Theme Bundle: Seasons
Details:
This bundle includes resources for exploring the seasons. Indigenous and non-Indigenous works are included.
Scroll below to learn more about the Indigenous and supplementary resources included in this bundle. Resource availability may fluctuate.
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Winter Resources

Synopsis:
In this story, Tom and Liv skate on Log Pond. They play a game of hockey!
Mi’gmaq have played hockey for a long time. Early hockey sticks were carved by Mi’gmaq from birch, elm, or ash wood.
What games do you play in the winter?
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4-7, for use in kindergarten and Grade 1 classrooms.
Cedar School Decodables is divided into six sets, which increase in word count and complexity of sentence structure. A Game on the Ice is in Set 3 – VCe, and reviews -ce and -ge. Books in Set 3 have 80-90 words.
Readers should be familiar with the concepts included in Set 1 to Set 3:
- consonants
- beginning and end blends
- short and long vowels
- digraphs
- a /o/
- s – /s/ and /z/
- -s and -es suffixes
- possessives
Series Information
Welcome to Cedar School! Join Liv, Tom, Gus, and Bell as they learn on the land and explore Mi’gmaw teachings with their teacher, Miss Sam, and the school’s Mi’gmaw Elder, Jen. With charming illustrations and simple storylines, this decodable series engages students as they practise their reading skills. Each book includes a pre-reading review of non-decodable words, and many of the books introduce special words related to Indigenous teachings. Talking Together prompts facilitate discussions led by the reading teacher.
Developed in partnership with Dyslexia Canada, Cedar School Decodables is a series of 20 decodable books for young readers. Designed for students who have previously learned short vowel and consonant sounds, additional phonic skills are developed progressively throughout the series.
The series will be accompanied by Cedar School Decodables Teacher’s Guide and a series of four picture books, which will be available at a later date.
Additional Information
16 pages | 6.5” x 5.5” | Paperback | ISBN: 978-1-77174-646-5
Synopsis:
In this story, Log Pond has frozen over, and the class is ice fishing! Bell sings a song for good luck. Will the class catch anything?
Mi’gmaq go ice fishing in the winter. Traditionally, they used sticks as fishing rods.
Have you ever gone ice fishing?
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4-7, for use in kindergarten and Grade 1 classrooms.
Cedar School Decodables is divided into six sets, which increase in word count and complexity of sentence structure. Fishing for Smelts is in Set 4 – Longer Words, and reviews -es, -ed (/d/, /t/, and /ǝd/), and -ing. Books in Set 4 have 90-100 words.
Readers should be familiar with the concepts included in Set 1 to Set 4:
- consonants
- beginning and end blends
- short and long vowels
- digraphs
- a /o/
- s – /s/ and /z/
- -s, -es, -ed, and -ing suffixes
- VC-CV, V/CV, VC/V, and compound words
- possessives
Series Information
Welcome to Cedar School! Join Liv, Tom, Gus, and Bell as they learn on the land and explore Mi’gmaw teachings with their teacher, Miss Sam, and the school’s Mi’gmaw Elder, Jen. With charming illustrations and simple storylines, this decodable series engages students as they practise their reading skills. Each book includes a pre-reading review of non-decodable words, and many of the books introduce special words related to Indigenous teachings. Talking Together prompts facilitate discussions led by the reading teacher.
Developed in partnership with Dyslexia Canada, Cedar School Decodables is a series of 20 decodable books for young readers. Designed for students who have previously learned short vowel and consonant sounds, additional phonic skills are developed progressively throughout the series.
The series will be accompanied by Cedar School Decodables Teacher’s Guide and a series of four picture books, which will be available at a later date.
Additional Information
16 pages | 6.5” x 5.5” | Paperback | ISBN: 978-1-77174-647-2

Synopsis:
It is winter. The land lies still, quiet and stark beneath a blanket of snow. The tiny footprints of a mouse can be seen in the light of the moon.
"Wrapped in the quiet, and there in the bleak, there stood a wise mouse, preparing to speak."
The words that mouse chose were from many years past. She spoke them into the cold night air. So begins the enchanting story of a very special Winter Solstice celebration.
Kwakwaka’wakw author Terri Mack and Tsimshian artist Bill Helin have collaborated to bring us this story of strength, friendship and celebration. The lyrical text and engaging illustrations will appeal to readers of all ages.
Author's note:
Gila'kasla!
I spent a year writing and rewriting this poem to be sure to convey the message clearly to my audience. It was important to me that the poem reflect the importance of us all joining together to find the sacredness in celebration, the joy of belonging within a greater community and the voice of determination inside of each of us. Inspired by Indigenous Peoples rising, healing and joining together I hope that this poem inspires our youth to be strong and determined in all their future goals.
~Terri Mack
Additional Information
24 pages | 9" x 12" | ISBN: 9781771740555 | Paperback
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:
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:
Level 14 Back cover book introduction: Winter is the season between fall and spring. The months of winter are December, January and February. What are some activities that you and your family do during the winter months?
Educator & Series Information
Wintertime 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: 14
This resource is also available in French: L’hiver est arrivé.
Additional Information
Book Dimensions: 6in x 9in | Pages: 16 | ISBN: 9781771740265

Synopsis:
This story is about how deer find food when it snows.
There are four seasons in the year: winter, spring, summer, and fall. Which season is this story about?
Educator & Series Information
Recommended for grade 1 students, but may also be useful in kindergarten classrooms.
Strong Science - Animals is a language-based science series for primary students featuring animals that all Canadian students will recognize. Photographs and Indigenous artwork illustrate the series. Common learning objectives in science curricula across Canada are addressed, and suggestions for extending the learning to other curriculum areas, including Indigenous cultural awareness, language arts, math, and art, are included in the teacher’s guide. The sixteen books in this series are grouped into four levels that increase in complexity, designed to accommodate students with various reading abilities within a classroom. This feature facilitates the use of this series in literacy programs along with the Strong Readers series.
Deer in the Snow is an EP3 (Early Primary 3) book in the Strong Science - Animals series. Font size decreases as language complexity and word count increase across levels: EP1 books have approximately 40 words, EP2 books have approximately 60 words, EP3 books have approximately 80 words, and EP4 books have approximately 100 words.
A teacher's guide for Strong Science - Animals is available: Strong Science - Animals: Teacher's Guide
Authenticity Note: This book has received the Indigenous Text label because the author is Indigenous (Lakota) and the featured animal holds cultural significance in many Indigenous cultures. The engaging story provides factual information in an easy-to-read format for children to learn science concepts and build literacy skills. It promotes respect for animals and Mother Earth, and its illustrations communicate additional cultural information through Lakota symbolism and designs. Further cultural connections are identified in the teacher's guide. Refer to the guide to explore the book's Indigenous connections fully. It is up to readers to determine if the book will work as a stand-alone authentic Indigenous text for their purposes.
Additional Information
16 Pages | 6.5" x 5.5" | Paperback | ISBN: 978-1-77174-616-8

Synopsis:
In this Coast Salish story, to make up for her children’s rudeness to Snow, Mother Tree gives up her life as a tree and transforms into a great blanket of moss. The moss blanket protects the younger trees from Snow’s anger. Respect for the wisdom of the elders is a theme woven throughout this delightful story that will appeal to readers of all ages.
Educator & Series Information
The Great Blanket of Moss is part of the Strong Stories: Coast Salish 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 Couverture de mousse.
Additional Information
16 pages | 6.00" x 9.00" | ISBN: 9781771741248

