When a new family moves in, the whole neighborhood comes together to celebrate their diverse community in this uplifting new book from the bestselling creators of All Are Welcome!

Let’s go walking down our street.
Friends and neighbors here to greet.
There are oh so many folks to meet.
We all are neighbors here.

Moving to a new place can be hard, but when your neighbors welcome you with open arms, there are so many things to discover and celebrate. Come along with the kids from the bestseller All Are Welcome as they introduce the new kid to a community where everyone has a place and is loved and appreciated—no matter what.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

This book is available in French: Mes voisins, mon quartier.

Additional Information
44 pages | 10.38" x 10.31" | Hardcover

Celebrate diversity and inclusion with this New York Times bestselling picture book about a school where all are welcome! Look under the jacket for a poster, and don't miss the fold-out page at the end of the book.

Follow a group of children through a day in their school, where everyone is welcomed with open arms. A school where kids in patkas, hijabs, and yarmulkes play side-by-side with friends in baseball caps. A school where students grow and learn from each other's traditions and the whole community gathers to celebrate the Lunar New Year.

All Are Welcome lets young children know that no matter what, they have a place, they have a space, they are welcome in their school.

Reviews
“This is a must-read for pre-school and elementary classrooms everywhere. An important book that celebrates diversity and inclusion in a beautiful, age-appropriate way.” – Trudy Ludwig, author of The Invisible Boy and Quiet Please, Owen McPhee!

"Penfold and Kaufman have outdone themselves in delivering a vital message in today's political climate."--Kirkus Reviews

"A great read-aloud selection to start the year and revisit time and again." —School Library Journal

Additional Information
44 pages | 10.38" x 10.25"

Celebrate the act of giving with the beloved characters from the beloved bestseller All Are Welcome! This Step 2 early reader is perfect for emerging readers who are learning to give back to their communities.

Get together, lend a hand.
Can we do it? Yes, we can!

The kids from All Are Welcome are working together to give back to their community. How do they do it? By gathering a team to follow a dream and lending a hand when someone is in need.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 6.

This book is also part of the Step Into Reading series.  This series is designed to give every child a successful reading experience.  The grade levels are only guides; children will progress through the steps at their own speed, developing confidence in their reading.  The F&P Text Level on the back cover serves as another tool to help you choose the right book. 

This book is a Level 2 book. Step 2 Readers use basic vocabulary and short sentences to tell simple stories. They are ideal for children who recognize familiar words and can sound out new words with help. Perfect for children who are ready to read on their own!

Additional Information
32 pages | 6.00" x 9.00" | Paperback

Rooted in Indigenous teachings, this stunning picture book encourages readers of all ages to consider the ways in which they live in connection to the world around them and to think deeply about their behaviors.

Addressing environmental issues, animal welfare, self-esteem and self-respect, and the importance of community, the authors deliver a poignant and universal message in an accessible way: Be a good ancestor to the world around you. Thought-provoking stanzas offer a call to action for each one of us to consider how we affect future generations. Every decision we make ripples out, and we can affect the world around us by thinking deeply about those decisions.

Awards

• 2023 Forest of Reading Blue Spruce Award
• 2023 Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Children's Book Awards - Children's Picture Book

Reviews
"Be A Good Ancestor is a story rooted in Indigenous teachings that ask readers to examine how they connect to the world around them and think deeply about their actions' consequences. The story looks at environmental issues, animal welfare, self-esteem and self-respect, and the importance of community making the delivery of a universal message accessible." - The Dalai Lama Center 

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.

This book is available in French: Laisse un bel héritage.

Additional Information
32 pages | 10.00" x 8.50" | Hardcover

Kenkéknem (Bear) and Sek̓lép (Coyote) are both busy preparing for the long winter months ahead. Kenkéknem eats berries while Sek̓lép dries salmon and bakes Bannock. They have always done this separately and do not want to share with each other. However, this year Kenkéknem is curious about what Sek̓lép is doing, and he is also very hungry. Kenkéknem curiosity and hunger soon get them both in trouble. This forces them to work and learn together to find out how to solve their problem. In the process, they learn through shared experiences and reflect together. They then discover that they have many new stories to share and new ways to prepare food together.

They gather their relations to share their stories in a wider circle of community in order to share this way of learning through connectedness and relationships.

Bear and Coyote tells the creation story of traditional foods and shows the possibilities that arise when we work together. This book makes for a great bedtime story or read-aloud in the classroom.

The back of the book includes recipes for Bannock (Sp̓ íxle7cw) and Saskatoon Berry Jam (Speqpeq7úw̓l).

Bear and Coyote complements other works by Mike Bowden and Kelsey Jules, including Chief Goose and Porcupine, and includes a familiar character from Four Winds.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for grades 3 to 7.

This book is part of the Secwépemc Stories series.

This story is a great resource to introduce Indigenous languages to young readers. Secwepemctsín is one of 30 distinct Indigenous languages in British Columbia and is in the process of being revitalized after governments and religions developed policies to eliminate the rich language and culture of Indigenous peoples. The book integrates Secwépemc words into the text and includes a pronunciation guide on every page.

