quebec peninsula. Picard's lovely re-telling of this traditional Innu story of how little muskrat makes an enormous sacrifice to help the wolverine and his other friends rebuild the world after a great flood is brought vividly to life by Elizabeth Jancewicz's stunning illustrations.
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.
Bilingual: English and Innu-aimun.
Translation into Innu-aimun by Anne Nuna.
Additional Information
36 Pages | 9" x 8" | Hardcover | 2nd Edition
Synopsis:
A warm and inviting new take on beloved Christmas traditions.
When Lemming overhears some children singing about Christmas, she can't help but wonder about this new holiday. Qimmiq the sled dog knows all about Christmas. It's the time of year when Santa brings presents to put under your tree!
But...what is a tree? There aren't any trees where Lemming lives, in the treeless Arctic, so she decides to go on the hunt for a tree in order to have her very first Merry Christmas.
Filled with charming holiday illustrations featuring sweet Arctic animals, this book offers a warm and inviting new take on beloved Christmas traditions.
Reviews
"A distinct and skillful take on familiar Yuletide themes." - Kirkus
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 5 and under.
Fountas & Pinnell Text Level Gradient: K
Guided Reading Level: K
Additional Information
28 pages | 8.00" x 8.00" | Hardcover
Synopsis:
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
Synopsis:
On a cold winter morning in 1952, Patsy Lamondin wakes to the day electricity will finally be connected to her small town along the Magnetawan River.
Patsy and her siblings buzz with excitement, eagerly awaiting the ceremony being held at the center of town. The Lamondins have lived along the waters of Georgian Bay and the Magnetawan River for generations. They are a Métis family who love music, dancing and being outdoors, and Patsy ponders how electricity will change all of their daily lives. What she knows for sure is that, whatever changes, she will always feel she belongs here.
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.
Fountas & Pinnell Text Level Gradient: M
Lexile measure: 660L
Guided Reading Level: M
Recommended in the Indigenous Books for Schools catalogue as a valuable resource for English Language Arts and Science in grades 1 to 3.
Themes: Childhood, Community, Family, History, Technology, Engineering.
Additional Information
32 pages | 8.75" x 10.75" | Hardcover
Synopsis:
Whether or not you're Métis, there's so much to experience and learn about this amazing Indigenous culture — take a picture book journey into Métis crafts, music and cooking with friends who love to share.
Are you Métis like me? A group of children of Métis descent share and explore all the ways they celebrate and experience their heritage — enjoying traditional foods like bannock bread and Saskatoon berries; crafting with beads; sharing stories, dance, music and songs. Each child shares a different way they enjoy honoring their backgrounds and weaving parts of the rich tapestry that makes up Métis culture. One child, though, has grown up disconnected from their history, and can't join in with the others in the same way. But they soon see it's never too late to learn, celebrate or become a part of a community in which Métis and non-Métis alike can discover the richness of an often-overlooked culture.
This rhythmic, jubilant book will encourage young readers of all backgrounds to celebrate their own heritage and learn more about Métis history, and contains back matter including an author's note, recipe and dictionary to further inspire.
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 7.
This book is available in French: Nous sommes Métis.
Additional Information
40 pages | 9.43" x 9.31" | Hardcover
Synopsis:
This board book presents the months of the Mi’kmaw lunar calendar to very young children and their parents. Mi’kmaw artist Loretta Gould’s art illustrates each of the 12 Mi’kmaw moons through the changing seasons in Mi’kma’ki. Each month is named after events in the natural world – from Snow Blinding Time through Frogs Croaking Time and Berry Ripening Time. Each month’s illustration is accompanied by its name in Mi’kmaw and English.
Loretta Gould’s art, first published in Mi’kmaw Moons: A First Lunar Calendar has won high praise from reviewers, and the book has received numerous awards.
Educator Information
For ages 2 to 5.
Includes names of the months in English and Mi'kmaw.
This is the board book version of Mi'kmaw Moons: The Seasons in Mi'kma'ki.
Additional Information
6.53" x 6.53" | Board Book
Synopsis:
My Little Ogichidaa is inspired by Indigenous motherhood. It invites readers to explore the compelling dreams and hopes of an Indigenous parent for her soon-to-be-born warrior.