Synopsis:
Come north to Saik’uz (sigh-kuz) located within the Dakelh (dah-kay-lth) Territory and see what happens on cold winter days! What is something that you love about winter?
Educator & Series Information
A triple-language resource written in Carrier, English and French.
Recommended for primary students (grades 1-3).
Download a pronunciation guide for the Carrier words in this story: Winter in Saik'uz Pronunciation Guide
Winter in Saik’uz is part of the Strong Stories: Dakelh 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.
Additional Information
16 pages | 6.00" x 9.00" | ISBN: 9781771743297
Synopsis:
Join in on the Sun Celebration in Grise Fiord, Nunavut, in this charming bilingual storybook!
Suupi lives in Grise Fiord, Nunavut. After three months of darkness in her community, the sun is finally about to return. Suupi and her friends can’t focus on their schoolwork. Today they will celebrate the return of the sun! There will be a sliding competition, a school performance, and a community feast. But Suupi is nervous about performing with her class in front of so many people. Will she find a way to overcome her fear?
Written by an author from Grise Fiord, a community in Nunavut where the sun doesn’t rise for nine months, Suupi and the Sun Celebration introduces readers to traditions within this Northern community that commemorate the return of the sun each year.
Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.
Bilingual Inuktitut and English Edition
Themes: Family, Community, Return of the Sun, Celebrations, Singing, Traditional Songs, Throat Singing, Sun Celebration
This book is part of the Community Connections series.
Additional Information
44 pages | 8.00" x 8.00". Paperback
Synopsis:
In this reimagined version of The Twelve Days of Christmas, winter wildlife is observed as the snow comes. What animals do you think you might see? Do you think bears will be included? Why or why not? The only way to find out is to read or sing along as animals watch their world get blanketed by gentle layers of snow.
Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 8.
This book is part of the Twelve Days Series.
Additional Information
32 pages | 8.31" x 10.38" | Hardcover
Synopsis:
Rendered with reassuring words and pastoral scenes, this soothing lullaby of a story is sure to settle even the most restless of cubs.
Mouse is rushing to her nest.
In soft, dry grasses she will rest.
Geese are calling, a chilly wind is blowing, and the sky is turning gray. Winter is on its way. For Mama Bear and Small Bear, that means it’s time to tuck into their den for a long sleep. But Mouse is scurrying by, and Chipmunk is still gathering nuts beside the lake. And look at Hare and Skunk, still romping through the leaves! Why can’t Small Bear stay up, too? To each question, Mama Bear responds with the coziest of answers, finally painting a dreamy picture of the brightening colors and new adventures that will greet Small Bear in the spring. But first comes sleep, in this irresistible invitation to drowsy little cubs everywhere.
Reviews
"This soft, reassuring tale is ideal for teaching seasonal changes as well as the need for transitions." —School Library Journal
"Simple, quiet illustrations executed in a soft, elegant, swirling style trace the transition from tawny autumn’s bareness to early winter’s silvery wonderland. . . . Reassuring, inviting bedtime fare."—Kirkus Reviews
"It’s a book to prepare children for bed, but it’s also a guide to enjoying rest while reflecting upon past or future adventures."—WORLD Magazine
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8
Subjects: Animals; Bedtime & Dreams; Science & Nature; Hibernation; Bears
Additional Information
32 pages | 8.94" x 10.56" | Hardcover
Synopsis:
A vibrantly illustrated children’s book about an Indigenous girl who finds awe in the resting and waiting that winter teaches us and shares with her friends how Creator’s gift of gratitude can transform the way we see the world.
Your thankfulness is your gift to Earth.
Winter’s Gifts is the tale of a young Potawatomi girl named Dani whose family celebrates the darkest season of the year by treasuring the slowness that winter brings. Dani’s schoolmates think it’s silly to think that Earth gives us presents, but on a magical snowy day, her family and Creator give Dani the courage to teach her friends about the gifts of winter—resting, remembrance, and gratitude. Can Dani help them receive winter’s gifts?
Winter’s Gifts is a joyful and tender family story of honoring creation, the power of storytelling, and how a new perspective can transform us.
Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 7.
This book is part of the An Indigenous Celebration of Nature series.
Additional Information
40 pages | 11.06" x 8.70" | Hardcover
Spring Resources

Synopsis:
“The kit uses her webbed back feet and little flat tail to push through the water. She swims down the tunnel and out into the pond. At the surface of the water, she sees a dragonfly. She follows it to the edge of the pond. It settles on a big rock.”
This book uses both fiction and non-fiction as a unique approach to storytelling.
On left-hand pages, lyrical text and colourful illustrations tell a story of a young beaver’s early morning spring adventure. Using her senses, the kit discovers the world around her lodge. Expertly woven into this delightful story are interesting facts about beavers and other plants and animals in this wetland ecosystem.
Captioned and labelled photographs, word boxes, a diagram, and a map make the non-fiction portion of this book an accessible source of information for young readers.
Educator & Series Information
This book is part of the A Spring Adventure series.
Recommended for grades 2 and 3.
Captioned and labelled photographs, word boxes, a diagram, and a map make the non-fiction portion of this book an accessible source of information for young readers.
Science Connections: Biodiversity, animal classification, food chains, life cycles, ecosystems, geology, and the connections between living and non-living things are some of the concepts included in this book.
Additional Information
24 Pages | 8" x 8" | ISBN: 978-1-77174-567-3 | Paperback

Synopsis:
“The fledgling lands safely at the foot of the tree. He looks around. He sees a ladybug crawling along the leaf of a stinging nettle. He is curious. Is it good to eat? He hops up onto a smooth, black rock to take a closer look.”
This book uses both fiction and non-fiction as a unique approach to storytelling.
On left-hand pages, lyrical text and colourful illustrations tell a story of a young crow’s early morning spring adventure. Using his senses, the fledgling discovers the world around his nest. Expertly woven into this delightful story are interesting facts about crows and other plants and animals in a city park.
Captioned and labelled photographs, word boxes, a diagram, and a map make the non-fiction portion of this book an accessible source of information for young readers.
Educator & Series Information
This book is part of the A Spring Adventure series.
Recommended for grades 2 and 3.
Captioned and labelled photographs, word boxes, a diagram, and a map make the non-fiction portion of this book an accessible source of information for young readers.
Science Connections: Biodiversity, animal classification, food chains, life cycles, ecosystems, geology, and the connections between living and non-living things are some of the concepts included in this book.
Additional Information
24 Pages | 8" x 8" | ISBN: 978-1-77174-568-0 | Paperback

Synopsis:
“The buzzing sound fades away when the bee flies off. The fawn twitches his large ears and looks about. He can hear trickling water close by. He walks to the far side of the meadow, down a rocky bank, and to a little creek below.”
This book uses both fiction and non-fiction as a unique approach to storytelling.
On left-hand pages, lyrical text and colourful illustrations tell a story of a young fawn’s early morning spring adventure. Using his senses, the fawn discovers the world around him while searching for his mother. Expertly woven into this delightful story are interesting facts about black-tailed deer and other plants and animals in a forest ecosystem.
Captioned and labelled photographs, word boxes, a diagram, and a map make the non-fiction portion of this book an accessible source of information for young readers.
Educator & Series Information
This book is part of the A Spring Adventure series.
Recommended for grades 2 and 3.
Captioned and labelled photographs, word boxes, a diagram, and a map make the non-fiction portion of this book an accessible source of information for young readers.
Science Connections: Biodiversity, animal classification, food chains, life cycles, ecosystems, geology, and the connections between living and non-living things are some of the concepts included in this book.
Additional Information
24 Pages | 8" x 8" | ISBN: 978-1-77174-565-9 | Paperback

Synopsis:
“The fledgling lands in the dry leaves, cones, and twigs on the forest floor. He stops for a moment. He looks around. He is wondering about the little flowers on the kinnikinnick plants. Are they food? He hops up onto a nearby rock to take a closer look.”
This book uses both fiction and non-fiction as a unique approach to storytelling.
On left-hand pages, lyrical text and colourful illustrations tell a story of a young robin’s early morning spring adventure. Using his senses, the fledgling discovers the world around his nest. Expertly woven into this delightful story are interesting facts about robins and other plants and animals in a forest ecosystem.
Captioned and labelled photographs, word boxes, a diagram, and a map make the non-fiction portion of this book an accessible source of information for young readers.
Educator & Series Information
This book is part of the A Spring Adventure series.
Recommended for grades 2 and 3.
Captioned and labelled photographs, word boxes, a diagram, and a map make the non-fiction portion of this book an accessible source of information for young readers.
Science Connections: Biodiversity, animal classification, food chains, life cycles, ecosystems, geology, and the connections between living and non-living things are some of the concepts included in this book.
Additional Information
24 Pages | 8" x 8" | ISBN: 978-1-77174-566-6 | Paperback
Synopsis:
Toonik Tyme is a lot of fun!
This book describes different things that happen during Toonik Tyme, an annual festival in Iqaluit that celebrates Inuit traditions and the return of spring.
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 7 book in the series.
Nunavummi Reading Series books have also been officially levelled using the Fountas & Pinnell Text Level Gradient™ Levelling System. This book's F&P Level is E.
Curriculum Connections: Language and literacy; Indigenous perspectives; Community engagement; History; Heritage
Recommended for ages 5-7.
Additional Information
16 pages | 10.00" x 10.00"
Synopsis:
Let's go on a walk and practice our language!
What birds will we see? I see one sîsîp / pêyak little duck!
In a celebration of the connection between language learning and the land, a young child enjoys a walk in nature and spots different birds while practicing counting from one to ten in Plains Cree. With bright illustrations, rhyming clues in English and pronunciation guides on every page, pêyak little duck is a friendly introduction to Plains Cree and a celebration of the beauty of springtime in the Prairies and the Plains.
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.
Learn to count from one to ten in Plains Cree.
Simple rhyming English text complements Plains Cree vocabulary to help readers learn and practice the numbers one through ten. Illustration labels for birds and other natural objects are an opportunity for additional language learning.
Pronunciations are given beside each Cree number to support readers in their learning. The rhyme and rhythm of the English text also provides clues about how the Cree is pronounced. Additional pronunciations and information about language learning are provided in the back matter.
Additional Information
32 pages | 9.00" x 9.00" | Hardcover
Synopsis:
A vibrantly illustrated children's book about an Indigenous girl who discovers the miracles that blossom each spring and learns how Creator's gift of courage can transform the way we see the world and ourselves.
It’s time to welcome a new season, and this spring is going to be extra special. Dani, a Potawatomi girl, and her family prepare to celebrate the new year, which the Potawatomi and other Anishinaabe people observe at the beginning of spring with a camping and climbing trip. Dani is excited for the adventure, but also nervous. The rocks are so big. Will she make it to the top of her climb? As Dani explores the awakening woods and makes memories with her family, she learns to draw on the courage Creator gives while finding inspiration in the miraculous new life Mother Earth brings forth each spring.
Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 7.
This book is part of the An Indigenous Celebration of Nature series.
Additional Information
40 pages | 11.00" x 8.5" | Hardcover