This story connects to the BC First Principles of Learning: learning is holistic, reflexive, experiential, and relational; learning involves the consequences of one’s actions; learning is embedded in story; and learning involves patience and time. Learning from Indigenous stories can be different and personal every time a story is read or told, depending on context. This book provides opportunity for those reading to reflect, explore, connect, and learn on a personal interpretative level.

Curriculum links:

• Social emotional learning: cooperation, working together, reciprocal relationships
• Reading and language skills
• Numeracy: includes recipes and encourages young learners to measure and count ingredients
• Food: gathering, preparing, and cooking traditional foods
• Indigenous knowledge and traditions

Additional Information
24 Pages | Colour illustrations | 22 x 28 cm | ISBN: 9781771745703 | Paperback

Everyone is welcome in the circle.

In this warmhearted book, we join Molly at the Intertribal Community Center, where she introduces us to people she knows and loves: her grandmother and her grandmother’s wife, her uncles and their baby, her cousins, and her treasured friends.

They dance, sing, garden, learn, pray, and eat together. And tonight, they come together for a feast! Molly shares with the reader how each person makes her feel—and reminds us that love is love.

Through tender prose and radiant artwork, author Monique Gray Smith (Cree/Lakota) and illustrator Nicole Neidhardt (Diné) show how there is always room for others in our lives. Circle of Love is a story celebrating family, friends, community, and, most of all, love.

Includes an author’s note, contextual notes, and glossary.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8

Additional Information
32 pages | 8.00" x 10.00" | Hardcover 

An inspiring look at how ideas form, grow, and connect us all

In the middle of the night, Finn wakes up with something buzzing around in their head. It isn’t heavy like a worry, it doesn’t swirl like fear, and it isn’t shaped like a question. It’s something more exciting—an idea!

The next day at school, Finn shares the idea with friends, who nurture it and help shape it into something even more fantastic. But not everyone is excited about Finn’s idea. When a bully knocks it to the ground, Finn begins to doubt the idea. And as Finn’s doubt grows, their idea shrinks. But just before the idea disappears, Finn realizes that it’s exactly as it should be! Confidence renewed, Finn shares the idea with more kids, who add their own thoughts until the idea flows—and even the bully becomes inspired to contribute.

Grounded in childhood curiosity and helmed by a gentle, inquiring main character, this story about the power of ideas fosters creativity, perseverance, inclusion, and a collaborative spirit.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Models resilience and a growth mindset.

Vibrant, whimsical illustrations show a diverse and inclusive school setting.

Reflects themes of teamwork and bullying.

Curriculum Connections: Language Arts: Reading Comprehension; Social-Emotional Learning: Belonging and Contributing; Teamwork and Cooperation; Kindness; Character Education: Self-Confidence, Perseverance, Flexibility.

Reading Levels:
Grade: 3
Fountas & Pinnell: O
Lexile® Measure: AD610L

Common Core
RL.3, W.3, SL.3, L.3

Additional Information
32 pages | 10.00" x 9.00" | Hardcover

Conversations are important for everyone. Some conversations can only occur when we feel understood. By talking with others, we can learn new ways to be respectful, kind, and empathetic. As we deepen our learning, we become more aware of our own actions. By discovering, growing, and learning about the many emotional parts of ourselves and others, we can find our Present Self.

Follow along in this conversation that connects our emotional parts of ourselves to TREE (our Present Self). As TRUNK (Self) and ROOTS (Empathy) communicate, we learn that our parts interconnect so we can be just like a strong, healthy, and growing TREE.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for Grades 4+ 

The back cover introduction and content overview inside make the books in the I Am Like a TREE series great for many learning situations. In each book are four discussion questions that focus on comprehension strategies and mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual connections. The books also provide an inquiry theme to explore and include five activity ideas for independent or group use.

This book is part of the social-emotional learning (SEL) series, I Am Like a TREE. I Am Like a TREE series consists of four titles:

Additional Information
24 Pages | 8" x 8" | ISBN: 9781771745611 | Paperback

Cultivate connection and kindness in author Susan Verde’s and Peter H. Reynolds’s I Am We.

Connected is what we are:
part of a world-wide community,
diverse and magnificent, kind and accepting, supportive and present.
All of us important, none of us alone.

Sometimes we may wonder, how does caring for ourselves help anyone else? But then we realize that the better we feel inside, the more we can be there for others—our friends, families, and communities. We are part of something bigger than ourselves, and when we each turn our goodness and compassion outward, we can create, learn, and love.

Whether it’s listening to a friend, welcoming newcomers with open arms, or standing up against injustice, I Am We shows us what true community looks like—and the amazing things that can happen when we come together.

Inside you’ll also find exercises for building community.

Reviews
"Verde’s contemplative text sets a tone at once musing and affirming, while Reynolds’ cartoon illustrations visualize the concepts in practical ways, grounding readers in colorful and emotive images. A genuine call to action paired with sincere reflection." — Kirkus Reviews

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Additional Information
32 pages | 8.00" x 8.00" | Hardcover 

Celina is a young Mohawk girl who moves to her mother's home reserve. She is teased by her classmates who tell her that she is not Mohawk and does not belong because she has blond hair and blue eyes. Celina starts to believe her classmates and decides not to dance at an upcoming Pow Wow. But her great-grandmother helps Celina understand that being Mohawk is not about how she looks but about what she feels in her heart. When the drumming starts at the Pow Wow, Celina decides to dance after all. A beautifully illustrated story, I Like Who I Am explores issues of bullying and belonging as Celina looks for acceptance in her new community.

