Native lore, stories, and activities encourage children to explore the fascinating night world. By studying astronomy, Native beliefs, nighttime weather, and North American nocturnal plants and animals, children aged 5 to 12 learn to appreciate the importance of night in the natural cycle and overcome common fears about the nighttime world.

Educator & Series Information
B.C. Science Supplementary Resource: Gr.3-Earth and Life Science

B.C. Science Supplementary Resouce Gr.4- Life Science.

Filled with interdisciplinary activities, legends, and illustrations to inspire children and educators alike.

This book is part of the Keepers series.

Additional Information
146 pages | 9.75" x 6.75"

This ingenious guide gives beginning stargazers instant access to just what they need to know

"Aadizookaanan or Sacred Stories were passed down for thousands of years, filling the long winter nights with Anishinaabeg oral histories, philosophies, and ceremonies. Bagone-Giizhig is one of the many ancient stories that Anishinaabeg Ancestors have gifted us. The constellations of Wenaboozhoo and Bagone-Giizhig rise in the East during the Winter season. This signifies when it is time to share Aadizookaanan and reminds the Anishinaabeg of where they come from. These cultural Teachings shine bright in the night sky and this is the Anishinaabe way of life." 

Text in English translation and in the original Anishinaabemowin/Ojibwe.

Educator Information
Recommended for grades 4 to 7.

Dual-language: English with the original hand-written Anishinaabemowin version of the story at the back.

Additional Information
61 Pages

Two Ojibway sisters set off across the frozen north country to see the SkySpirits' midnight dance. It isn't easy for the younger sister to be silent, but gradually she begins to treasure the stillness and the wonderful experiences it brings. After an exhilarating walk and patient waiting, the girls are rewarded by the arrival of the SkySpirits --- the northern lights --- dancing and shimmering in the night sky.

This powerful story, with its stunning illustrations, captures the chill of a northern night, the warmth of the family circle and the radiance of a child's wonder.

Reviews
"Deines's palette perfectly captures the northern cold and the warm relationship the girls have with one another and those around them."—School Library Journal

"Young people will recognize their own awe in the face of a wintry night reading SkySisters. Jan Bourdeau Waboose, a Nishinawbe Ojibwa from Northern Ontario, writes about two girls who go into the woods to look for the “SkySpirits” - the Northern Lights. Waboose's richly evocative tale comes with dreamy illustrations by Brian Deines.—Maclean's

"SkySisters is a gorgeous book. Readers will undoubtedly linger on each page to enjoy the masterful work of Brian Deines. In SkySisters he guides us immediately from the warm, comforting colours of the kitchen to the cool, quiet colours of an evening in the North. A spectacular painting appears at the climax of the story as the sisters lie in the snow, staring up in exhilaration at the vibrant swath of the Northern Lights above them."—Children's Book News

"Two themes stand out in this book: the sisters' love of nature and their delight in each other's company, both important elements in the author's heritage as a Nishanawbe Ojibway from Northern Ontario."—Winnipeg Free PressBook Links

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 5 to 8.

Additional Information
32 pages | 0.12" x 9.00" | Paperback

Through the seasons, the stars move across the night sky. One set of stars tells the story of seven hunters chasing a big bear. Follow the stars through each season to discover the story. This Kanyen'kehà:ka (Gan-yeh-ga-ha-ga) story is about not giving up on your goals. The Kanyen'kehà:ka is one of Six Nations that together are the Haudenosaunee.

Educator & Series Information
Big Bear is part of the Strong Stories: Kanyen'kehà:ka series. Strong Stories focus on different First Nation territories from across Canada and the United States. These stories reflect the belief that our stories are the roots of our people, our lands and our cultures. It is from our stories that we grow and become strong and proud.

This resource is also available in French: La Grande Ourse.

Additional Information
16 pages | 6.00" x 9.00" | ISBN: 9781771741149

“There’s a moon in the sky. It looks like a drum, which guides the earth where Taan is from.”

So begins a year in the life of Taan, which means “bear” in the Haida Language.

Alison Gear has based this wonderfully engaging and thoughtful story on one version of the Haida Moon cycle. It follows Taan as she experiences the wonder of the unfolding seasons.

Kiki van der Heiden worked closely with the children on Haida Gwaii to create the absolutely stunning felted artwork that gracefully complements each page of Taan’s story.

This is a story woven together by the community on Haida Gwaii.

Alison and Kiki worked closely with elders, teachers, children, parents, and caregivers to produce this unforgettable book. The title of each moon cycle has been translated into both Skidegate and Old Massett Haida, honouring language and wisdom. The children involved in this project, under Kiki’s gentle guidance, were hands-on each rendering of the felt pieces until they became the sculpted illustrations currently featured in Taan’s Moons.

When award-winning, best-selling author Richard Van Camp visited Haida Gwaii, he had the opportunity to read the manuscript for Taan’s Moons. He graciously agreed to contribute the heartfelt Foreword, which begins:

“Welcome to Taan’s Moons, one of the most beautiful books I have ever witnessed.”

We agree, Richard. We certainly agree.

We also want to give sincere thanks to Joanne Yovanovich, Tawni Davidson, Beng Favreau, and ArtStarts in Schools for their contribution to and support of this important book.

Authenticity Note: This book has been given the Authentic Indigenous Text label because of the collaboration of Indigenous peoples to create it. It is up to readers to determine if it is authentic for their purposes.

A grandmother's love is forever in this story of remembrance and tradition from award-winning author and member of the Standing Rock Sioux tribe S. D. Nelson.

Sister Girl and her brother Young Wolf wander away from their village and soon find themselves far out in the surrounding prairie. They sit down in the grass and watch the clouds passing above billow to form an eagle, horses, and other creatures. Suddenly, animals begin to race past the children on the ground—followed by a wall of fire! Fleeing along with the frightened beasts, Sister Girl and Young Wolf save themselves by tumbling into a shallow stream.

The fire leaves behind ash and a barren, forbidding landscape. The children realize that they are hopelessly lost. Night is coming—how will they get home to their parents? And why are the evening stars dancing so?

Drawing upon traditional Lakota ledger book art, S.D. Nelson’s illustrations bring to life a memorable new legend about the Star People. Backmatter includes an example and explanation of ledger book art.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 8 and under.

Additional Information
40 pages | 9.00" x 10.25"