Synopsis:
Level 2 Back cover book introduction: The animals notice that spring is here so they tell Bear. How do we know when it is spring time?
Educator & Series Information
Hello Spring! is part of the Strong Readers: Set A series. Set A includes a mixture of both fiction and non-fiction books, from levels 1 through 10, based on the appearance, behaviours, and habitats of frog, bear, eagle, and raven. The fictional stories are about frog, bear, eagle, and raven with their friends in their respective habitats.
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: 2
This resource is also available in French: Voici le printemps!
Additional Information
Book Dimensions: 6.5in x 5.5in | Pages: 16 | ISBN: 9780987967060

Synopsis:
Level 15 Back cover book introduction: Spring is the season between winter and summer. The months of spring are March, April and May. What are some activities that you and your family do during the spring months?
Educator & Series Information
Spring Has Come! 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: 15
This resource is also available in French: Le printemps est arrive !
Additional Information
Book Dimensions: 6in x 9in | Pages: 16 | ISBN: 9781771740296

Synopsis:
This story is about the home mother raccoon makes in a tree for her babies. The home is called a den.
There are four seasons in the year: winter, spring, summer, and fall. Which season is this story about?
Educator & Series Information
Recommended for grade 1 students, but may also be useful in kindergarten classrooms.
Strong Science - Animals is a language-based science series for primary students featuring animals that all Canadian students will recognize. Photographs and Indigenous artwork illustrate the series. Common learning objectives in science curricula across Canada are addressed, and suggestions for extending the learning to other curriculum areas, including Indigenous cultural awareness, language arts, math, and art, are included in the teacher’s guide. The sixteen books in this series are grouped into four levels that increase in complexity, designed to accommodate students with various reading abilities within a classroom. This feature facilitates the use of this series in literacy programs along with the Strong Readers series.
Mother and Baby Raccoons is an EP3 (Early Primary 3) book in the Strong Science - Animals series. Font size decreases as language complexity and word count increase across levels: EP1 books have approximately 40 words, EP2 books have approximately 60 words, EP3 books have approximately 80 words, and EP4 books have approximately 100 words.
A teacher's guide for Strong Science - Animals is available: Strong Science - Animals: Teacher's Guide
Authenticity Note: This book has received the Indigenous Text label because the author is Indigenous (Lakota) and the featured animal holds cultural significance in many Indigenous cultures. The engaging story provides factual information in an easy-to-read format for children to learn science concepts and build literacy skills. It promotes respect for animals and Mother Earth, and its illustrations communicate additional cultural information through Lakota symbolism and designs. Further cultural connections are identified in the teacher's guide. Refer to the guide to explore the book's Indigenous connections fully. It is up to readers to determine if the book will work as a stand-alone authentic Indigenous text for their purposes.
Additional Information
16 Pages | 6.5" x 5.5" | Paperback | ISBN: 978-1-77174-613-7

Synopsis:
Come north to Saik’uz (sigh-kuz) located within the Dakelh (dah-kay-lth) Territory and see the trees bud and the birds come back! What is something that you love about spring?
Educator & Series Information
A triple-language resource written in Carrier, English and French.
Recommended for primary students (grades 1-3).
Download a pronunciation guide for the Carrier words in this story: Spring in Saik'uz Pronunciation Guide
Spring in Saik’uz is part of the Strong Stories: Dakelh 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.
Additional Information
16 pages | 6.00" x 9.00" | ISBN: 9781771743273
Synopsis:
This bestselling, innovative picture book introduces readers to the concept of Etuaptmumk—or Two-Eyed Seeing, the gift of multiple perspectives in the Mi’kmaw language—as we follow a group of young children connecting to nature as their teacher.
A poetic, joyful celebration of the Lands and Waters as spring unfolds: we watch for Robin's return, listen for Frog's croaking, and wonder at maple tree's gift of sap. Grounded in Etuaptmumk, also known as Two-Eyed Seeing—which braids together the strengths of Indigenous and non-Indigenous ways of knowing—and the Mi’kmaq concept of Netukulimk—meaning to protect Mother Earth for the ancestors, present, and future generations—Walking Together nurtures respectful, reciprocal, responsible relationships with the Land and Water, plant-life, animals and other-than-human beings for the benefit of all.
Reviews
"Walking Together is a poetic celebration grounded in Etuaptmumk (Two-Eyed Seeing) that weaves together the strengths of Indigenous and non-Indigenous ways of knowing. The story explores respectful, reciprocal, responsible relationships between the land, water, plants, animals, and humans." - The Dalai Lama Center
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 7.
Introduces the concept of Two-Eyed Seeing (the gift of multiple perspectives) to young readers.
This book is available in a bilingual format: Walking Together / Menaqaj Pemwije’tulti’k
Additional Information
36 pages | 8.90" x 8.90" | Paperback
Synopsis:
Nothing welcomes spring like a wild onion dinner!
As the dirt warms and green sprouts poke up, a Cherokee girl joins her family in the hunt for green onions. Together, they pick enough to bring to a feast, which is cooked with love and shared by their community.
Idalisdayvhvga!
Let’s all eat!
Written with simple, sensory lyricism by Andrea Rogers (Cherokee) and featuring warm, vibrant art by Madelyn Goodnight (Chickasaw), this picture book celebrates the spring tradition of wild onion dinners—and the community and comfort that are shared when we gather.
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.
Additional Information
40 pages | 8.00" x 10.00" | Hardcover
Summer Resources
Synopsis:
Dragonfly Kites is the third book in Tomson Highway's magical Songs of the North Wind trilogy. Like Fox on the Ice and Caribou Song, it has a bilingual text, written in English and Cree. And once again Tomson Highway brilliantly evokes the very essence of childhood as he weaves a deceptively simple story about the power of the imagination.
Joe and Cody, two young Cree brothers, along with their parents and their little dog Ootsie, are spending the summer by one of the hundreds of lakes in northern Manitoba. Summer means a chance to explore the world and make friends with an array of creatures, But what Joe and Cody like doing best of all is flying dragonfly kites. They catch dragonflies and gently tie a length of thread around the middle of each dragonfly before letting it go. Off soar the dragonflies into the summer sky and off race the brothers and Ootsie too, chasing after their dragonfly kites through trees and meadows and down to the beach before watching them disappear into the night sky. But in their dreams, Joe and Cody soar through the skies with their kites until it's time to wake up.
Reviews
"Unlike most fiction, Dragonfly Kites does not follow a standard plot line. Like the dragonfly kites that the boys follow, the plot simply glides along until the boys wake up from their dream. This is appropriate due to the significance the illustrations play in this picture book, as well as the age of the intended audience. Readers are not overwhelmed by the storyline and are free to appreciate the accompanying illustrations. The illustrations in Dragonfly Kites act as an extension of the story. The pictures in the book are colourful, beautiful, and have an austere, stark quality. This is consistent with other works produced by award-winning illustrator Julie Flett. This style suits the story as, aside from the nature that surrounds around them, Joe and Cody are depicted as being by themselves. While they live with the parents, their adventures occur when their parents are fishing without them. The full-page illustrations demonstrate the vast space that surrounds the boys." — CM Magazine
"At once a celebration of heritage, the wilderness, and imagination, this book is a breath of fresh northern air." — Kirkus Reviews
Educator & Series Information
This is the third book in the Songs of the North Wind series, a dual-language (English and Cree) series about two young Cree boys.
This book is available in French/Cree: Les libellules cerfs-volant/Pimithaagansa
Additional Information
32 pages | 9.26" x 10.70"
Synopsis:
Under a blanket of stars, Warren has a dream about an unending winter, with animals teaming up to search for the lost bag of summer. Just as in the Anishinaabe and Ininew legend, Fisher, a brave hunter, is chosen to bring the bag of summer back to their home. But will he find the bag in time, or will the summer animals ruin his plans to bring warmth to the northern lands?
Educator Information
Grades 4 and under.
Synopsis:
A young girl spends the summer at her grandmother’s home on the Standing Rock Reservation in this heartwarming family story from acclaimed author-artist S. D. Nelson
Now that Clara is almost in third grade, she’s finally old enough to spend her first summer away from home visiting her grandma, Unci, and her cousin at their home in Standing Rock Reservation. To welcome her visit, Uncle Louie brings an extra-special surprise in his pickup truck: the tipi that’s been passed down through their family for generations. The girls learn how to stack the poles and wrap the canvas covering around them, how to paint spirit pictures on its walls, and how the circle of the tipi tells its own story, reminding us to how to live in the great Circle of Life. Over long days spent playing outside, doing beadwork together, telling stories, singing songs, and sleeping under the stars, the tipi brings the family closer together. As summer draws to an end, goodbye comes all too soon, but Clara will always cling to the memories of summer days and starry nights . . . and Grandma’s tipi.
Reviews
"Nelson (Standing Rock Sioux) depicts his people’s customs with reverence…When Clara’s time on the Standing Rock Reservation comes to an end, the rich lessons of her heritage stay with her—just as they will with young readers, who will be drawn in by both Nelson’s moving narration and glowing images."— Kirkus
“Nelson’s vibrant illustrations are stylized to reflect Lakota ledger drawings. He effortlessly blends this art style into his realistic, authentic depictions of modern Lakota life."— The Horn Book Magazine
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.
Additional Information
40 pages | 9.00" x 10.00" | Hardcover
Synopsis:
Two sisters have waited all spring and summer to pick berries with their ningiuq, their grandmother. They've gone fishing, dug for clams, and by the time late summer arrives, it's finally time for berries!
Ninguiq and the girls head out to pick berries, rain or shine—nothing will stop Ningiuq! Through driving rain and early autumn snow the girls and Ningiuq pick as many sweet berries as their buckets can hold. The hard work is all worth it to enjoy the delicious treats Ninguiq creates with her berries.
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.
Additional Information
28 pages | 9.00" x 9.00" | Hardcover
Synopsis:
Akuluk is visiting her family in Nunavut and can’t wait to get out on her uncle’s boat for a ride into the powerful Arctic Ocean. Surrounded by her family, and with her trusty toy polar bear beside her, Akuluk experiences the beautiful sights, sounds, and animals that abound in the ocean and along the shore during the short Arctic summer—from a mother polar bear and her cubs to a family of belugas and tiny Arctic fox kits. As they encounter each animal, Akuluk’s aunt and uncles share with her how each species cares for its young, and how they protect their babies from the other animals who share their ecosystem.
This beautiful story of family connection and respect for the natural world teaches young readers how close humans are to our animal counterparts and that caring for the environment in which we live is one of our most important responsibilities.
Reviews
"Kits, Cubs, and Calves: An Arctic Summer goes beyond summer and gives a picture of life in the arctic for its people, its animals and the land, and it's a great place to visit through Suzie Napayok-Short and Tamara Campeau's work." — CanLit for Little Canadians
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 5 to 7.
Additional Information
32 pages | 9.00" x 8.00"
Synopsis:
What do you do on a summer’s day?
This book describes different things a child does on a summer’s day in the Arctic.
Educator & Series Information
Bilingual: English and Inuktitut
This is an Arvaaq Book. Books in this series are intended for infants and very young children and are designed to help children develop physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and language skills.
Additional Information
16 pages | 8.50" x 8.50"