The word Ogichidaa itself means warrior in Anishinaabemowin, and this beautifully illustrated book is a tribute to Indigenous families everywhere who are proudly raising their children to carry forward their culture, language, and love with resilience, strength, and kindness. This story is proof that despite colonization, our world is full of Indigenous art, beauty, love, and brilliance. Through the eyes of a mother, readers gain insight into the profound bonds of family and community that are central to Indigenous life. This heartwarming and empowering story is a celebration of Indigenous love and the powerful legacy that it creates.
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.
Find a lesson plan for this book here: My Little Ogichidaa Teacher Lesson Plan
This book is available in French: Ma petite Ogichidaa: une berceuse autochtone
Recommended in the Indigenous Books for Schools catalogue as a valuable resource for English Language Arts and Social Studies, in Grades 2 to 4.
Themes: Ancestors, Decolonization, Resilience, Connectedness to Culture, Family
Additional Information
36 pages | 8.50" x 11.00" | Hardcover
Synopsis:
Sharing is the heart of friendship.
Indigenous artist and storyteller Andrea Fritz tells a tale of a greedy raven and the little deer who makes sure they both have enough food for the winter.
Smuy the little deer is almost out of food and wishes Spaal' the raven would share with him. But even though Smuy always offers to share with Spaal', Spaal' only ever tricks Smuy in return. So Smuy decides to try something new. He mashes the last of his stored berries and mixes them into the snow outside. Spaal' notices the delicious-looking red snow and asks to taste some. Smuy agrees, but this time he is prepared for Spaal's tricks and is ready with a little trick of his own—one that will ensure that both animals are warm and fed for the winter.
In this Traditional Story set in Coast Salish Traditional Territory, author and artist Andrea Fritz uses Indigenous storytelling techniques and art to share the culture and language of the Hul’q’umi’num’-speaking Peoples. This is the third book in the Coast Salish Tales, following Otter Doesn't Know and Crow Helps a Friend.
Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.
This is the third book in the Coast Salish Tales series, following Otter Doesn't Know and Crow Helps a Friend.
Fountas & Pinnell Text Level Gradient: N
Lexile measure: 530L
Guided Reading Level: N
Additional Information
32 pages | 8.75" x 10.75" | Hardcover
Synopsis:
“All aboard our little boat!
We’ll sail all night.
Let’s see where we float!”
Full speed ahead as two siblings sail off for dreamland! Before these two can settle down under the covers, they cruise off onto the Arctic Ocean to bid goodnight to narwhals and guillemots, mikes and belugas. They sail past clouds shaped like polar bears and marvel at the multitudes of stars that twinkle between them. Before dawn pulls them back to their own cozy bedroom, they snack with the seals on the bow of their ship, waving goodbye as from dreamland to daytime they go.
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.
Additional Information
32 pages | 9.50" x 9.50" | Hardcover
Synopsis:
A joyful, rhyming story in the vein of Ezra Jack Keats's The Snowy Day, this debut children's picture book follows an Indigenous family as they enjoy the magic of a winter storm.
All is quiet on the snow-laden street.
Not a single soul makes a teeny-tiny peep.
Then,
With a bound and a bang and a funny kind of twirl
Out comes a bundled-up joyful little girl.
Capturing the magic of a snowfall, Snow Day follows an Indigenous family as they experience all of the delights of a winter's day. While Mom shovels the driveway and Dad cares for her brother by the fire, a young girl and her dog make snowflake tea, build a snow caterpillar, catch snowflakes on their tongues, and make snow angels. All while the snow continues to fall. At the end of the day, the girl is beckoned inside by the promise of hot chocolate, and regails her family with her adventures' and dreams of doing it all again tomorrow.
Atmospheric, nostalgic, and full of winter fun, the debut picture book by mixed-Cree journalist, book reviewer, and podcast host Lindsay Gloade-Raining Bird is a celebration of Indigenous joy and childhood wonder. Features warm, colourful artwork rendered in traditional gouache and coloured pencil from debut illustrator Ashley Thimot.
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 7.
Additional Information
32 pages | 10.00" x 9.00" | Hardcover
Synopsis:
The drum is a special symbol in many Indigenous cultures. In this rhyming picture book, young Ren is given a handmade drum by his mother that help to teach him many things about himself and his culture.
An adaptation of the best-selling book, Drum from the Heart, by Indigenous author Ren Louie for ages 4-6.
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 6.
This book is an adaptation of Drum from the Heart for ages 4 to 6.
This book is available in French: Les enseignements du tambour
Additional Information
24 pages | 8.50" x 7.50" | Hardcover
Synopsis:
Accompanied by award-winning illustrator Bridget George’s luminous artwork, this tradition-steeped story from renowned author Richard Wagamese meditates on the unifying powers of wisdom, kindness and respect with all the visionary clarity of our most essential legends.
