Picture Books

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

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

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

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

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Models resilience and a growth mindset.

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

Reflects themes of teamwork and bullying.

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

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

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

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

This traditional Cherokee creation story takes place during a time when animals did many of the things that people can do. When the earth was young, the animals lived on a rock above it, and the earth was covered in water. The animals needed more room, but where could they find it?

This book retells the delightful Cherokee story of how the earth was created while teaching the invaluable lesson that even the smallest creature can make a difference.

Written in both Cherokee and English, the book will familiarize readers with the syllabary and the Cherokee language.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 7.

When none of the animals can bring mud to the surface of the water to increase the size of the island, they turn to the wise Beaver for advice. Beaver tells them to give Water Beetle a try. Everyone thinks that Water Beetle is too small to help, but she proves that small can be powerful.

Features themes of bullying, determination, and perseverance.

This book is a traditional Cherokee creation story that is used to teach Cherokee values.

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

Umingmak likes to move slowly, taking in her beautiful surroundings. But her friends like to move quickly. She can’t keep up with them! See how Umingmak and her friends work together to solve their problem. Will they be able to come up with a solution that everyone is happy with?

Educator & Series Information
Hurry Up, Umingmak! tells the story of a group of friends who solve a problem through consensus decision-making.

Recommended for ages 3 to 5.

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.

Dual-language: English and Inuktitut

Additional Information
44 pages | 8.00" x 9.00" | Paperback

From the author and illustrator duo who created the award-winning I Have the Right to Be a Child and I Have the Right to Save My Planet comes this beautifully illustrated third book in the series.

I Have the Right to Culture explores a child’s right to be curious and to experience all of humanity’s shared knowledge, including music, art, dance and much more. When a child is born, they learn the language of their parents, they sing the songs of their grandparents and they eat the delicious food that their family prepares. They also start to wonder about the lives of other children who live far away. What languages do they speak? What songs do they sing? And what games do they play?

Every child has the right to learn about the world they live in, including its history and its inventions. Every child has the right to learn about artists, about writers, about potters and photographers and architects, about musicians and dancers and poets. All of humanity’s treasures are for sharing, and every child has the right to know about what has come before them! Children have the right to partake in culture as proclaimed in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Told from the perspective of a child, this colorful and vibrant book explores what it means to be a child who has the right to find beauty in their world.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 6.

This book is part of the I Have the Right series.

Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.K.1
With prompting and support, ask and answer questions about key details in a text.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.K.6
Name the author and illustrator of a text and define the role of each in presenting the ideas or information in a text.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.K.7
With prompting and support, describe the relationship between illustrations and the text in which they appear (e.g., what person, place, thing, or idea in the text an illustration depicts).

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.1.8
Identify the reasons an author gives to support points in a text.

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

This beautifully illustrated picture book is about a child’s right to advocate for the environment they live in.

All children have the right to learn about the world, to celebrate the water, air and sunshine, and to be curious about the animals and plants that live on our planet. All children also have the right to learn about endangered species, to be concerned about plastic in the ocean, and to understand what a changing climate means for our Earth.

Scientists tell us that every living thing is connected. When we cut down forests, we destroy animal habitats. When we throw plastic in the garbage, it never really goes away. When we spray pesticides on our fruit and vegetables, we poison the earth, animals and ourselves.

What can children do to help? All children can draw posters of endangered animals to raise awareness. All children can send a letter to the leader of their country, signed by every member of their family. All children can protest along with their parents. Children have the right to do all these things as proclaimed in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. All children have the right to try to help our Earth, in whatever ways they can.

Told from the perspective of a child, this colorful and vibrant book explores what it means to be a child who dreams of a beautiful future for their planet.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 7.

Part of the I Have the Right series.

Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.2.3
Describe the connection between a series of historical events, scientific ideas or concepts, or steps in technical procedures in a text.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.3.2
Determine the main idea of a text; recount the key details and explain how they support the main idea.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.3.3
Describe the relationship between a series of historical events, scientific ideas or concepts, or steps in technical procedures in a text, using language that pertains to time, sequence, and cause/effect.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.2.6
Identify the main purpose of a text, including what the author wants to answer, explain, or describe.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.1.8
Identify the reasons an author gives to support points in a text.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.2.8
Describe how reasons support specific points the author makes in a text.

Additional Information
48 pages | 10.00" x 10.00"

Kids will look forward to their next nature walk after reading this playful yet calming book about wonderful forest sounds.

The forest has lots to say… if you listen. 