Synopsis:
Level 17 Illustrated by Bill Helin. Back cover book introduction: Soon there will be a big summer feast at Pine Forest. Raven is ready with lots of plans. What are some of the things that might need to be done before the summer feast? Do you predict Raven will be a good planner?
Educator & Series Information
Planning the Feast 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: 17
This resource is also available in French: Planifier le festin.
Additional Information
Book Dimensions: 6in x 9in | Pages: 16 | ISBN: 9781771740388

Synopsis:
Level 12 Back cover book introduction: Summer is the season between spring and fall. The months of summer are June, July and August. What are some activities that you and your family do during the summer months?
Educator & Series Information
Summertime 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: 12
This resource is also available in French: L’été.
Additional Information
Book Dimensions: 6in x 9in | Pages: 16 | ISBN: 9781771740173

Synopsis:
This story is about a beaver home.
Beavers make homes out of sticks, rocks, and mud.
There are four seasons in the year: winter, spring, summer, and fall. Which season is this story about?
Educator & Series Information
Recommended for grade 1 students, but may also be useful in kindergarten classrooms.
Strong Science - Animals is a language-based science series for primary students featuring animals that all Canadian students will recognize. Photographs and Indigenous artwork illustrate the series. Common learning objectives in science curricula across Canada are addressed, and suggestions for extending the learning to other curriculum areas, including Indigenous cultural awareness, language arts, math, and art, are included in the teacher’s guide. The sixteen books in this series are grouped into four levels that increase in complexity, designed to accommodate students with various reading abilities within a classroom. This feature facilitates the use of this series in literacy programs along with the Strong Readers series.
A Home for the Beavers is an EP3 (Early Primary 3) book in the Strong Science - Animals series. Font size decreases as language complexity and word count increase across levels: EP1 books have approximately 40 words, EP2 books have approximately 60 words, EP3 books have approximately 80 words, and EP4 books have approximately 100 words.
A teacher's guide for Strong Science - Animals is available: Strong Science - Animals: Teacher's Guide
Authenticity Note: This book has received the Indigenous Text label because the author is Indigenous (Lakota) and the featured animal holds cultural significance in many Indigenous cultures. The engaging story provides factual information in an easy-to-read format for children to learn science concepts and build literacy skills. It promotes respect for animals and Mother Earth, and its illustrations communicate additional cultural information through Lakota symbolism and designs. Further cultural connections are identified in the teacher's guide. Refer to the guide to explore the book's Indigenous connections fully. It is up to readers to determine if the book will work as a stand-alone authentic Indigenous text for their purposes.
Additional Information
16 Pages | 6.5" x 5.5" | Paperback | ISBN: 978-1-77174-612-0

Synopsis:
Travelling up to Sinkut Mountain was a favourite summer memory of the author, Cecilia John. She and her family would pick wild berries. Her ‘Atsoo (grandmother) taught her many things. Who is a person that teaches you many things?
Educator & Series Information
Recommended for primary students (grades 1-3).
Berry Picking with 'Atsoo is part of the Strong Stories: Dakelh 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.
Additional Information
16 pages | 6.00" x 9.00" | ISBN: 9781771743242

Synopsis:
Come north to Saik’uz (sigh-kuz) located within the Dakelh (dah-kay-lth) Territory and see the berries and animals! What is something that you love about summer?
Educator & Series Information
A triple-language resource written in Carrier, English and French.
Recommended for primary students (grades 1-3).
Download a pronunciation guide for the Carrier words in the story: Summer in Saik'uz Pronunciation Guide
Summer in Saik’uz is part of the Strong Stories: Dakelh 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.
Additional Information
16 pages | 6.00" x 9.00" | ISBN: 9781771743280
Synopsis:
An Indigenous boy invites new friends to share in beloved traditions as he celebrates the joy of summer and his love for Earth and Creator in this picture book that revels in the warmth, light, and fun of the longest days of the year.
Bo, a proud Potawatomi boy, is excited to enjoy long summer days tending his garden, walking his dog, and playing in the river with his big sister, Dani. When he discovers that his family's favorite spot has been polluted with garbage, Bo realizes that caring for Earth is part of what makes summer special. And when he overcomes his shyness and invites others to join in, he discovers that summer's magic has even more surprises in store.
“Bo is short for saying Bodewadmi ndaw, which is ‘I am Potawatomi’ in our language. Bo is a celebration of Anishinaabe culture, from the way he wears his hair in a traditional braid to the way he shares the magic of summer and honors Earth by caring for her as she cares for us.”—Kaitlin B. Curtice
Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 7.
This book is part of the An Indigenous Celebration of Nature series.
Additional Information
40 pages | 11.00" x 8.50" | Hardcover
Synopsis:
This companion to Twelve Days of Winter is another book to read or sing along with children. In this reimagined version of “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” wildlife is observed during summer. The animals enjoy warmer weather, blooming flowers, and sunny days. Summer is also a busy time for animal parents who are wrangling their little ones. “On the first day of summer we looked around to see a black bear in an oak tree.”
Can you find a curious chipmunk watching other animals enjoying the summer?
Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 8.
This book is part of the Twelve Days Series.
Additional Information
32 pages | 8.30" x 10.30" | Hardcover
Fall Resources

