Picture Books

Little Wolf, grown up with children of her own, moves to the country where her mother, White Raven, shares a sad story from her childhood.

All grown up with a family of her own, Little Wolf moves from the big city to the island of her ancestors. She wants to share the beauty and mysteries of nature with her children, and she wants them to learn as much about their culture as possible. One day, Little Wolf’s mother, White Raven, visits and begins to tell her grandchildren stories from her own childhood. But the stories are not happy ones. As a child, White Raven left her family to attend St. Michael’s Residential School in Alert Bay, BC. While there, she experienced hunger, loneliness, shame, and isolation from her language and her culture. Even years later, as a grown woman and Elder, she has nightmares about her time at the school. But by sharing her story with Little Wolf and her grandchildren, White Raven begins to heal and brings the family closer together. Through simple, heartfelt text and vivid illustrations that combine contemporary and traditional Indigenous motifs, White Raven is an engaging teaching tool as well as a relatable narrative about the impact of intergenerational trauma on families. Based on the author’s own life and her mother’s residential school experience, the central message of this book is one of healing and family unity.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

This is the second book in the Little Wolf trilogy. 

This book is available in French: Corbeau Blanc

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

How do animals see the world? It turns out, very differently.

In this nonfiction picture book, a young girl and her baby sister's outdoor adventure (hiking through the forest, picnicking in the grass and swimming in the ocean) is overseen by the local fauna. The way those animals view the girls is very different from how the girls see each other. Goats see far and wide in a panorama, whales don't see color the way humans do and a high-soaring eagle's sharp vision can clearly see a tiny mouse far below. Through clever illustrations and scientific prose, we are reminded that while we may see things differently, we all share this life together on planet Earth.

Reviews
"Well-organized, succinct, child-friendly and inquisitive…An eye-opening STEAM picture book. Highly Recommended.” — CM: Canadian Review of Materials

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.

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

A moving picture book for ages 3 to 8 about a daisy who is told she’s “just a weed”—and embarks on a journey to find her place in the garden.

Daisy is new to the garden and just opening her petals to the sun when Rose tells her that she's just a weed. What’s a weed? Daisy asks. Weeds aren't planted on purpose, Rose explains, and they only get in the way. Soon Daisy compares herself to other plants in the garden: she isn't tall like Sunflower, nor sweet like Strawberry, nor fragrant like Rose. Daisy worries that Rose might be right—that she is a weed after all—until a strange and beautiful plant offers Daisy a different perspective. Maybe Daisy can choose her own purpose! And why do others get to decide who she is?

This sweet and empowering story is the perfect gift for teaching young children about:

• Self-compassion and confidence. Daisy learns that she is so much more than “just a weed” and that it’s up to her to define who she is, not others.
• Everyone has something special about them, and supporting one another can help us grow.
• The importance of loving yourself exactly as you are.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 8.

Curriculum Connections: Features of Plants / How Plants Are Used / Plant Adaptations / Positive Peer Relationships / Bullying / Self-Awareness

The Rainbow Fish for kids who love the garden.

Additional Information
36 pages | 8.00" x 11.00" | Hardcover 

"Every child matters, including you and me. With our orange hearts, we walk in harmony." As a young child, your little world can be full of big emotions. In this book, I, Phyllis Webstad, founder of Orange Shirt Day, show that sharing my story with the world helped me to process my feelings. My true orange shirt story encourages young children to open their hearts and listen as others share their feelings, and to be more comfortable sharing their own feelings too. Listening is a first step towards reconciliation. It's never too early to start.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 2 to 6.

This book is available in French in paperback: Avec nos coeurs oranges

This book is available in English in hardcover: With Our Orange Hearts (HC)

Additional Information
24 pages | 8.00" x 8.00" | Paperback

From one to ten and beyond, explore the Salish Sea in this visually striking, high-concept counting primer. Acclaimed West Coast artist Nikki McClure uses a single piece of paper and an X-ACTO knife to create her simple yet exquisite images. Whether it's one stubby squid or one million raindrops, readers young and not-so-young will delight in this distinctly Pacific picture book.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.

This book is a visually striking counting primer featuring marine life from one to ten with the addition of large numbers (20, 50, 100, 500, 1000, 10,000, 100,000).

Additional Information
32 pages | 6.50" x 9.00"

This beginner's guide and classroom favorite explores the Arctic and Antarctic biomes, their beauty, and global diversity. From the creators of the award—winning About Habitats and About… series.

In this addition to the About Habitats series, former educator and author Cathryn Sill uses simple, easy-to-understand language to teach children what the Polar Regions are (from the frozen deserts of Antarctica to the ice floes of the Arctic Ocean) along with what kinds of animals and plants live there, how they have adapted to life in the environment, and why they're important.