When a child steps into the forest, her ears are open and her heart is too. She listens carefully and hears marvelous things. She hears the rustling of leaves sharing their secrets. She hears a beetle balancing on a branch. And the more she listens, the more she learns.

I Hear You, Forest is a perfect book for outdoor education, classroom learning and homeschooling, helping to teach: 

• Empathy and connection with all living things
• Mindfulness and appreciation with the world around us 
• That the forest is full of magical sounds—you just have to listen!

Reviews
“A whimsical tale of a child who listens hard in enjoying the woods. Every spread features onomatopoeic text that simulates the sounds of trees, leaves, animals, and other living things … A good reminder that a stroll through the woods should provide lots of opportunities to slow down and notice.” —Kirkus Reviews

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 7

First book in the Sounds of Nature Series.

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

I lost my talk
The talk you took away
When I was a little girl
At Shubenacadie school.

One of Rita Joe's most influential poems, "I Lost My Talk" tells the revered Mi'kmaw Elder's childhood story of losing her language while a resident of the residential school in Shubenacadie, Nova Scotia. An often quoted piece in this era of truth and reconciliation, Joe's powerful words explore and celebrate the survival of Mi'kmaw culture and language despite its attempted eradication.

A companion book to the simultaneously published I'm Finding My Talk by Rebecca Thomas, I Lost My Talk is a necessary reminder of a dark chapter in Canada's history, a powerful reading experience, and an effective teaching tool for young readers of all cultures and backgrounds. Includes a biography of Rita Joe and striking colour illustrations by Mi'kmaw artist Pauline Young.

Reviews
"This picture book version of I Lost My Talk is best read with Rebecca Thomas’s I’m Finding My Talk. These haunting, evocative books bring an original approach to the exploration of Canadian residential schools in picture books. For readers and teachers who appreciate fact-based information, there is also “A Short History of Residential Schools” at the end of I Lost My Talk. Educators, librarians, and families will find their classrooms and book collections invaluably enriched by these books. They are real tools of truth and reconciliation; as such, they belong on every bookshelf in Canada and beyond." - CM Reviews

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 9.

This work features a short history of residential schools and information about the author.

Recommended in the Canadian Indigenous Books for Schools 2020/2021 resource list for grades 1-7 for English Language Arts.

Additional Information
32 pages | 8.00" x 10.00"

I'm finding my talk
And it may take some time,
But I'm learning to speak
In a language that's mine.

A response to Rita Joe's iconic poem "I Lost My Talk," and published simultaneously with the new children's book edition illustrated by Pauline Young, comes a companion picture book by award-winning spoken-word artist and Mi'kmaw activist Rebecca Thomas. A second-generation residential school survivor, Thomas writes this response poem openly and honestly, reflecting on the process of working through the destructive effects of colonialism.

From sewing regalia to dancing at powow to learning traditional language, I'm Finding My Talk is about rediscovering her community, and finding culture. Features stunning, vibrant illustrations by Mi'kmaw artist Pauline Young.

Reviews
"Published as a companion to the picture book I Lost My Talk, featuring the famous poem by Rita Joe, both volumes explore the legacy of Canada’s residential schools. They feature vibrant illustrations by Pauline Young that bring the words alive with emotional nuance. This remarkable pair of books possesses the rare ability of being suited to readers of all ages: three to six-year-olds, the traditional intended audience of picture books, will be captivated by the bright, lively illustrations; elementary and middle school children will find their Social Studies curriculum enriched by experiencing these important concepts rendered creatively; teens and adults will gain insight and empathy by enjoying these beautiful poems." - CM Reviews

"[A]n honest reflection on the process of working through the destructive effects of colonialism by participating in cultural connections. This book offers the opportunity to show the journey one takes when rediscovering their community and culture." - The Dalai Lama Center

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 9.

Recommended in the Canadian Indigenous Books for Schools 2020/2021 resource list for grades 1-3 in the areas of Social Studies and Language Arts.

Former Halifax Poet Laureate and second-generation residential school survivor Rebecca Thomas writes honestly and powerfully in this companion piece to Rita Joe's I Lost My Talk. Includes vibrant illustrations from Mi'kmaw artist Pauline Young.

Additional Information
32 pages | 8.00" x 10.00"

The affirming story of how a contemporary Native American girl turns to her family and community to help her dance find a voice.

Jenna, a contemporary Muscogee (Creek) girl, loves the tradition of jingle dancing that has been shared by generations of women in her family, and she hopes to dance at the next powwow. But she has a problem—how will her dress sing if it has no jingles?

The cone-shaped jingles sewn to Grandma Wolfe's dress sing tink, tink, tink, tink.