Synopsis:
This story begins with the ducks seeing the leaves on the trees turning red and yellow. How do you think this story ends?
There are four seasons in the year: winter, spring, summer, and fall. Which season is this story about?
Educator & Series Information
Recommended for grade 1 students, but may also be useful in kindergarten classrooms.
Strong Science - Animals is a language-based science series for primary students featuring animals that all Canadian students will recognize. Photographs and Indigenous artwork illustrate the series. Common learning objectives in science curricula across Canada are addressed, and suggestions for extending the learning to other curriculum areas, including Indigenous cultural awareness, language arts, math, and art, are included in the teacher’s guide. The sixteen books in this series are grouped into four levels that increase in complexity, designed to accommodate students with various reading abilities within a classroom. This feature facilitates the use of this series in literacy programs along with the Strong Readers series.
The Ducks Fly Away is an EP3 (Early Primary 3) book in the Strong Science - Animals series. Font size decreases as language complexity and word count increase across levels: EP1 books have approximately 40 words, EP2 books have approximately 60 words, EP3 books have approximately 80 words, and EP4 books have approximately 100 words.
A teacher's guide for Strong Science - Animals is available: Strong Science - Animals: Teacher's Guide
Authenticity Note: This book has received the Indigenous Text label because the author is Indigenous (Lakota) and the featured animal holds cultural significance in many Indigenous cultures. The engaging story provides factual information in an easy-to-read format for children to learn science concepts and build literacy skills. It promotes respect for animals and Mother Earth, and its illustrations communicate additional cultural information through Lakota symbolism and designs. Further cultural connections are identified in the teacher's guide. Refer to the guide to explore the book's Indigenous connections fully. It is up to readers to determine if the book will work as a stand-alone authentic Indigenous text for their purposes.
Additional Information
16 Pages | 6.5" x 5.5" | Paperback | ISBN: 978-1-77174-617-5
Synopsis:
Discover the power of poetry in this simple, modern introduction to Indigenous poet Alexander Posey, featuring an ode to autumn and the changing seasons
Autumn depicts a dreamy fall day full of jaybird songs and scarlet leaves dancing through the air. In this poem, Muscogee poet Alexander Posey celebrates the changing of the seasons as the golden sun sets on summer and the world prepares for a time of rest. With stunning illustrations from Salish artist Paige Pettibon and interactive back matter that encourages young readers to create their own poetry, this accessible picture book is a joy for young poets and their parents alike.
Reviews
"A dreamy, succinct poem across many pages that all together encapsulates the sense of fall. A strong first purchase. The poem and artwork, which create an exquisite sense of a child’s joy in playing on an autumn afternoon, will appeal to all ages." — School Library Journal
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.
Additional Information
24 pages | 8.00" x 8.00" | Hardcover
Synopsis:
Let’s go berry picking!
Follow a family as they go berry picking on a fall day in Nunavut.
Educator Information
Bilingual: English and Inuktitut
This is an Arvaaq Book. Books in this series are intended for infants and very young children and are designed to help children develop physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and language skills.
Additional Information
16 pages | 18.50" x 18.50"

Synopsis:
In this story, the class goes apple picking. The air is crisp and chilly. Later, Miss Sam bakes an apple pie to celebrate the fall season.
It is a Mi’gmaw tradition to harvest food with friends and family in the fall.
How do you celebrate fall?
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4-7, for use in kindergarten and Grade 1 classrooms.
Cedar School Decodables is divided into six sets, which increase in word count and complexity of sentence structure. Apple Picking is in Set 5 – Ending Spelling Patterns, and reviews y (/ī/ and /ē/) and -le. Books in Set 5 have 100-110 words.
Readers should be familiar with the concepts included in Set 1 to Set 5:
- consonants
- beginning and end blends
- short and long vowels
- digraphs
- suffixes and ending spelling patterns
- a /o/
- s – /s/ and /z/
- VC-CV, V/CV, VC/V, and compound words
Series Information
Welcome to Cedar School! Join Liv, Tom, Gus, and Bell as they learn on the land and explore Mi’gmaw teachings with their teacher, Miss Sam, and the school’s Mi’gmaw Elder, Jen. With charming illustrations and simple storylines, this decodable series engages students as they practise their reading skills. Each book includes a pre-reading review of non-decodable words, and many of the books introduce special words related to Indigenous teachings. Talking Together prompts facilitate discussions led by the reading teacher.
Developed in partnership with Dyslexia Canada, Cedar School Decodables is a series of 20 decodable books for young readers. Designed for students who have previously learned short vowel and consonant sounds, additional phonic skills are developed progressively throughout the series.
The series will be accompanied by Cedar School Decodables Teacher’s Guide and a series of four picture books, which will be available at a later date.
Additional Information
16 pages | 6.5” x 5.5” | Paperback | ISBN: 978-1-77174-652-6
Synopsis:
Henry’s favourite time of year is Halloween! He is ready to go out and trick-or-treat on the rez in his brand new werewolf costume. He loves his costume so much he wishes he was a real werewolf. But, when his wish comes true, he slowly begins to realize he may have made the wrong decision….
Additional Information
24 Pages | Paperback
Synopsis:
Last Leaf First Snowflake to Fall takes us on a dreamlike voyage into nature at that secret moment when fall turns into winter. We find ourselves in a kind of paradise, which humans may be part of but which they have not despoiled.
A father and son lead us through forests, down rivers, over lakes and ponds. Along the way we experience the primordial beauty of the physical world. This is nature as we all feel in our hearts it must once have been.
Through lyrical words and a masterful collage technique, Leo Yerxa has created an exquisite and poetic evocation of this moment.
Educator Information
Curriculum Connections: Science and Nature, Visual Arts, Language Arts.
Recommended ages: 5-8.
Additional Information
32 pages | 8.13" x 11.00"
Synopsis:
Moar has always loved autumn—playing outside with his friends, feeling the weather get colder—but there is one thing about autumn that really worries Moar. The moon. The days become shorter and the moon, with its creepy face and eerie smile, seems to be looking down on him before he can even get home from school! So, one day, Moar is determined to get home before the moon appears in the sky. But there are so many fun things to do on the way home, he may just run out of time!
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 5 to 7.
A fun and gentle social-emotional exploration of fear.
Themes: Iqaluit, Inuit, Nunavut, Indigenous, Moon, Arctic, Autumn, Imagination and Play
Additional Information
32 pages | 9.00" x 9.00" | Hardcover

Synopsis:
Level 17 Back cover book introduction: If you have ever watched chipmunks you may have noticed that they are always busy. Chipmunks need to prepare for the winter. What do you think a chipmunk must do to be ready for a cold winter? Chipmunks have pouches made of stretchy skin. Can you imagine having pouches like a chipmunk? What would that look like?
Educator & Series Information
Busy Chipmunks 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: 17
This resource is also available in French: Les suisses affairés.
Additional Information
Book Dimensions: 6in x 9in | Pages: 16 | ISBN: 9781771740357

Synopsis:
Level 13 Back cover book introduction: Fall is the season between summer and winter. The months of fall are September, October and November. What are some activities that you and your family do during the fall months?
Educator & Series Information
Fall Is Here! 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: 13
This resource is also available in French: L’automne est ici !
Additional Information
Book Dimensions: 6in x 9in | Pages: 16 | ISBN: 9781771740203

Synopsis:
Level 13 Back cover book introduction: Deciduous trees drop their leaves every fall. This book teaches a little squirrel to count the leaves of 6 different deciduous trees. Do any of the trees in your neighbourhood lose their leaves in the fall?
Educator & Series Information
Squirrel Learns to Count 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: 13
This resource is also available in French: Écureuil apprend à compter.
Additional Information
Book Dimensions: 6in x 9in | Pages: 16 | ISBN: 9781771740227

Synopsis:
Come north to Saik’uz (sigh-kuz) located within the Dakelh (dah-kay-lth) Territory and see the leaves turn colour in fall! What is something that you love about fall?
Educator & Series Information
A triple-language resource written in Carrier, English and French.
Recommended for primary students (grades 1-3).
Download a pronunciation guide for the Carrier words in the story: Fall in Saik'uz Pronunciation Guide
Fall in Saik’uz is part of the Strong Stories: Dakelh 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.
Additional Information
16 pages | 6.00" x 9.00" | ISBN: 9781771743266
Synopsis:
Go on an enchanting journey with The Twelve Days of Autumn, where each day reveals the wonders of wildlife and nature's vibrant transformations in this delightful seasonal twist on a classic tale!
This companion to Twelve Days of Winter is another book to read or sing along with children. In Twelve Days of Autumn, each day reveals the wonders of wildlife and nature's vibrant transformations as we ease into fall. Observe how animals prepare for colder months in this seasonal twist and reimagined version of “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” celebrating wildlife. "On the first day of autumn we looked around to see a wild turkey trotting down the trail."
Look for a curious turtle watching the changes come!
Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 8.
This book is part of the Twelve Days Series.
Additional Information
32 pages | 8.00" x 10.00" | Hardcover
Exploring All Seasons