Reviews
"[I Like Who I Am] doesn't only work as a learning tool, with Mohawk words interspersed with English ones, it is a life lesson. Heart warming, sincere and full of experiences we've all had, I Like Who I Am is a must read for parents." — Steve Bonspiel, The Eastern Door

"An outstanding book ideal for helping grades three to six children begin exploring: 1) the concept of culture, 2) the dynamics and pitfalls associated with judging/bullying others based on their physical features, and 3) the value of taking action against bullies who judge others by how they look." — Canadian Material Review

Educator Information
Recommended Ages: 6-11

Additional Information
44 pages | 8.00" x 9.00"

Dear Jean,
I had a substitute teacher recently. He stood up for a girl wearing a cedar hat when she was told to take it off by the vice-principal…

Even though Jean and Michael come from different cultural backgrounds and live far apart, they are best friends. To keep in touch, they write letters. Read their letters to discover what Jean and Michael do when they see and experience racial prejudice in their communities.

I Wish You Were Here is based on the authors' childhood experiences as pen pals in Haida Gwaii and Terrace in northern British Columbia. The book explores themes of friendship, culture, family, and community. It also addresses some tough issues, such as racism and intolerance, and explores ways to respond proactively. Included are resources and discussion questions to encourage further learning and reflection.

Reviews
“This lovely book explores healthy strategies for addressing racism and discrimination, including ceremonies, art, and inter-cultural allies. It is necessary reading for fostering the reconciliation and Indigenous resurgence that is imperative for our collective growth and enlightenment.”– Terri-Lynn Williams-Davidson, musician, author, activist, artist, and lawyer

Educator Information
Recommended for grades 3 to 7.

This middle-grade picture book includes discussion questions, a glossary, and additional resources for further learning and reflection.

Curriculum Connections & Keywords: Reconciliation, Indigenous Education, Social Awareness and Responsibility, Social Studies, Allyship, Racism, Anti-Racism, Discrimination, Social Justice, Racial Injustice, Haida, Haida Gwaii, Gwaii Haanas National Park, Tsimshian, Terrace, Letter Writing, Pen Pals, Friendship, Diversity, Child Empowerment, Advocacy, Inclusivity.

This book provides readers the opportunity to look at racism and discrimination through two different cultural lenses.  It's a teaching tool to initiate conversations about issues such as racism, discrimination, and reconciliation.

In the video below, Erica Jean Reid Gidin Jaad shares how to pronounce Haida and Tsimshian words in I Wish You Were Here.

Additional Information
32 Pages | 6.5" x 9.5" | Hardcover | ISBN: 9781771745727

In this engaging nonfiction picture book, five young friends --- Nick, Yulee, Pedro, Sally and Martin --- spend the day travelling around their neighbourhood and participating in activities designed to raise money for their local library. Along the way, they learn about the people and places that make up their community and what it means to be a part of one. A map opens the story, with each of the places the children will be visiting labelled, including the gas station, retirement home, school, police station, soccer field, community garden and, of course, the library! Then each of the following spreads features a different location, detailed in a bright, busy illustration. Illustration captions expand the locations' connections to the concept of community. For example, when they stop at a yard sale, the caption reads, Donating means you give something to help a good cause. You can donate money, things or your time. In some cases, readers are asked to find things or people within the illustrations, which adds an interactive experience.

Author and illustrator Scot Ritchie has created a rich resource for social studies lessons on places, roles and jobs within a community, and what it takes to be a responsible citizen. But there is also the potential here for even broader classroom discussions, including about the economy of a community, geography and mapping, and how the character education concepts of cooperation, responsibility and teamwork apply. The author has also included step-by-step instructions for a puzzle-making project.

Reviews
"An excellent addition for the community shelf, this minimizes didacticism while encompassing many aspects of the topic that are missing from other entries". — Kirkus Reviews

"This engaging picture book packs a tremendous amount of accessible information into an appealingpackage." — Booklist

"... a wonderful springboard to learning about community building and participating in community events." — Resource Links

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 7.

Additional Information
32 pages | 8.75" x 10.25"

A debut picture book that explores the importance of pronouncing names properly and celebrates cultural identity.

Saajin loves his name—he loves it so much that he sees it spelled out in the world around him in his snacks, in the sky and sometimes he even sings it aloud. On his first day of school, Saajin is excited to meet his new classmates, but things take a turn when the teacher mispronounces his name as Say-jin and he is not sure how—or if he should—correct her. After trying to live with the different version of his name for a while and some thoughtful conversations with his family about the meaning behind it, Saajin realizes the importance of reclaiming his name and embracing his identity. This empowering story, accompanied by energetic and vibrant art by Samrath Kaur, will resonate with any reader who has ever felt misunderstood.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 7.

