Dreaming Alongside / ê-pawâtamahk

Synopsis:

Let Dragonfly lead you on a journey of inspiration!

Following your winged guide, visit the places and things that can help you find strength in the present and imagine your amazing future. Dream alongside everything from a giant construction site and a sewing machine to the river and a blanket of moss. After your travels, Dragonfly asks: What do you like to dream about? With its mixed setting in rural and urban environments and exploration of both the natural and modern world, Dreaming Alongside gives readers permission to daydream and think of what magic their lives have the potential to hold.

Reviews
"This book, written in nêhiyawiskwêw (Plains Cree) and English, explores the dream world. In Cree culture, the dragonfly is a symbol of transformation, change, and self-discovery. The dragonfly in the story explores various landscapes, from a modern construction area to the ocean. On every page, there are multiple visuals of Indigenous Traditions, from braided hair to evidence of cedar harvesting. The illustrations also show different examples of Indigenous people, with various skin tones. Younger students can explore the dream world through discussion and by creating images of their dreams. Although it is written for younger students, the book could serve as a starting point to explore Indigenous Ways of Knowing. At the back of the book, the author explains the significance of and Protocols around sharing dreams. There is also an activity sheet (a drawing activity and a discussion guide) to go with the book." - Alethea S., Elementary School Teacher, Indigenous Books for Schools

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5. 

This bilingual book includes full text in both English and Plains Cree. Translated into Plains Cree by Dorothy Thunder.

This book is available in English only: Dreaming Alongside.

This title is included in the Indigenous Books for Schools database from the Association of Book Publishers of BC. It is recommended for K to 5 classrooms for English Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies.

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