Indigenous Peoples

Osa^wa^pikones, tu es magique.Une célébration de la force et du potentiel du pissenlit, l’une des plantes les plus répandues, mais aussi l’une des plus ignorées.

Educator Information
This book is available in English: Âmî Osâwâpikones (Dear Dandelion)

Animals & Their Babies was created by father and daughter Coast Salish artists Francis Horne and Simone Diamond. It is the first Indigenous board book that features baby animals and their parents. Through this board book, young children can learn the names of baby animals while being introduced to traditional, authentic Coast Salish Indigenous art at an early age.

Animals & Their Babies is Simone Diamond's first board book ever written.

Educator Information
Board book for young children.

"My daughter, Simone Diamond, was born into a world of creativity, blessed with a rich cultural background. From an early age she was passionate about learning Coast Salish Art. Our art is our recorded history, expressing stories, legends, and connections to ancestors and the natural world. Coast Salish artists become knowledge keepers and play an important role in the continuation of our art and culture. This book celebrates art, culture, the natural world and the love between parents and their children." - Francis Horne Sr.

"On a daily basis I witness the natural world around me. My observations translate into my art. Coast Salish art has allowed me to connect to my roots. My art is a form of expression that was waiting to manifest and chose to do that through my hands and vision. I am grateful that I get to share this gift with the world and hope that it inspires others to authentically express their own creativity in whatever form or medium that may be. Parenthood has allowed me to slow down in this fast-paced life to nurture my daughter's curiosities of the world around her" - Simone Diamond

Additional Information
18 Pages | 6.5" x 6.5" | Boardbook 

Animals Illustrated mixes fun-filled animal facts suitable for the youngest of readers with intricately detailed illustrations to create a unique and beautiful collection of children’s non-fiction books about Arctic animals.

Each volume contains first-hand accounts from authors who live in the Arctic, along with interesting facts on the behaviours and biology of each animal. In this book, kids will learn about the many body adaptations that make Arctic foxes perfectly designed for life in the Arctic, as well as some of their amazing abilities—like being able to travel huge distances in search of food, even swimming between islands on their quest!

Educator & Series Information 
This book is part of the non-fiction Animals Illustrated series, which mixes fun-filled animal facts suitable for the youngest of readers with intricately detailed illustrations to create a unique and beautiful collection of children’s non-fiction books on Arctic animals. Each volume contains firsthand accounts from authors who live in the Arctic, along with interesting facts on the behaviours and biology of each animal.

Recommended Ages: 6-8

Additional Information 
28 pages | 6.50" x 9.00" | Hardcover

Apli’kmuj, the rabbit, is heading to the gathering—all on his own! His forest friends try to help guide his way, but they must follow their own paths and cannot travel with him. The salmon swims upstream and the owl can fly above the trees, but how will Ali'kmuj get there to perform his dance for all the creatures at the gathering? Maybe the four sacred medicines can help him on his journey!

Apli’kmuj's Journey is a fun and accessible story that describes Mi'kmaq values and vocabulary, and was created to engage Indigenous and non-Indigenous children alike!

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 5 to 8.

This book teaches about the four sacred medicines, sweetgrass, sage, cedar, and tobacco.

Additional Information
36 pages | 10.03" x 8.07" | Paperback 

This poetic journey through Inuit oral history gives a glimpse of traditional beliefs surrounding the creation of the world. From the creation of day and night and the Sun and the Moon, to the origin of Death, this collection of simple retellings is richly supported by the artwork of acclaimed artist Germaine Arnattaujuq.

Featuring a foreword by the artist about her work illustrating Inuit myths and legends, this introduction to traditional Inuit stories is based on the animated film Arctic Song, which was co-produced and co-directed by Germaine Arnattaujuq and Neil Christopher.

Educator Information
Dual-language: English and Inuktitut

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

tānisi! my little one, tānisi!

Auntie always greets Cree in Nehiyaw when she comes for a visit. When Auntie arrives with a surprise gift hidden in her bag, Cree can’t wait to discover what it is. The first clue? It’s from the rez. As Cree tries to figure out what it might be, the bag starts to move. Cree is thrilled when the bag opens and out jumps a rez puppy!