Additional Information
36 pages | 8.00" x 10.00" | Hardcover 

On the Playground: Our First Talk About Prejudice focuses on introducing children to the complex topic of prejudice.

Crafted around a narrative between a grade-school-aged child and an adult, this inquiry-focused book will help children shape their understanding of diversity so they are better prepared to understand, and question, prejudice witnessed around them in their day-to-day lives and in the media. Dr. Jillian Roberts discusses types of discrimination children notice, what prejudice means, why it's not okay, how to stand up against it and how kids can spread a message of inclusion and acceptance in the world around them.

Reviews
"A heartfelt…tool to provoke conversations about prejudice and bullying."— Kirkus Review, October 2018

"Parents, teachers, and counselors will find this book to be a handy resource for discussing bullying, as it provides credible ways for children (and adults) to view themselves as active upstanders for others."— Booklist, November 2018

Educator Information
The World Around Us series introduces children to complex cultural, social and environmental issues that they may encounter outside their homes, in an accessible way. Sidebars offer further reading for older children or care providers who have bigger questions. For younger children just starting to make these observations, the simple question-and-answer format of the main text will provide a foundation of knowledge on the subject matter.

Themes / Keywords: racism, ableism, sexism, diversity, inclusion, bullying, inquiry-based, discrimination.

Recommended Ages: 6-8

This book is available in French: Et si on parlait des PRÉJUGÉS ?

Additional Information
32 pages | 10" x 8.5" | Paperback

Yu-Rhee, a young Korean girl, wants to know how to tell time using a clock. Her mother tells her a tale from her childhood based on the traditional Korean practice of timekeeping, where the 12 animals of the zodiac are assigned to 2-hour sections of the 24-hour clock. Told from the point of view of a mountain, the story follows a child as they climb the mountainside in search of a plant to heal their ailing mother. The climb is steep, the path wild and the way difficult. The mountain watches the child struggle and calls on the animals that live on the mountainside to help the child, but as sunlight turns to moonlight, each animal claims to be too busy. Ultimately, Once Upon an Hour is a story about determination and teamwork that shows young readers the importance of helping others.

Reviews
“A curious premise with captivating illustrations.” — Kirkus Reviews

“The repetitive text here is soothing in cadence...Pleasing colours, and the winsome expressions on the face of the hopeful child make readers sympathetic to the situation.” — CM: Canadian Review of Materials

“Illustrations which are inexplicably special…The timeless and universal message of helping others will resonate with listeners of this story whether young or old. This book needs to be part of an elementary school library as well as pre-school and home libraries. By using animals who are active at different times of the day to teach the concept of time, this folktale is especially memorable as well as useful.” — Must Read Literature

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.

Theme / Subjects: Animals, Time, Zodiac, Timekeeping, Traditional Korean Practices, Determination, Teamwork, Helping Others, Family, Plant Medicine.

Additional Information
32 pages | 8.75" x 10.75" | Hardcover

Kú7pece (Porcupine) has always struggled with his emotions and pushed his relations away. Kú7pece does not like this part of himself and wants to explore his identity and learn more about himself, his family, and the land.

To connect with his relations and his friends, Kú7pece decides to build a gathering place: a c7ístkten̓ (winter home). This is a place he is hoping his relations can gather and learn about each other through sharing stories. However, Kú7pece traps the sun and soon gets distracted by the sun’s heat and light. So much so, he forgets who he is and his purpose. Soon he is trapped too and cannot see that he is neglecting his responsibilities.

It takes the sacrifice of his relations and friends to help him realize he was trapped in his own reality. Once he realizes the lesson of the sacrifice of his friends – that they were trying to help him reconnect to his own place and purpose – he uses all his courage to turn away from the sun’s heat and light. Slowly, he remembers his identity, purpose, and responsibilities. In the end, Kú7pece finds himself again and reconnects with his relations to gather to tell stories, learn from each other, and support one another.

Porcupine is a story about expressing emotions and being considerate to the needs of others. It works well as a bedtime story or read-aloud for classrooms.

This book works well with others by Mike Bowden and Kelsey Jules, including Four Winds, Bear and Coyote, and Chief Goose.

Educator Information
Recommended for grades 3 to 7.

This book is part of the Secwépemc Stories series.

This story is a great resource to introduce Indigenous languages to young readers. Secwepemctsín is one of 30 distinct Indigenous languages in British Columbia and is in the process of being revitalized after governments and religions developed policies to eliminate the rich language and culture of Indigenous peoples. The book integrates Secwépemc words into the text and includes a pronunciation guide on every page.

This story connects to the BC First Peoples’ Principles of Learning: learning is holistic, reflexive, experiential, and relational; learning involves the consequences of one’s actions; learning is embedded in story; and learning involves patience and time. Learning from Indigenous stories can be different and personal every time a story is read or told, depending on context. This book provides an opportunity for those reading to reflect, explore, connect, and learn on a personal interpretative level.

Curriculum links:

• Social emotional learning: identity, self-awareness, emotions, family, community, relationship skills
• Reading and language skills
• Indigenous knowledge and traditions

Additional Information
24 Pages | Colour illustrations | 22 x 28 cm | ISBN: 9781771745710 | Paperback

After the Raven (Yaahl) had finished creating the world; he realized that he was lonely. So he invited the whole world to join him in Haida Gwaii for the greatest feast you could ever imagine. At the end of the Feast each person, from all 4 sacred directions, was given a special gift that would change their lives forever!