Noted wildlife illustrator John Sill offers full—color illustrations depicting the various landscapes and species of animals and plants. A glossary and afterword provide further details. Great for early childhood and elementary units on geography and habitats, nature and environment.

The About Habitats series introduces children to specific habitats and their living and nonliving components. Each book in the series provides information about the nature and characteristics of the habitat while the full-page illustrations expand on that information.

Reviews
“A solid read-aloud to introduce young children to this area of the world.” ―School Library Journal

“Given the demand for informational picture books on Arctic and Antarctic regions and their wildlife, libraries will find this a particularly useful addition to the Sills’ handsome About Habitat series.” ―Booklist Online

“Easily accessible…” ― Horn Book Guide

Educator & Series Information
With simple text and language, and strong picture support (paintings), this non-fiction narrative teaches children what polar regions are and what kinds of animals and plants live there.

This book is a part of the About Habitats series, which introduces children to specific habitats and their living and nonliving components. 

Recommended ages: 3-7

Additional Information
48 pages | 10.00" x 8.50" | Paperback 

In this beautifully illustrated children’s book, readers will experience the world in a new way as they see the seasons through the joyful eyes of Nimkii, a fun, nature-loving dog who will teach them a whole new language: Ojibwemowin, a language spoken by the indigenous tribes in parts of Michigan, Ontario, northern Minnesota and Wisconsin, and Alberta.

Whether hunting for maple trees in the fall, playing in the snow in the winter, enjoying the spring showers, or swimming in the summer, Nimkii seeks out activities that allow her to enjoy her natural surroundings. Fun and inspiring, this bilingual book helps children and adults communicate in new ways while exploring different elements of culture.

Educator Information
Children's Literature

Dual-language: English and Ojibwemowin 

Translated by Margaret Noodin, of the Pine Marten Clan. 

Additional Information
38 pages | 11.00" x 8.50" | Hardcover 

Celebrate diversity, math, and the power of storytelling!

For the Hindu holiday of Raksha Bandhan, Bina is determined to make beaded bracelets for her brothers all by herself. She finds out which colors her brothers like and dislike and sets to work. Working with her every-other-one beading pattern causes Bina to discover something new about patterns--and her brothers.

Reviews
"For the Hindu holiday of Raksha Bandhan, which celebrates the bond between siblings, Bina, who has warm brown skin and dark wavy pigtails, sets out to make her three older brothers—book-loving Vijay, musical Siddharth, and athletic Arjun—bracelets to keep them safe. There’s just one thing she must keep in mind: each brother has one color he favors and one that he doesn’t. After Mommy helps Bina buy green, blue, and orange beads, the girl sets out to make individualized bracelets, relying on the family dog for emotional support. LaRocca’s prose is accessible, with plenty of dialogue, and Prabhat’s digital art charms via vivid, dynamic spreads. This latest installment of Charlesbridge’s Storytelling Math series proves both educational and appealing. Back matter includes an author’s note and an explanation of the patterns involved in Bina’s bracelet making." —Publishers Weekly

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 6.

The Storytelling Math series celebrates children using math in their daily adventures as they play, build, and discover the world around them. Joyful stories and hands-on activities make it easy for kids and their grown-ups to explore everyday math together. Developed in collaboration with math experts at STEM education nonprofit TERC, under a grant from the Heising-Simons Foundation.

Additional Information
32 pages | 9.50" x 9.50" | Paperback

An exuberant celebration of the Buffalo’s return to the wild.

Since Declan was born, his kokum has shared her love of Buffalo through stories and art. But Declan longs to see real Buffalo. Then one magical night, herds of the majestic creatures stampede down from the sky. That’s when things really get wild!

Azby Whitecalf’s playful illustrations add to the joy and reverence in Deidre Havrelock’s picture book debut. A reprinting of the Buffalo Treaty and an author’s note describe the importance of Buffalo to Indigenous Peoples and efforts to revitalize the species.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 7.

Additional Information
36 pages | 11.00" x 9.50" | Hardcover

Do you know about the time that chocolate stopped? The time that KIDS gave up eating candy? Do you believe it?

This is a story about the coolest war in history. A war led by children and inspired by the candy bar. A war that began in the small Vancouver Island town of Ladysmith and travelled across Canada. A war that brought children and parents together in a war against price hikes on candy bars in 1947. A year that saw a group of children band together and boycott the chocolate bar. 

Educator & Series Information
Part of the Awkward+Awesome children’s book series celebrating unlikely heroes and inner weirdos.

A fun book for children and adults to teach both the power of history and working together.

Based on true events.