The unmistakable voice of revered Ojibway author Richard Wagamese returns with this moving tale, beautifully illustrated by original work from Anishinaabe artist Bridget George.
The story unfolds in a “Long Ago Time” when animals of all kinds share a common language and gather to solemnly consider which of them should be their leader. After hearing boasts about the qualities of the candidates—Horse’s fleetness, Buffalo’s stamina, Cougar’s patience, Wolverine’s stealth—the conference decides to settle the matter with a race between the challengers around a foreboding mountaintop lake. And there will be one more contestant of the most unlikely sort: a small, charmingly humble rabbit named Waabooz, whose chances are considered slim by all.
In the action that follows, described with the piercing clarity and richness of any great legend, Wagamese and George gracefully convey the limits of physical force and the quietly irresistible energies of humility, empathy and a loving attachment to the land. Unforgettable for its lyrical power and poignant message, The Animal People Choose a Leader is yet another example of the late author’s unique gifts as a storyteller, and a welcome reminder of his honoured place in Canadian writing.
Educator & Series Information
Juvenile Fiction
This book is part of the Richard Wagamese Storybook Collection.
Additional Information
32 pages | 10.25" x 9.25" | Hardcover
Synopsis:
Award-winning storyteller and poet Joseph Dandurand captures the delightful relationship between bears and the Kwantlen people in his fourth book for children ages 6–8.
For a long time, the Kwantlen and the bears have lived side by side. When the master carver falls into the river, the bears rescue him. In thanks, the master carver gives the bears animal masks. But the bears don’t know that these masks are magical.
The Bears and the Magic Masks is the fourth in the Kwantlen Stories Then and Now series by award-winning author Joseph Dandurand, following The Girl Who Loved the Birds, A Magical Sturgeon and The Sasquatch, the Fire and the Cedar Baskets.
Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.
This is the fourth book in a series of Kwantlen legends, the Kwantlen Stories Then and Now series, by award-winning author Joseph Dandurand.
Additional Information
32 pages | 7.00" x 8.50" | Paperback
Synopsis:
"My son, you do not need black hair, brown skin, or brown eyes like me to pray and practice your culture. You will learn the songs and the drumming in time. The Creator's plan was to give you everything that makes you who you are, and you are perfect to me just the way you are! Always remember that, no matter what anyone else says to you. We need to pray for those children too, my son, as hard as that may seem. But remember, you are exactly how the Creator planned you to be, and I will love you until the end of time."
As a Mi'kmaq child, Richard Pellissier-Lush grew looking different than other the other Indigenous children. He didn't feel he fit in with the non-Indigenous or the Indigenous children he knew. But his mother continually reminding him that he was part of the Creator's plan empowered him to embrace his culture no matter what he looked like. Her chorus of encouragement stayed with him through his childhood and helped make him the man he is today.
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 7.
Additional Information
32 pages | 9.00" x 9.00" | Paperback
Synopsis:
In this traditional story from the Western Arctic, a kind giant adopts a human boy. One night, after a meal, the giant gives the boy one job, to watch for grizzly bears while he sleeps. Each time the boy sees a bear, he wakes the giant. But the giant is so big he is not concerned with any regular grizzly. That is until a giant grizzly appears and the giant must fight to protect himself and his adopted son!
Told in a manner faithful to the original traditional story, passed forward for generations, this thrilling tale will delight young readers looking for adventure.
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.
Additional Information
36 pages | 8.50" x 9.50"| Hardcover
Synopsis:
A pitch-perfect story about sibling bonds and Anishinaabe cultural traditions, from the bestselling author of SkySisters.
Serenity is following her brother, Big Ed, to his fishing spot on Hawk River. Big Ed explains that the river is named for the Hawk, Gekek, the Keepers of the river and their Protectors. “They see things far off in the distance, things we can't,” he tells Serenity. Later, when Big Ed gets in trouble while fishing, Serenity follows the Hawk's shadow to come to her brother's aid. Bestselling author Jan Bourdeau Waboose showcases Indigenous storytelling traditions in this compelling picture book featuring Ojibwe words and cultural practices. Karlene Harvey's brightly colored illustrations stunningly capture the natural world of the bush. The sibling relationship, full of teasing and admonitions, is pitch-perfect, and will be relatable to readers of any age. This captivating book, with its rich narrative and riveting climax, is a wonderful choice for reading aloud. It's an excellent accompaniment to social studies lessons on cultures, local and global communities, and Indigenous Peoples. It also offers a perfect opportunity to encourage children to notice the natural world where they live.