Educator Information
Recommended for grades 2 to 5.

This book shares the message that every person is unique and has something special to share with the world. Raven’s Feast is perfect for schools and other places of learning as its message inspires children to follow their hearts and see themselves as unique and important.

Author Kung Jaadee is a well-loved traditional storyteller, singer and drummer who delights audiences across Canada. She has a passion for teaching Xaad Kil/Haida language and sharing her culture with people of all ages. She has performed traditional Raven legends and personal stories for over twenty-five years.

This resource is also available in French: Le Festin du Corbeau

Additional Information
40 pages | 11.00" x 8.50"

A celebration of traditional ways of life and the power of sharing what we have.

”Rez kid!“ The girl ignores the taunt as she hurries to the back of the school bus. She just wants to get home to the reservation, where she can feel safe. One by one, she tells her mom, nóhkom, moshum and aunty about what happened. And one by one they offer her advice on what to do. Each one has a different idea, but each idea is the same at heart: share something from the reservation with the other children. The girl listens, but decides to come up with her own idea. And, as with everything else about her life as a rez kid, her idea grows out of all she has been given by those who came before her.

Andrea Landry has written a beautiful story that celebrates Indigenous ways of life and encourages readers to be proud of who they are. The traditions practiced on the girl’s reservation are showcased as she beads, harvests medicine, gardens and rides horseback with her elders. Isabella Fassler’s stunning art, with swirls of bold colors, evokes the majesty and splendor of nature. The message of showing kindness in response to aggression offers a powerful lesson for all readers. This book could augment social studies lessons on Indigenous cultures and character education conversations about courage, compassion and inclusiveness. An author’s note gives a brief history of reservations/reserves.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 7.

Curriculum Connections: Compassion; Courage; Empathy; Inclusiveness; Indigenous peoples; Rural communities

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

Continue to celebrate Cree culture and being true to yourself in the second book in this vibrant new early chapter book series!

Sarah has spent the best summer visiting Kohkom and her best friend Eden in her home community, but it’s almost time to return to the city and back to school. Eden has been acting odd and distant the past few days, and Sarah can’t quite figure out why: when she finds a tipi surprise in Kohkom’s backyard that Eden has been keeping a secret, Sarah figures that must be the reason!

But as the girls prepare for one last sleepover of the summer, Sarah continues to feel butterflies growing in her tummy when she hears Eden speaking Cree. Eden knows so much more about the language and their culture than Sarah; could that be what’s creating distance between them? As the night goes on, a magical visit from Maskwa reminds the girls that their differences and their culture is what makes their friendship so special.

Sita MacMillan continues to explore topsy-turvy feelings of growing up as a young Indigenous person living away from their community, with magical illustrations from Azby Whitecalf that transport the reader into the forest once again with Sarah Ponakey.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 9.

This is the second book in the Sarah Ponakey, Storycatcher series, a vibrant early chapter book series celebrating Cree culture and being true to yourself.

Includes a Glossary of Cree words and English meanings. 

Themes: Bears, Jealousy, Tipi, Cree, Indigenous, Culture, Dreams, Storytelling, Friendship

Guided Reading Level: O

Additional Information
120 pages | 6.00" x 7.50" | Paperback

Names reveal generational ties and histories, weaving an intricate tale of the past. Names—and correctly saying them—are important. Each one carries the hopes, dreams, and traditions of those who came before us.

Six children connect with the reader and proudly celebrate their names and backgrounds: Hé Xiao-Guang, Ofa Kivaha Tupoumalohi, Bijan Hosseini, Nizhoni Yazzie, Xóchitl Luna, and Akosua Acheampong. These captivating kids of Chinese, Tongan, Persian, Navajo, Mexican, and Ghanaian descent also honor their ancestors and cultural histories.

Joanna Ho’s lyrical story, with gorgeous illustrations by Khoa Le, explains how saying a person’s name is the only way we can truly know another.

Reviews
"In moving, lyrical prose, the book celebrates the beauty and sounds of each name alongside their culture of origin... the author builds a strong case that everyone should embrace their names and honor and learn those with which they may not be familiar." — Kirkus Reviews(starred review)

"A moving title that honors its readers and encourages them to feel confident in their cultural identities."—School and Library Journal — School Library Journal

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

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

Level 20 Illustrated by Bill Helin. Back cover book introduction: Raven likes to make plans for his animal friends. He has decided that his community should be strong. He asks all his animal friends to come to a Talking Circle. Each animal is asked to bring an idea about how they can help make their community strong. What ideas do you predict the animals will bring to the Talking Circle?

Educator & Series Information
The Pine Forest Community is part of the Strong Readers: Set B series. Set B is a continuation of Set A. The mixture of fiction and non-fiction books, from levels 11 through 20, expands on frog, bear, eagle, and raven, considering their full lifecycles.