Cree asks Auntie how to take care of the new puppy. Auntie talks to Cree about the importance of dogs in their culture. They are our relatives, she explains, and need to be well taken care of. Cree decides she will name her new puppy "Atim", the Nehiyaw word for dog.

Awards

• Winner of the 2021 Second Story Press Indigenous Writing Contest

Reviews
"Everyone has an auntie like the auntie in this book! She is eclectic and kooky and brings surprises that come with important teachings about responsibility and reciprocity.” — Nancy Cooper, First Nations Consultant for the Southern Ontario Library Services and coordinator for First Nation

“The Auntie in this story sounds so cool and I can just imagine how exciting it would be when she came to visit. This story is fun and sweet and has a great message about taking care of our pets and one another.” — Jodie Callaghan, author of Ga’s/The Train

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

A dual-language edition in English and Plains Cree, Y Dialect, is available: okāwīsimāw omēkiwin askīhkānihk ohci / Auntie's Rez Surprise.

Additional Information
 |24 pages | 8.50" x 8.50" | Hardcover

From New York Times bestselling picture book author Carole Lindstrom and illustrator Bridget George comes Autumn Peltier, Water Warrior, an inspiring picture book biography about two Indigenous Rights Activists, Josephine Mandamin and Autumn Peltier.

The seventh generation is creating
A sea of change.

It was a soft voice, at first.
Like a ripple.
But with practice it grew louder.

Indigenous women have always worked tirelessly to protect our water—keeping it pure and clean for the generations to come. Yet there was a time when their voices and teachings were nearly drowned out, leaving entire communities and environments in danger and without clean water.

But then came Grandma Josephine and her great-niece, Autumn Peltier.

Featuring a foreword from water advocate and Indigenous Rights Activist Autumn Peltier herself, this stunning picture book from New York Times-bestselling author Carole Lindstrom and illustrator Bridget George gives voice to the water and asks young readers to join the tidal wave of change.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Additional Information
40 pages | 10.45" x 10.30" | Hardcover

A thunderstorm evokes a boy's family traditions, in this rainy-day story from award-winning author Melanie Florence.

Benjamin loves the rain. He loves splashing through puddles in his bright yellow rain boots and watching the colors of a rainbow in the water as they ripple around his feet. But most of all, Benjamin loves thunder. To him, thunder --- piyêsiwak --- sounds like his grandfather's drum. It calls to him, like the songs his grandfather plays while his father and other powwow dancers spin and step in time to the drumbeat. As Benjamin hears the thunder rumble overhead, he imagines himself as a powwow dancer. He spins, he taps his feet and he lifts his knees. Faster and faster he twirls, delighted by and filled with the rhythm of piyêsiwak.

This artfully written story from award-winning author Melanie Florence celebrates both the universal joys of playing in the rain and the connections to family traditions that center and ground us. Elements of Cree powwow culture and Cree words for colors and weather are interwoven into the story, with a pronunciation guide in the back matter.

The vibrant and eye-catching art by Hawlii Pichette, inspired by the scenery of northern Ontario, adds drama to the pages. This inviting picture book makes a perfect read-aloud for a rainy day, as well as an excellent introduction to Cree cultural traditions, local communities and experiencing nature firsthand.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 7.

This book is available in French: Benjamin, au rythme du tonnerre 

This book is part of the Benjamin Outdoors series. From dancing in the rain with thunder for a drum to planting a vegetable garden with his mom, Benjamin loves being in nature. With evocative text and vibrant art, this delightful picture book series celebrates the joys of spending time outdoors and weaves in nature-related Cree words.

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

It's the summer of 1914. Eight-year-old Bernice lives with her family in a lighthouse on Georgian Bay. One day Bernice wakes up to find a stranger named Tom Thomson sleeping in their living room. When she overhears him talk about gold on a nearby island, Bernice is determined to find it. Inspired by her beloved Mémèr’s stories of their Métis family’s adventures and hardships, Bernice takes the treasure map the stranger left behind and sets out in a rowboat with nothing more than her two dogs for company and the dream of changing her family’s fortunes forever.