Synopsis:
The ink and watercolour illustrations in this book reflect the life cycle of a salmon from the salmon’s point of view looking up from underwater. Silhouette images provide a clue to the seasons and to the predators the salmon encounters throughout its life. The story reminds us how the salmon demonstrates great determination and strength in its long journey from the stream where life begins, to the ocean, and back to its natal stream.
Carol ends the story with a step-by-step instructional guide to create your own ink and watercolour image.
Educator Information
This is the 10th anniversary edition from CSWA Science in Society award-winning author/illustrator Carol McDougall, B. Ed., M.A. Carol is an international educator and conservationist with decades of classroom and fine arts teaching experience. She conducts workshops on using the arts to help make learning creative and engaging.
Recommended Grades: K-5.
Additional Information
32 pages | 11" x 8.5" | ISBN: 9781771744461 | Hardcover
Synopsis:
A debut picture book that celebrates self-love, care, and resilience with one of the most widespread plants—the dandelion.
Both a love letter to the dandelion and a call to love ourselves in a difficult world, Âmî Osâwâpikones reminds us that we are not defined as others see us. Following our young protagonist and the dandelions through the seasons, we are reminded that we are resilient, we are healers, we are funny, and we are loved.
Reviews
“A playful, lyrical, and persuasive love letter to a dandelion ... This tribute to a precious flowering plant will capture readers’ hearts.” —Kirkus Reviews
“SJ combines her gifts as both author and illustrator in this beautiful and endearing book that both children and adults will adore.” —Monique Gray-Smith
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 7.
Includes some Cree words (y-dialect - Plains Cree). Plains Cree translations and a pronunciation guide can be found at the back of the book.
Includes an Author's Note that describes the inspiration for this story.
Themes: self-love, resilience, care, and lightheartedness conveyed through the dandelion.
This book is available in French: Âmî Osâwâpikones / Cher pissenlit
Additional Information
40 pages | 9.00" x 9.00" | Hardcover
Synopsis:
Learn about the rhythms of the seasons with Joshua in this captivating read-aloud story for ages 5 to 8.
Join Joshua as his father teaches him about traditional food harvesting.
Joshua loves being on the land. When the weather is warm, Joshua and his dad gather mint from the shores of Animbiigoo Zaagi’igan Anishinaabek (Lake Nipigon First Nation) in northeastern Ontario. But when will that be? It’s not when the leaves are changing colour. It’s not when the snow falls from the sky. It’s not when the flowers are budding. When is it time to gather mint from the land?
In the back of the book, find a glossary and pronunciation guide for the Swampy Cree and Anishinaabemowin words featured throughout the story.
Reviews
"Tyna Legault Taylor delivers a magical story of the seasons through Joshua’s sweet anticipation as he learns how to know when it is time to harvest katakipanik / gaaminomaagobagak / mint from the land. In this beautifully illustrated book, Joshua gains important land-based traditional knowledges from his father about harvesting, medicines, and Indigenous food sovereignty and learns key words in Northern Swampy Cree and Anishinaabemowin as he discovers his relationships to land. With the inclusion of a recipe for Mint From the Land Iced Tea and a glossary, this book will engage readers of all ages, but will be especially treasured by children who see themselves in Joshua’s curious and adventurous spirit!" — Barbara Parker, Associate Professor, Lakehead University
“Swampy Cree…and Anishinaabemowin words are interwoven seamlessly into the simply stated sentences. Dao’s vibrant illustrations radiate warmth and connection. Sharing land-based Indigenous knowledge, this is an informative picture-book-series opener.”—Booklist
“A warm and colourful tale that brings traditional teachings to life. This is a story from the home and the heart that the whole family will enjoy.”—Don Kelly, Gemini Award–nominated host of APTN's Fish Out of Water and Crazy Like a Lynx
“The lived experience of Joshua and his family...is a testament to the sacred connection between Indigenous people and the land. A great tool for all children to learn more about Indigenous people and Indigenous languages.”—Phil Fontaine, former National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations
Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 5 to 8.
Includes some Swampy Cree (n-dialect) words in brown and Anishinaabemowin words in green, but this is not a dual-language book.
The backmatter includes a Swampy Cree/Anishinaabemowin Glossary and a recipe for Mint From the Land Iced Tea.
Big Ideas: Land-Based and Place-Based Learning, Traditional Foods, Traditional Clothing, Traditional Medicine, STEM: Seasonal Cycles, STEM: Plants.
This book is part of the Joshua Learns from the Land series.
Additional Information
36 pages | 9.00" x 9.00" | Hardcover
Synopsis:
A lullaby of reconciliation and reclamation, celebrating the ancestral relationship between Indigenous children and the land that is forever their home.
Under glowing morning sun and silvery winter moon, from speckled frogs croaking in spring to summer fields painted with fireweed, this meditative lullaby introduces little ones to the plants and animals of the Prairies and the Plains. Featuring stunning artwork by celebrated artist Carla Joseph, Forever Our Home is a beautiful and gentle song about our spiritual connection to the land.
Reviews
A tender hymn to the prairie in all seasons...Uplifting and joyous." — Kirkus Reviews
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.
This book is available in a the dual-language format (English and Plains Cree): Forever Our Home / kâkikê kîkinaw
Additional Information
32 pages | 9.00" x 9.00" | Hardcover