The Strong Readers are a guided/leveled reading series chock full of science, numeracy, social responsibility, language arts and oral language teachings. Strong Readers are rich with scaffolded text features and have beautiful illustrations and photographs. The entire series is interconnected and follows the cultural values of frog, bear, eagle and raven throughout.

Guided Reading Level: 20

This resource is also available in French: La communauté de la Forêt des Pins.

Additional Information
Book Dimensions: 6in x 9in | Pages: 16 | ISBN: 9781771740494

The animals and the birds are getting ready for a game of lacrosse. Bat would love to play but neither team wants him because he is different than them. This Kanyen'kehà:ka (Gan-yeh-ga-ha-ga) story is about how we all have a special talent that we must respect in others. The book also includes information about lacrosse. The Kanyen'kehà:ka is one of Six Nations that together are the Haudenosaunee.

Educator & Series Information
The Game 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 partie.

Additional Information
16 pages | 6.00" x 9.00" | ISBN: 9781771741187

When two red foxes have an argument which breaks apart their community, a gentle buffalo decides to take a braid of sweetgrass to a local elder and asks her to help with a sharing circle for all the animals.

Reviews
"The Sharing Circle is a story about two animal friends getting into a disagreement and the resolution they come to through from working together. The story explores Indigenous teachings through Kokum Owl, bringing the animals together into a sharing circle to resolve the problem peacefully." - The Dalai Lama Center

Educator Information
Recommended for grades 2 to 5.

This resource is also available in French: Le Cercle de Partage

An adaptation of this book for a younger audience (ages 4-6) is available: The Circle of Sharing and Caring

A board book adaptation of this book is available: Our Little Sharing Circle (BB)

Additional Information
40 pages | 8.49" x 10.71"

TJ is bored of playing the same old games with his friends. When a new girl named Sapa moves to his community, he finally has a friend who shares his interests!

TJ and Sapa spend all summer playing out and exploring their community. When school starts in the fall, TJ’s classmates tease Sapa for being different. Will TJ stand up for his new friend?

Educator & Series Information
This book is part of the Nunavummi Reading Series, a Nunavut-developed series that supports literacy learning while teaching readers about the people, traditions, and environment of the Canadian Arctic. It is a Level 14 book in the series.

Nunavummi Reading Series books have also been officially levelled using the Fountas & Pinnell Text Level Gradient™ Levelling System. F&P Level of this book: O.

This book is also part of the Social Emotional Learning Series from Nunavummi. These books feature thoughtful, engaging stories that teach school-aged children to identify and regulate their emotions in healthy ways.

Curriculum Connections: Language and Literacy; Identity; Self-Image

Recommended for ages 7 to 9.

Additional Information
36 pages | 5.90" x 8.90"

Explore a forest with a curious classroom in this breathtaking new picture book, and experience the essential beauty of diversity in humanity and nature.

Joy and her peers are eager to visit a nearby forest for a class trip. But Joy's excitement quickly turns into anxiety when she is asked to choose one thing in the area for a school assignment.

Seeing her classmates connecting with the natural environment, Joy discovers how each of their choices reflect the ways they relate to and interact with the world.

Together, a Forest begins as an exciting journey into nature and blossoms into a meditation on how our unique personalities and ways of being help create a more vibrant and beautiful world. The forest reveals that everyone—including those of us with disabilities and neurodivergence—belong to nature. There is no one right way for a mind, body, or person to be.

Perfect for classrooms and home libraries with accessible social-emotional and STEM themes, this picture book highlights the importance of interdependence, inclusion and celebrating diversity in our communities.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Additional Information
40 pages | 9.00" x 11.20" | Hardcover 

Friendship can overcome any obstacle.

To Jessie and Johnny, their friendship is easy.

Jessie and Johnny have been inseparable ever since Jessie moved to the small island town during summer break. But as they begin fourth grade together, the new school year gets off to a rocky start when outside pressures and differences in their home lives threaten their friendship. Jessie lives comfortably and never worries about money while Johnny lives with his father and stepmother on the reserve outside of town. With guidance from Raven and spiritual teacher, Steven, the two friends bridge the gaps between them and learn to lean on each other through family troubles and cultural differences.

Reviews
"From the first paragraph, I was hooked. This is a beautiful story about friendship, family and community. The characters take us on adventures of discovering the connection to land, animals and history. Their friendship helps us understand how we care for each other on this journey of truth and reconciliation. My new favorite book!”— Monique Gray Smith, award-winning author of My Heart Fills With Happiness

“Set in the peace of a rural coastal community, this thoughtful and inspiring book creates space not just for playful adventure but reflection, curiosity and learning. Young Jessie and Johnny demonstrate the power of true friendship to bridge cultural difference, and their story shows us that wisdom comes from many kinds of teachers—the land, trickster Raven, Elders and, importantly, one another. Well-paced and charmingly illustrated, this book draws you into a beautiful world among trees and berry bushes, at the beach and the Bighouse, and it teaches that approaching each other with openness, support and respect allows for the discovery of many gifts.”— Amy Reiswig, reviewer, writer, editor

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

This book is part of the Orca Echoes series.