Additional Information
34 Pages | 8" x 8" | Paperback

This lyrical, stunning picture book tells a story about learning to love and celebrate your Asian-shaped eyes and is a celebration of diversity.

A young Asian girl notices that her eyes look different from her peers'. They have big, round eyes and long lashes. She realizes that her eyes are like her mother’s, her grandmother's, and her little sister's. They have eyes that kiss in the corners and glow like warm tea, crinkle into crescent moons, and are filled with stories of the past and hope for the future.

Drawing from the strength of these powerful women in her life, she recognizes her own beauty and discovers a path to self-love and empowerment. This powerful, poetic picture book will resonate with readers of all ages.

Reviews
“When the narrator comes to describe her own eyes and acknowledges the power they hold, she is posed against swirling patterns, figures, and swaths of breathtaking landscapes from Chinese culture. This tale of self-acceptance and respect for one’s roots is breathtaking.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“A young girl finds beauty in her uniqueness.” —School Library Journal (starred review)

“A poignant testament to familial love and legacy.”— Publishers Weekly

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Subjects / Themes / Keywords: Self-Esteem; Self-Acceptance; #ownvoices story; Family; Diverse Picture Books

Additional Information
40 pages | 9.00" x 11.00"

A beautifully illustrated, compact, interactive nature guide to exploring the forest for young readers.

What do you notice when you walk in the forest? Different types of trees, plants, and mushrooms? Maybe you hear a squirrel chattering or birds singing. Can you feel all the different kinds of moss? And look there! Hidden animal homes and interesting bugs.

With this compact non-fiction guide, young readers will be equipped to seek out, identify, and appreciate the woodland magic that exists all around them. Featuring rich vocabulary words like "nurse log," "lichen," and "sapling," this beautifully illustrated book is the ideal companion for little forest explorers. Incorporating all five senses and encouraging imaginative play, it even includes pixies and fairies (pixie cup lichen and fairy slipper wildflowers)! Forest Magic will be the book you reach for on the way out the door to explore your own backyard.

There's so much to see in a forest. What will you discover?

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

This book is part of the Little Explorers Series.

Additional Information
32 pages | 8.00" x 6.50"

Richly illustrated and lovingly told, this book is a warm and inviting read, perfect for sharing with any little one. Bowhead whales are the longest-living mammals on the planet, living over 200 years. In this heartwarming story, a grandfather bowhead recounts to his young grandchild calf all the beautiful, amazing, and surprising things he has seen in his lifetime, all while assuring the little calf that there is nothing more wondrous than the love a grandfather has for his grandchild.

Reviews
"Together with painterly illustrations in monochromatic blues of the ocean, this underwater tale shows the wondrous love of a grandparent for his grandchild...Tender words of affection are perfect for sharing with any young child or grandchild."—Kirkus

"The expansive illustrations, awash in marine blues and greens, capture the drama and majesty of the Arctic while also showcasing the tender relationship between the whales. A lovely choice for preschool storytimes."—Booklist

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 0 to 3.

Includes an Inuktitut pronunciation guide and fun facts about bowhead whales.

Themes: Indigenous, baby whale, bedtime book, Arctic, Iqaluit

Additional Information
28 pages | 9.50" x 9.50" | Hardcover

A gorgeously illustrated guided meditation to calm and soothe as well as inspire and empower us to act on behalf of the natural world.

Join the award-winning team of writer and teacher Bill Meyer and illustrator Brittany R. Jacobs on a guided meditation journey through rich, colorful landscapes spanning the globe. Breathe into the experience of waves on the ocean, trees in a forest, and the warmth of a desert, and feel your connection to all of life, from barnacles to baboons to falcons to farmers. This magical meditation-in-a-book is ideal for anyone who wants to simultaneously calm down and rise up to the world in all its wonders.

Reviews
"This guided meditation begins with a comforting note from the author validating climate anxiety and other concerns. According to this opening text, the purpose of the book is to help readers cope with worry “about the future of our planet,” which will, in turn, “empower” them to take action.... The book’s illustrations are striking and feature characters with diverse skin tones and hair textures, including one dark-skinned child who wears hijab. The words are lyrical and comforting, and the images that the meditation conjures are both kid friendly and relaxing." - Kirkus Reviews

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

She shoots, she scores!

Big Sister's hockey team has worked hard toward the most important game of the season. When the team goalie gets sick, Little Brother excitedly steps onto the ice to play in the Championship game. He always wanted to be part of the lineup, where Big Sister is the ace forward. The closer the game gets, the more nervous he becomes. Can he and Sister make the community proud? He must rely on his family's long history of playing hockey, the wisdom of Grandpa, Dad, Big Sister, and the Secwépemc cultural values they impart.

Additional Information
32 pages | 9.50" x 8.50"