Synopsis:
Each book in the series, From the Mountains to the Sea, supports the new BC Aboriginal Learning Standards in both Science and Social Studies.
Click link to download a five-week Grade 1 planning guide: Grade 1 FREE Download for We Share the Seasons
Back of book introduction:
From the Mountains to the Sea: We Share the Seasons is a Grade 1 resource, which covers all of your Aboriginal Learning Standards in both science and social studies within the new BC curriculum.
This book is about the changing seasons in and along a riverbank, from the mountains to the sea. You will see many plants and animals that live along a riverbank. They grow and change just as we do.
A season is one of the four parts of the year: winter, spring, summer and fall. We all share and experience the changing of the seasons. Some changes we all make are small. Other changes are big. We all grow and change. What do you know about the seasons?
Winter, up in the mountains can be cold. The days are short. Many animals sleep in their dens underneath the snow. Other animals are active all winter. Some birds and animals travel away to warmer places. Most plants rest during the winter too.
Spring, along the banks of a mountain stream, is a time when the weather feels warmer. The days are longer. Sleeping animals wake up and come out of their dens. They are hungry and start looking for food. Birds and animals that went away for the winter come back. Plants start to grow again.
Summer, along the banks of a river can sometimes be hot. The days are long. The young animals and birds are growing. They are learning how to find food and stay safe from danger. Plants are growing and spreading out their leaves and branches. Wild berries start to ripen and provide food for many of us.
Fall, around a river estuary can be cool and windy. The days are shorter. Animals and birds start getting ready for the long winter ahead. Some fatten themselves up so that they can sleep through the winter. Others gather with their families to begin their long journey to warmer places. The salmon return from the sea and swim up their home streams to lay their eggs in the gravel. Trees, shrubs, and bushes begin to turn colour and then drop their leaves. Plants start to move into a time of rest.
Which of the four seasons is your favourite? Why do you like it the best?
This book is also part of a bundled package that includes:
- a set of moon posters
- a set of sort and categorize cards
- bulletin board trimmers
Click here to view the bundle: From the Mountains to the Sea: We Share the Seasons Bundle
This resource is available in French: Collection Des montagnes à la mer: Nous partageons les saisons
Additional Information
Book dimensions: 10" x 14" | Pages: 16 | ISBN: 9781771741026
Synopsis:
In this bedtime picture book, join two special families on an illuminating journey through the year and seasons as they explore all the different lights we see at night.
It is dark . . . until street lamps turn on, one, two, three. Red light, green light, yellow light — then, suddenly, lightning strikes! Our porch light guides us home, and while we sleep, the stars of the spring sky emerge, along with new babies, their faces lit by the night. In summer, our faces shine in the campfire light while fireworks burst above us. In autumn, we shiver and cheer under the towering lights of the football field and trick-or-treat on paths lit by the flickering smiles of pumpkins. And in winter, candles and holiday lights gleam but are dwarfed by the majesty of the aurora.
This sweet, beautifully illustrated picture book, a perfect pick for introducing the seasons and seasonal activities and events, explores the simple joys we experience throughout the year when we share them with those we love.
Reviews
"A sleepy seasonal ode to the lights that shine after the sun goes down. . . . The lights, both natural and artificial, cast such warm glows that even in darker scenes, the shadows are never deep in Zeng’s peaceful, idyllic layouts. As she follows an East Asian–presenting human family and a furry four-footed one through the seasons, she tucks in grace notes, from foxlike swirls of sky mist to symbolic candles for Christmas, Kwanzaa, and Hanukkah . . . Comforting and snoozy, just right for bedtime reading." —Kirkus Reviews
"Hilderman’s evocative first-person-plural prose and Zeng’s painterly digital artwork characterize the four seasons via emblematic ‘lights at night’ in this satisfying springtide-to-wintertide tour. . . . Highlighted with the help of page-filling art and poetic lines, night lights offer an ideal and innovative angle onto the pleasures of a northern clime’s seasons." —Publishers Weekly
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 7.
Additional Information
40 pages | 10.00" x 8.00" | Hardcover
Synopsis:
Shawna Davis invites the reader to explore each of the four seasons through her beautiful words and lush, unforgettable, beaded illustrations.
We begin in Gwooyim (Spring) when the Majagalee, the Sim Algyax word for “flower,” are just beginning to sprout. We then move on to Sint (Summer) when Grandmother Sun stays in the sky a bit longer. Next there is Xwsit (Fall), just as Summer begins to get sleepy, and Maadim (Winter) where the snow has fallen and the freezer is full.
This is a story of nature, its importance to our lives, and why it must be cared for and respected.
Toonasa Jordana Luggi’s lovely, rich, and nearly tactile photographs are the perfect complement to Shawna’s hand-beaded artwork and wonderful, hand-cut paper backgrounds.
Includes Pronunciation Guides.
Reviews
“...simple, evocative poetry is culturally specific, rooted in a deep love of the land and the people around her but it’s also relatable to readers of different backgrounds. The lyrical verse in Majagalee makes it an ideal read-aloud book.... Majagalee is an elevated concept book. It introduces readers to the seasons, the plants and animals of the Northwest Coast, Sim Algyax, Indigenous art, and the importance of all these things to Gitksan culture. Despite its apparent simplicity, Majagalee is a complex and brilliantly constructed book. It will appeal to Indigenous and non-Indigenous readers alike, and for teachers and parents, it serves as an outstanding example of a book that demonstrates the ongoing presence and beauty of Indigenous cultures in what is now known as Canada..” – Quill & Quire, starred review
Educator Information
Juvenile Fiction. This picture book explores the four seasons on the northwest coast of what is currently British Columbia from a Gitksan perspective.
Additional information
Pages: 40
Synopsis:
Traditional teachings about the moon cycles and their relation to the natural history of Mi’kma’ki on Canada’s East Coast.
For thousands of years, the Mi’kmaq have been closely observing the natural world and the cycles of the moon and the stars to track the passage of time. Each full moon in an annual cycle was named by the Mi’kmaq to relate to a seasonal event, such as tomcod spawning, birds laying eggs or berry ripening.
For the past decade, Mi’kmaw Elders and Knowledge Keepers have shared stories of the traditional night sky calendar with authors Cathy LeBlanc and David Chapman. In this book, Cathy relays these stories in her role as Auntie to her young relation Holly.
Each moon’s story is richly illustrated with an evocative colour painting created for this book by the noted Mi’kmaw artist Loretta Gould.
Alongside this presentation of the Mi’kmaw time-keeping traditions, this book offers a brief history of the modern Western calendar, and some basic astronomy facts about the moon’s phases and why the seasons change.
This two-eyed seeing approach takes young readers on a journey through one full year in Mi’kma’ki.
Educator Information
Juvenile fiction.
Includes some Mi'kmaw words.
A board book version is available here: Mi’kmaw Moons: A First Lunar Calendar.
Additional Information
56 pages | 11.02" x 9.01" | Paperback
Synopsis:
Niibing, dgwaagig, bboong, mnookmig dbaadjigaade maanpii mzin'igning / A Book about the Seasons.
An Anishinaabe child and her grandmother explore the natural wonders of each season in this lyrical, bilingual story-poem.
In this lyrical story-poem, written in Anishinaabemowin and English, a child and grandmother explore their surroundings, taking pleasure in the familiar sights that each new season brings.
We accompany them through warm summer days full of wildflowers, bees and blueberries, then fall, when bears feast before hibernation and forest mushrooms are ripe for harvest. Winter mornings begin in darkness as deer, mice and other animals search for food, while spring brings green shoots poking through melting snow and the chirping of peepers.
Brittany Luby and Joshua Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley have created a book inspired by childhood memories of time spent with Knowledge Keepers, observing and living in relationship with the natural world in the place they call home — the northern reaches of Anishinaabewaking, around the Great Lakes.
Alvin Ted Corbiere and Alan Corbiere, father and son, are the Anishinaabe translators of this work.
Awards
- 2022 Indigenous Voices Award for a published work in an Indigenous language
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 7.
Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.2.1
Ask and answer such questions as who, what, where, when, why, and how to demonstrate understanding of key details in a text.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.2.2
Recount stories, including fables and folktales from diverse cultures, and determine their central message, lesson, or moral.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K.6
With prompting and support, name the author and illustrator of a story and define the role of each in telling the story.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.4
Identify words and phrases in stories or poems that suggest feelings or appeal to the senses.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.2.5
Describe the overall structure of a story, including describing how the beginning introduces the story and the ending concludes the action.
How do you know the seasons? Do you know it's summer when blueberries fall readily and the sand is hot enough to sting? Do you know fall by the red-winged blackbird taking his leave? Take a minute and look around — nature is speaking to us. Changes are happening, and Mother Earth is letting us know at every step of the way. Whether it's the sun's bright morning light, or the white moon sitting high in the sky, there are many ways to know what time of the year it is. All we need to do is stop, look, and listen, because each season tells us a story!
This book is also available in French and Ojibwe: Mii maanda ezhi-gkendmaanh / La Terre me parle: Un livre sur les saisons
Additional Information
44 pages | 8.75" x 8.50"
Synopsis:
A girl lovingly tends to her garden through the seasons.
In the depths of winter, one young girl is already dreaming of planting her very own vegetable garden. In January, she sketches out the rows of lettuce, the trellis for the peas, and a large plot for the tomatoes while she waits for warmer weather. March is time for sowing, and April gives way to the first leaves of her seedlings.
As the seasons change from spring to summer, she (with the help of her moms) spreads compost and turns up the soil to finally plant her veggies into the earth. As the months go by, she lovingly weeds, waters, and cares for her garden until it’s time to harvest a bounty big enough to share with all their friends! My Delicious Garden celebrates the joy of growing food from seed and is a cozy exploration of the connections between nature, food, and community.
Reviews
"The unique monthly focus is an interesting and helpful take on gardening; readers will learn about different types of vegetables and flowers equally. Whether there is a garden at school or not, this is a charming addition to the shelves and could be adapted to a very early science lesson for preschoolers, too." — School Library Journal
"All children will be inspired to grow their own gardens, and those children who live in urban environments will understand and appreciate the work, time, and patience, not to mention the joy and sense of accomplishment, it takes to maintain a garden." — School Library Connection
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.
Keywords and Themes: Gardening, Science, Nature, Cooking, Food, Outdoor Activities, Outdoor Learning
Additional Information
24 pages | 9.00" x 9.00" | Hardcover
Synopsis:
Following the success of Sometimes I Feel Like a Fox and Sometimes I Feel Like a River, this companion book explores the nature and beauty of trees.
Twelve lyrical poems look at twelve different trees, from early spring to deep winter. In each poem, a child identifies with a feature of the tree - such as the smooth trunk of a birch whose bark has peeled away, the strong branches of a spruce that shelter small birds or the pink flowers of a cherry blossom that tumble like confetti. The poems provide an opportunity to learn about each tree, inspiring us to look afresh at the trees around us - whether in the schoolyard, neighborhood or park - and get to know them better.
Danielle Daniel's passion for trees is beautifully matched by Jackie Traverse's paintings, which bring each tree to life. In the pages following the poems, children are invited to consider what different kinds of trees might mean to them. In an author's note, Danielle Daniel shares her belief, similar to her Algonquin ancestors', that trees are sentient beings with much to give and teach us.
Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 6.
This book is part of the Sometimes I Feel Like series.
This book encourages a familiarity with, knowledge about, love of and respect for trees, providers of shade, beauty, oxygen, medicines, food and more.
The text and illustrations show twelve trees from spring through winter, making this a title that could support teaching science units on the seasons.
Key Text Features
illustrations
author's note
poems
Correlates to the Common Core States Standards in English Language Arts:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K.5
Recognize common types of texts (e.g., storybooks, poems).
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K.6
With prompting and support, name the author and illustrator of a story and define the role of each in telling the story.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.4
Identify words and phrases in stories or poems that suggest feelings or appeal to the senses.
Additional Information
32 pages | 8.25" x 10.00" | Hardcover

Synopsis:
Level 15 - Back cover book introduction: As the winter snow begins to melt many different kinds of birds return to the north to build their nests. During the short Arctic summer their eggs hatch. The chicks grow quickly. They must be ready to fly south with their parents in the fall. Follow the return of the birds through the seasons.
Educator & Series Information
This book is part of the Strong Readers Northern Series. The Northern Series includes a mixture of fiction and non-fiction books that provide cultural reflections of the Inuit.
This is a Level 15 book in the series.
This resource is also available in French: Les oiseaux vont et viennent.
Additional Information
16 Pages | Book Dimensions: 6in x 9in | ISBN: 9781771740616