Key features:

• Two friends face the fourth grade together while learning to overcome cultural prejudices. Reconciliation is exemplified by a friendship between a non-Indigenous child and an Indigenous child.
• The authors use fictional versions of their younger selves to reimagine what it would be like if they met as children today.
• Extended family are shown as key supporters for Johnny and Jessie, and positive relationships with a grandmother, aunties, and a cousin are depicted.
• Coast Salish culture is celebrated by author Johnny Aitken’s own experiences and teachings.
• An Indigenous character, who identifies as 2Spirit, acts as a role model and educator to the two friends.

Reading Levels: 
Fountas & Pinnell Text Level Gradient: R 
Lexile measure: 720L 
Guided Reading Level: R

Additional Information
96 pages | 5.25" x 7.62" | Paperback 

A quirky and uplifting guide to making new friends for kids 4 to 7 from a beloved, internationally renowned author.

This “sublime picture book” (Kirkus STARRED Review) offers a hilarious and insightful guide to making new friends at your own pace. For kids aged 4 to 7, Ways to Make Friends will bolster compassion and make kids laugh on their way back to school.

What’s the best way to make friends? Toad has the most magnificent ideas! Sometimes they don’t go according to plan… but that’s okay. Eventually Toad tires of making new friends, but comes to a marvelous conclusion: sometimes being with yourself is a good way to pass the time too.

A hilarious and heartfelt read for kids who are starting school or experiencing other unfamiliar social situations, Ways to Make Friends will give them the courage to stand on their own—and maybe try one of Toad’s unconventional methods to make a friend for themselves.

Reviews
"An intelligent glimpse at how a friendship between unlikely candidates might be possible. A stellar addition for all collections."—School Library Journal, STARRED Review

“This sublime picture book offers gentle guidance to all readers, from reluctant youngsters in prickly social situations to more experienced friendship seekers needing a refresher. Peppered among moments of pure hilarity and suggested creative outlets are nuggets of encouragement meant to bolster compassion.”—STARRED Kirkus Review

"This whimsical playbook for making friends explores a universal theme in a humorous and appealing way.” —Booklist

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 7.

Additional Information
40 pages | 8.00" x 10.50" | Hardcover

A bold and colorful exploration of all the ways that people navigate through the spaces around them and a celebration of the relationships we build along the way. We Move Together follows a mixed-ability group of kids as they creatively negotiate everyday barriers and find joy and connection in disability culture and community. A perfect tool for families, schools, and libraries to facilitate conversations about disability, accessibility, social justice and community building. Includes a kid-friendly glossary.

Reviews
"The detailed and charming illustrations in We Move Together show us a world of cooperation, equality, community, love and friendship, which I believe is a world we all would be happy to live in.” —Brian Selznick author/illustrator of The Invention of Hugo Cabret

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 9.

Additional Information
42 pages | 10.00" x 9.50" | Hardcover 

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

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

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

When We Are Kind celebrates simple acts of everyday kindness and encourages children to explore how they feel when they initiate and receive acts of kindness in their lives. Celebrated author Monique Gray Smith has written many books on the topics of resilience and reconciliation and communicates an important message through carefully chosen words for readers of all ages. Beautifully illustrated by artist Nicole Neidhardt, this book encourages children to be kind to others and to themselves.

Awards

• 2022 Forest of Reading Blue Spruce Award
• 2021 Saskatchewan Young Readers' Choice Awards - Shining Willow

Reviews
“A perfect addition to your bedtime routine, and would make a great gift for every teacher and librarian your child knows, so each school has a copy upon reopening.” — them.

“Simple statements have the resonance of affirmations and establish a clear chain of connectedness…A panoply of Indigenous characters is featured in rich detail. A visual feast for families interested in seeing the Native world through small, kind deeds.” — Kirkus Reviews

“An accessible picture book that will work well as a read-aloud in a group or for quiet reading alone. Whether at home or in the classroom, its pleasing repetition of phrases. such as 'I am kind when' and 'I feel', will appeal to young readers and invite re-reading. Highly Recommended.” — CM: Canadian Review of Materials

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.

Themes: Teaching Compassion, Being Kind, Family, Friendship, Gratitude

Simple, pointed text gives examples of how children can be kind to those around them, the different emotions that receiving kindness can make us feel, and how we maintain a connection with one another through acts of kindness within our community.

This book is also available in a dual-language format: When We Are Kind / Nihá’ádaahwiinít’íįgo

This book is also available in French: Nous sommes gentils

This book is available as a board book: When We Are Kind (BB)

This resource is recommended in the Canadian Indigenous Books for Schools 2020/2021 resource list for grades K to 4 for use in these areas: Career Education, English Language Arts, Social Studies.

Additional Information
32 pages | 9.00" x 9.00"

This resonant and award-winning picture book tells the story of one girl who constantly gets asked a simple question that doesn’t have a simple answer.

A great conversation starter in the home or classroom—a book to share. When a girl is asked where she’s from—where she’s really from—none of her answers seems to be the right one.

Unsure about how to reply, she turns to her loving abuelo for help. He doesn’t give her the response she expects. She gets an even better one.

Where am I from?

You’re from hurricanes and dark storms, and a tiny singing frog that calls the island people home when the sun goes to sleep....