Jenna's heart beats to the brum, brum, brum, brum of the powwow drum as she daydreams about the clinking song of her grandma's jingle dancing.

The warm, evocative watercolors of Cornelius Van Wright and Ying-Hwa Hu complement author Cynthia Leitich Smith's lyrical text in this picture book. Perfect for classroom and library sharing.

Educator Information
Suggested Ages: 4-8.

Additional Information
32 pages | 9.25" x 11.00" | Paperback

Josie dreams of dancing at next summer's powwow. But first she needs many special things: a dress, a shawl, a cape, leggings, moccasins, and, perhaps most important of all, her spirit name. To gather all these essential pieces, she calls on her mom, her aunty, her kookum, and Grandma Greatwalker. They have the skills to prepare Josie for her powwow debut.

As the months go by, Josie practices her dance steps while Mom stitches, Aunty and Kookum bead, and Grandma Greatwalker dreams Josie's spirit name. Josie is nervous about her performance in the arena and about all the pieces falling into place, but she knows her family is there to support her.

The powwow circle is a welcoming space, and dancers and spectators alike celebrate Josie's first dance. When she receives her name, she knows it’s just right. Wrapped in the love of her community, Josie dances to honor her ancestors.

In this Ojibwe girl's coming-of-age story, Denise Lajimodiere highlights her own daughter's experience at powwow. Elegant artwork by Angela Erdrich features not only Josie and her family but also the animals and seasons and heartbeat of Aki, Mother Earth, and the traditions that link Josie to generations past and yet to come.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 7.

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

Algonquin author S.P. Joseph Lyons, from Kitigan Zibi First Nation, was placed in foster care as a young child and is a survivor of the Sixties Scoop. Foster Care can be scary and lonely. Through S.P. Joseph Lyons’ experiences, the Little Bear in Foster Care book makes foster care a little less frightening.

Little Bear in Foster Care connects children to a range of emotions, encourages them to find their voice, and lets them know they are not alone or to blame. Through Little Bear in Foster Care, S.P. Joseph Lyons helps young children process their feelings and experiences.

The richness of Indigenous cultures and emotions come alive in this story of healing and resilience. This is an important book for adults to read to all young children. Little Bear in Foster Care is geared for young school-aged children.

Little Bear gives voice to the feelings and fears children experience when placed in confusing and unfamiliar environments.

Awards

• 2022 Co-winner of the First Nation Communities READ PMC Indigenous Literature Award, Children’s Category winner

Educator & Series Information
Includes information about smudging, talking feathers, and traditional circles.

This book is part of the Foster Care Series.

Little Bear in Foster Care is a dual language book written in Anishinaabemowin, the language of the Anishinaabeg, and English. Translated by Potawatomi Odawa Elder and Language Keeper, Mawla Shawana, from Wikwemikong Unceded Territory.  With vibrant illustrations by Julian Grafenauer, Ojibwe, from Rolling River First Nation.

Additional Information
32 Pages | Paperback

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 

A young Indigenous girl moves to the big city and learns to find connections to her culture and the land wherever she goes, despite encountering bullies and feelings of isolation along the way.

When Little Wolf moves to the big city with her mom and sister, she has difficulty adjusting to their new life. She misses living close to nature and seeing animals wherever she goes, and she misses fishing with her grandfather and seeing dolphins leaping beside their boat. Most of all, she misses feeling connected to her culture.

At school, Little Wolf has trouble fitting in. Although her class has kids from many different cultures, no one is Heiltsuk, like her. The other kids call her names and make her feel unwelcome. Her only defence is to howl like a wolf so they run away. But this only isolates her further.

Gradually, Little Wolf starts to see the beauty in her new surroundings. She discovers that there is wildlife everywhere, even in the big city. An otter swims beside her as she walks on the seawall. A chickadee chirps in a tree in the big park near her house. And her mother helps her stay connected to their culture by signing them up for beading and dance classes. Despite the difficult start, Little Wolf grows up proud of her background and ready to face the future. This inspiring tale, the first in a trilogy, combines traditional and contemporary Indigenous themes and artwork.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

This book is a part of the Little Wolf trilogy.

This book is available in French: Petit Loup

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

Richard Van Camp, internationally renowned storyteller and bestselling author of Welcome Song for Baby and We Sang You Home, has partnered with talented illustrator Julie Flett to create a tender book for babies and toddlers that honors the child in everyone. With its delightful contemporary illustrations, Little You is perfect to be shared, read or sung to all the little people in your life—and the new little ones on the way!