Synopsis:
Level 10 Back cover book introduction: There are four seasons during a year, winter, spring, summer and fall. Which season do you think it is on the cover of this book? Which season is it outside right now?
Educator & Series Information
Seasons is part of the Strong Readers: Set A series. Set A includes a mixture of both fiction and non-fiction books, from levels 1 through 10, based on the appearance, behaviours, and habitats of frog, bear, eagle, and raven. The fictional stories are about frog, bear, eagle, and raven with their friends in their respective habitats.
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: 10
This resource is also available in French: Les saisons.
Additional Information
Book Dimensions: 6.5in x 5.5in | Pages: 16 | ISBN: 9781927571309

Synopsis:
Level 20 Illustrated by Bill Helin. Back cover book introduction: The Medicine Wheel is a guide to living a healthy life. People use it all around the world. There are four parts to the Medicine Wheel that teach us many different things. We learn from everything that is around us! We begin our teachings in the direction that the sun rises, to the east. We learn from the gifts that the four seasons provide us with. What do you already know about the four seasons?
Educator & Series Information
We Greet the Four Seasons 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: Nous saluons les quatre saisons.
Additional Information
Book Dimensions: 6in x 9in | Pages: 16 | ISBN: 9781771740500

Synopsis:
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
Synopsis:
To many Native Americans, the 13 cycles of the moon represent the changing seasons and the passage of time. Each moon has its own special name that, while varying among the tribal nations, is consistent with the legend that the 13 scales on Old Turtle's back hold the key to these moons. The authors present 13 poems that take readers through the year, from the "Moon of Popping Trees"--when the "cottonwoods crack with frost"--to the "Big Moon" of the Abenakis. The book's effective design consists of verses in vertical columns at the left of each spread, with the remainder occupied by Locker's ( Family Farm ; Catskill Eagle ) typically lush artwork. His oil paintings are eye-catching in their depth of color reflecting dramatic seasonal changes. Trees, skies and woodland creatures are rendered in vivid hues that combine to produce an enthralling vision. This unusual and intelligent book is an exemplary introduction to Native American culture with its emphasis on the importance of nature.
Additional Infromation
32 pages | 8.00" x 10.25"
Synopsis:
The Cherokee community is grateful for blessings and challenges that each season brings. This is modern Native American life as told by an enrolled citizen of the Cherokee Nation.
The word otsaliheliga (oh-jah-LEE-hay-lee-gah) is used by members of the Cherokee Nation to express gratitude. Beginning in the fall with the new year and ending in summer, follow a full Cherokee year of celebrations and experiences. Written by a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, this look at one group of Native Americans is appended with a glossary and the complete Cherokee syllabary, originally created by Sequoyah.
Awards
- 2019 Sibert Honor Book
- NPR's Guide to 2018's Great Reads
- Kirkus Reviews Best Books of 2018
- 2018 Book Launch Award (SCBWI)
Reviews
"According to storyteller Sorell, the Cherokee people always express gratitude for the little things they are given by saying the phrase, "Otsaliheliga," or "we are grateful." Raised in the Cherokee Nation, Sorell intentionally crafts a narrative that simultaneously embraces modernity and a traditional presentation of Cherokee community and way of life. Throughout, the measured text reminds readers that in all things "we say otsaliheliga." Colorful, folk art-style illustrations show Cherokee people during ceremonies, in family gatherings large and small, and outdoors enjoying each of the four seasons, always expressing gratitude. The scenes are contemporary; one shows a father taking care of his children, engaging in a positive parenting role, while another depicts a family seeing off a relative who is leaving for deployment in the military, underscoring that Cherokee people serve their country. Children participate in rites and in family outings with adults, and they also play traditional games such as stickball and plant strawberries, a practice that reminds their people to embrace peace with one another. The variety of skin tones represented in the illustrations likewise depicts a present-day reflection of the diversity that exists within the Cherokee people. Occasional Cherokee words are written in Romanized form, phonetically, in Cherokee characters, and in English—a lovely grace note. A gracious, warm, and loving celebration of community and gratitude. —Kirkus Reviews
"An extended family engages with activities and traditions that express gratitude and carry on Cherokee history and culture, such as stomp dancing at the Great New Moon Ceremony, basket weaving, making corn-husk dolls, and playing stickball. The book underscores the importance of traditions and carrying on a Cherokee way of life while simultaneously incorporating modernity and challenging dated media images of Indigenous people. Here, a father sporting an earring and a topknot minds the children; a family bids goodbye to a clan relative who deploys with the U.S. military. Skin colors range from light to dark, visually underscoring the book’s message of diversity and inclusion. Staying firmly upbeat and idyllic, the cheerful, richly detailed gouache illustrations in bright, saturated colors cycle through the seasons, beginning with the Cherokee New Year in autumn. The text includes several Cherokee words; a line of text in a smaller font along the bottom of the page provides each word as written in the English alphabet, its phonetic pronunciation, the word as written in the Cherokee alphabet, and its definition. A glossary, an author’s note on Cherokee culture, and a complete Cherokee syllabary conclude this attractive and informative book." —Horn Book
"In Cherokee culture, Sorell shares, the expression of gratitude is part of daily life and extends from elaborate celebrations to struggles to ordinary life moments. She organizes her debut picture book by seasons, beginning with the fall, which is a time for collecting foliage for basket making and remembering those who suffered on the Trail of Tears. It also contains the Cherokee New Year and the Great New Moon Ceremony, a celebration of renewal and coming together. Each season section starts with the name of the season in Cherokee, an expression of gratitude for the change in nature, and subsequent pages describing community activities pertinent to that season. Lessac's folkloric illustration in bright gouache colors stands in pleasing contrast to the book’s contemporary feel and setting. The text reads like poetry but has a gentle instructional dimension to it. On many pages, Cherokee words are accompanied by English translations, pronunciation guides, and Cherokee syllabary. Back matter contains relevant explanations and provides good context, and the author's note sets past misrepresentations right" —Booklist
"This informative and authentic introduction to a thriving ancestral and ceremonial way of life is perfect for holiday and family sharing"—School Library Journal
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 7.
Also available in a boxed set as board books for ages 3 and under: We Are Grateful Otsaliheliga: Seasons (BB - Box Set)
Additional Information
32 pages | 9.88" x 10.00" |
Synopsis:
Prepare to embark on a journey rich with the wisdom of our ancestors and the secrets shared by Mother Earth.
In this children’s book, you will follow a path once tread by those before us, where the songs of the trees, the dance of the rivers, and our stories are carried by the wind. These teachings are invaluable treasures passed down through generations.
You’ll discover the language of animals, the lessons of plants, and the wisdom of the land. If you listen closely, you will hear the “Whispers of the Earth,” guiding you on this incredible adventure.
Educator Information
Recommended for kindergarten to grade 7.
Carl Sam advised on the language, and is “Ha7li” of the Bear Clan from Skookumchuck, part of St’at’icmulh Nation, sometimes referred to as the Interior Salish. Through this book, he shares elements of the Ucwalmícwts language.
Includes some words in Ucwalmícwts.
Additional Information
60 pages | 20 × 20 × 1 cm | Paperback | Printed locally on 100% post-consumer recycled paper.
Synopsis:
In Wôpanâak Seasons a young Wampanoag child takes readers on a seasonal journey through Aquinnah, on Neope, known as Martha’s Vineyard. Spring brings the return of wildlife; summer brings beach adventures and clambakes; fall is for harvesting cranberries and making jams; and winter features cozy gatherings and heartfelt traditions. Each season showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Wampanoag people. With striking illustrations and lyrical prose, this book is about an appreciation of the land and the joy the joy of coming together with our community all year round.
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.
Additional Information
40 pages | 7.00" x 8.50" | Hardcover
Learning Environment

Game play:
Players can sort and categorize the cards into the groups below or they can sort and categorize all cards into the four seasons.
Seasons Cards Includes:
• 4 Birds
• 4 Mammals
• 4 Amphibians
• 2 Arachnids/2 Insects
• 4 Trees
• 4 Plants
Educator Information
At Strong Nations we strive to provide meaningful learning opportunities for all learners with our products. This set of cards supports the book From the Mountains to the Sea: We Share the Seasons.
Card Game Creator: Terri Mack
This resource is also available in French HERE!
Additional Information
4.5" x 3.5" | Product Number: 459312860022

Synopsis:
Celebrate the seasons with this set of 4 Moon Posters from the book We Share the Seasons. Each moon is beautifully illustrated by Bill Helin and represent Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter. Each poster is 10" x 14" and made from high quality cover stock to last several seasons.
Educator Information
View We Share the Seasons HERE!
These posters are also available in French HERE!
Additional Information
Product Number: 459312861005