Educator Information
Ages 9 to 12.

Additional Information
190 pages | 7.50" x 5.25" | Paperback

Busy beavers have a family reunion in this story that celebrates Indigenous perspectives.

It’s a special day for Amik the beaver and her little sister, Nishiime. Their cousins are coming to visit! Amik is excited, but Nishiime feels nervous about meeting new people, and when the cousins finally arrive, Nishiime disappears.

Lively, immersive illustrations show Amik and her cousins as they search the woods for Nishiime. Each creature they encounter, introduced to readers using their Anishinaabe names, reveals how beavers help the forest community. A fish thanks them for digging canals in the mud that they swim through. A deer thanks the beavers for cutting down trees so they can reach the tastiest leaves. None of the creatures have seen Nishiime, but keen-eyed kids will have spotted her hiding in the background throughout the story.

Eventually, Nishiime returns to the group, having overcome her shyness by learning an important lesson: despite being from different places, the beavers are all united by the ways they support the forest ecosystem. With the perfect blend of fact and fun, this salute to the industrious beaver is also an energetic celebration of Indigenous perspectives, languages, and diversity.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 7.

Includes some Anishinaabe words.  A glossary is found at the back of the book.

Each beaver in the story comes from a different Nation, and their names mean "beaver" in their own language.

Curriculum Connections
Language Arts: Reading
Science: Needs and Characteristics of Living Things; Habitats
Social Studies: Indigenous Peoples

Additional Information
32 pages | 10.50" x 9.00" | Hardcover

Bobbie Bison and The Seven Teachings is a story about Respect. Let’s learn the Seven Teachings! Each story has simple and repetitive words. These Early Learner stories are for young children.

Educator & Series Information
Early Learner story.  The publisher recommends this title for kindergarten to grade 4.

This book is part of The Seven Teaching series.

Additional Information
Paperback

Bucky Beaver and The Seven Teachings is a story about Wisdom. Let’s learn the Seven Teachings! Each story has simple and repetitive words. These Early Learner stories are for young children.

Educator & Series Information
Early Learner story.  The publisher recommends this title for kindergarten to grade 4.

This book is part of The Seven Teaching series.

Additional Information
Paperback

La roue medicinale represente l'unite et l'equilibre entre toutes les choses, y compris une vie saine mentalement, spirituellement, emotionnellement et physiquement.En comprenant les enseignements de la roue de medicinale, nous pouvons mieux comprendre notre sante holistique. Grace a une selection minutieuse des enseignements et des activites interactives, le cahier d'exercices La roue medicinale : trouve un equilibre sain encouragera les enfants a bien vivre et a trouver un equilibre sain.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 8 to 12.

This book is available in English: Medicine Wheel Workbook: Finding Your Healthy Balance

Additional Information
80 pages | 8.51" x 10.67" | Paperback

Catcha Bear and The Seven Teachings is a story about Courage. Let’s learn the Seven Teachings! Each story has simple and repetitive words. These Early Learner stories are for young children.

Educator & Series Information
Early Learner story.  The publisher recommends this title for kindergarten to grade 4.

This book is part of The Seven Teaching series.

Additional Information
Paperback

Apprenez ce que veut dire la phrase « Chaque enfant compte ». Phyllis Webstad, la fondatrice de la Journee du chandail orange, presente un apercu de ce mouvement sincere. Chaque enfant compte honore l'histoire et la resilience des peuples autochtones sur l'Ile de la Tortue et nous permet de tous cheminer vers la verite et la reconciliation. Si vous etes un survivant des pensionnats ou un survivant intergenerationnel, vous comptez. Pour les enfants qui ne sont pas revenus a la maison, vous comptez. L'enfant en chacun de nous compte. Chaque enfant compte.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 10.

Find the accompanying Teacher Lesson Plan here: Chaque enfant compte plan de cours

This book is available in English: Every Child Matters

Additional Information
44 pages | 8.62" x 11.18" | Hardcover