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 7.
Additional Information
32 pages | 10.00" 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.
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
Synopsis:
Everyone has a gift. Every gift is different, and every gift is special. Our world needs you to share your gift.
What is your gift? How can you use your gift to help others?
We Need Everyone empowers children to identify their gifts and use them to overcome challenges, achieve goals, and strengthen communities. Inspiring and uplifting, this interactive picture book celebrates diverse cultures, perspectives, and abilities through playful illustrations. Perfect for reading aloud.
Reviews
"We Need Everyone is a book that has been needed for a long time! This book shows us why it is important to look for what people can bring to a community, rather than what they are missing or need to change. It also reminds us that every single one of us has something to offer, exactly as we are." —Shelley Moore, author of One Without the Other
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.
Michael Redhead Champagne’s welcoming call to action will inspire young readers to contribute to their communities by recognizing their own gifts and talents.
Recommended in the Indigenous Books for Schools catalogue as a valuable resource for English Language Arts, Social Studies, and Career Education in grades 1 to 3.
Themes: Diversity, Identity, Interconnectedness, Relationships, Social Justice.
Additional Information
40 pages | 9.00" x 9.00" | Hardcover
Synopsis:
There are many stories in a bead. We must listen to the stories they tell us.
Tessa loves how her grandmother always smells of campfire stories. Mom says it’s because Kohkom spends her days sewing beautiful beads onto smoked hides. Inspired, Tessa asks Kohkom to teach her beading, but first she must listen and learn about the many stories held in a bead.
A celebration of Cree craftsmanship, language, and learning. The loving exchange of knowledge between Tessa and her Kohkom will be familiar to many children. Readers will learn that different Indigenous communities have different beadwork techniques, and that this traditional art form is alive and thriving today.
Reviews
"The story is a beautiful look into the importance of beading in our communities and the ways that this art practice ties us together as families and communities." — Nancy Cooper, First Nations Consultant for the Southern Ontario Library Services and coordinator for First Nation Communities Read
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.
A dual-language version in Ininîmowin (Cree, N-dialect) and English is available: kekwan etakwak mîkisîhk / What’s in a Bead?
Additional Information
24 pages | 8.50" x 8.50" | Hardcover

Synopsis:
Inspired by the Physical quadrant of the Anishinaabe Medicine Wheel, You Are the Land reminds young readers that they are a part of the world around them. With fun, rhyming text, each page compares our physical bodies to plants, animals, and the four elements, sharing an important message: You are the Land.
From the author of You Are Sacred, this is the second book in the All That You Are series.
Awards
- 2025-2026 First Nation Communities READ Award Longlisted
Educator Information
You Are the Land is a perfect read-aloud for children ages 3 to 6 in both classrooms and homes.
Curriculum Connections:
Early Literacy – listening, reading, discussing, and rhyming
Art – traditional Anishinaabe clothing and art
Health and Wellness – breath and balance, self-affirmation, connection to nature for physical health and wellness, and traditional medicines
Science – harmonious ecosystems, biodiversity of plants and animals with Indigenous cultural importance, environmental awareness
Social Responsibility – uplifting others and ourselves, respecting Mother Earth
Indigenous Knowledge and Traditions – teachings of the Anishinaabe Medicine Wheel, the Seven Generations, the Three Sisters, and All Our Relations
Series Information
You Are the Land is the second book in the All That You Are series. Through lyrical text and colourful watercolour illustrations, the All That You Are series uses the teachings of the Anishinaabe Medicine Wheel to remind children of their connection to the world around them. Each book in the series focuses on one quadrant of the Medicine Wheel representing one kind of wellness—Spiritual, Physical, Emotional, or Mental. A diagram and description of the Medicine Wheel are included at the back of each book. Also included are Anishinaabe Connections, which share more about Anishinaabe art, culture, and traditions explored in the text and illustrations. Books in the All That You Are series are best suited for children ages 3 to 6 and make wonderful read-alouds in classrooms and homes.
You Are Sacred is the first book in the series.
A percentage of proceeds from the All That You Are series is donated to the Indian Residential School Survivors Society to support their efforts in advocacy for justice and healing. To find out more information, please visit https://www.irsss.ca/.
Additional Information
24 Pages | 8" x 8" | Hardcover | ISBN: 978-1-77174-632-8