With themes of self-acceptance, identity, and home, this powerful, lyrical picture book will resonate with readers young and old, from all backgrounds and of all colors—especially anyone who ever felt that they don’t belong.

Reviews
"Lyrical language and luminous illustrations. An ideal vehicle for readers to ponder and discuss their own identities." —Kirkus (starred review)

"An enchanted, hand-in-hand odyssey [and] opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the many, many backgrounds, roots, histories, of those who live in these United States." —Shelf Awareness (starred review)

"A much-needed title that is a first purchase for libraries and classrooms." —School Library Journal

"This touching book addresses a ubiquitous question for children of color, and in the end, the closeness between the girl and Abuelo shows that no matter the questions, she knows exactly where she’s from." —Booklist

"Although the book begins as a gentle riposte to narrow cultural and ethnic categorizations, its conclusion reaches out to all readers, evoking both heritage and the human family." —Publishers Weekly

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Themes / Subjects: Self-Acceptance; Identity; Home; Diversity; Immigration/Emigration; Prejudice

Additional Information
40 pages | 10.00" x 8.50" | Hardcover 

From the creators of the bestselling All Are Welcome comes a modern and inclusive picture book that celebrates the many milestones of a child's life ranging from a school play to graduation with an emphasis on kindness and community.

Where will you go?
Who will you be?
I savor the moments
that you’re here with me.

Follow a set of kids and their families through the big and small moments with colorful illustrations and beautiful, rhyming text--a book that parents and teachers will love reading over and over to their kids--both young and old.

With a gorgeous fold-out spread, this is a great gift for any occasion, but a stand-out for graduation with its loving and inspiring message: Wherever you go, whatever you do. I want you know I’m so proud of you.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Additional Information
48 pages | 10.00" x 10.00" | Hardcover

Coauthored by one of the grandsons of Mahatma Gandhi, this gentle guide to cultivating peace will find a welcome place at home and in classrooms.

Peace is you. Peace is me.
Peace is the great big WE of community.

Where can we find peace? It shows in the way we walk, stand, or form a circle. It can be found when we play or dig in the garden, speak up or ask for help, or sit still and listen to the silence. Whether we’re learning, taking turns, or getting past hurt feelings and misunderstandings, peace is always there, as long as we look at one another, ready to discover. Drawing on the philosophies of Mahatma Gandhi and educator Maria Montessori, coauthors Arun Gandhi and Bethany Hegedus offer an inviting primer brought to life through the warm, wondrous illustrations of Colombian artist Andrés Landazábal. As Mahatma Gandhi once said, “If we are to teach real peace in this world . . . we shall have to begin with children.” You, Me, We does just that, as it celebrates the peace that can be found in us all.

Reviews
"Peace takes center stage in this picture book co-authored by the grandson of Mahatma Gandhi. . . . Soft, gentle artwork with a cotton-candy feeling infuses the narrative with warmth and depicts the students playing, meditating, and sharing. . . a good starting point to spark discussions about peace and community-building. . . Will encourage young readers to give peace a chance." —Kirkus Reviews

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 6.

Additional Information
32 pages | 11.00" x 9.38" | Hardcover

Educator Information
Recommended for use with grades 1 to 6 (elementary students).

Everything educators need is included in this single work -- contemporary Indigenous stories to read aloud and explore with students, as well as story guides, a map, plant information pages, suggestions for classroom activities, discussion questions, inquiry activities, talking together points, information to support intergenerational or peer-to-peer learning, and connections to the Core Competencies and social and emotional learning (SEL) competencies.

Find a bundle for Animals Care for Mother Earth that includes the book and learning environment resources HERE!

Additional Information
32 Pages | 8.5" x 11" | ISBN: 9781771745970 | Paperback

These vibrant Indigenous art stickers provide an excellent way for educators, nurses, parents, and childcare workers to celebrate and appreciate children’s achievements. Featuring 150 permanent stickers across 8 unique designs, this set offers a versatile and meaningful way to recognize and encourage young learners. The stickers are printed in Canada on Vancouver Island, ensuring high-quality and culturally-appropriate artwork that celebrates the rich Indigenous artistic traditions of the region. Teachers, child care providers, and parents can use these stickers to:

• Reward good work and positive behavior
• Decorate classroom materials, homework, and art projects
• Personalize cards, envelopes, and other correspondence
• Encourage creativity and self-expression

By incorporating these Indigenous art stickers into their practices, educators and caregivers can not only uplift children, but also introduce them to diverse cultural perspectives and artistic styles. This supports inclusivity, representation, and cross-cultural understanding – key elements in fostering a nurturing environment for young learners. The set’s 8.5″ x 11″ sheet format makes it easy to distribute the stickers and incorporate them into daily routines. Whether used to celebrate achievements, decorate spaces, or simply add a touch of beauty, these Indigenous art stickers are a wonderful resource for those who work with and care for children.

Includes:

• 20 Sun
• 20 Hummingbird
• 20 Moon
• 20 Feather
• 20 Snowflake
• 20 Salmon
• 15 Raven
• 15 Wolf & Moon

Additional Information

• Dimensions: 35 × 23 × 1 cm