Picture Books

iʔ siwɬkw nkwancinəm k̕əl suliʔ / The Water Sings to Suliʔ is an original story with a universal message, shedding light on the importance of water as a living entity. The story features a young girl named suliʔ, who hears the song of the water calling for her while playing outside. suliʔ ventures out of her yard and into the forest. Along the way she meets an unexpected magic water child. The water child entrusts suliʔ with an important message to share with the world.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 6.

Author Harron Hall has written several books for children that incorporate her Indigenous heritage and her deep commitment to protecting the land and water.

Includes words in n'syilxwcn. 

This book is part of the Follow the Water series.

Additional Information
54 pages | 8.00" x 8.00"

Jake and Kamik are finally ready to run their first dog sled race with a full team! But there is a lot to do to prepare, and Jake must follow his uncle’s lead if he and his dogs are going to be ready for the early spring race.

Kamik Takes the Lead is the fourth installment in the Kamik series of books following Kamik: An Inuit Puppy Story, Kamik’s First Sled, and Kamik Joins the Pack. Books in this series share traditional dog-rearing practices and dog-training techniques from the remote community of Arviat, Nunavut, through the life memories of community members. These books preserve the rich history of working dogs in Nunavut and celebrate the traditional bond between Inuit and their sled dogs.

Building on the dog-training practices outlined in Kamik Joins the Pack, Arviat, Nunavut, author and dog musher Darryl Baker shares with young readers the basic information needed to prepare a dog team for a race.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 5-7.

Kamik Takes the Lead is the fourth installment in the Kamik series of books. Books in this series share traditional dog-rearing practices and dog-training techniques from the remote community of Arviat, Nunavut, through the life memories of community members. These books preserve the rich history of working dogs in Nunavut and celebrate the traditional bond between Inuit and their sled dogs. Building on the dog-training practices outlined in Kamik Joins the Pack, Arviat, Nunavut, author and dog musher Darryl Baker shares with young readers the basic information needed to prepare a dog team for a race.

Recommended in the Canadian Indigenous Books for Schools 2020/2021 resource list for grades K-2 as being useful in the areas of Language Arts and Social Studies.

Additional Information
32 pages | 8.50" x 8.50"

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"

In Lady B Spots Trouble - Volume 1 of the Allowed to Say NO! Series - Jesse, an adventurous boy of 5, meets Lady B, a feisty karate-chopping but safety-conscious ladybug, on his Wishing Spot – the first branch of his backyard oak tree. Jesse heroically searches for hidden treasure, but sometimes it’s dangerous, and his instincts tell him something is unsafe; the same feeling he gets when his neighbour hugs him to tight. Jesse and Lady B navigate these adventures, not just with lifejackets and seatbelts, but with the secret power of instinct.

Safety is a Tricky Business!

Who to talk to in these worrying moments? Jesse sits on Granny’s red kitchen stool and listens when she says, “Feelings are like the wind. They blow and howl and shake everything and later it’s all quiet like they were never there. But sometimes they just don’t go away.” Granny tells Jesse:

“If you get a No Feeling,
you’re allowed to say ‘NO!’
and ask adults you trust for Help!”

Educator & Series Information
Lady B Spots Trouble is the first of the three-volume Allowed to Say NO! book series that facilitates a safe way of having a big conversation about unwanted touch with children four to eight years old. Each story is accompanied by both a Colouring Book as well as a Teachers’ Guide that purchasers of the book can download for free from the author’s website: www.allowedtosayno.com

The Teacher’s Guide for Lady B Spots Trouble is a module of five units for teachers that meets the curriculum requirements on appropriate and inappropriate touch for Kindergarten students, emphasizing preventative strategies to ensure student safety. These lessons provide a child-centered and comfortable environment for the whole classroom.

The Colouring Book for home use reinforces and illustrates key messages in the story so adults and children can have fun together while discussing safe and unsafe touch.

Recommended for kindergarten students.

Additional Information
26 pages | 8.5 " x 11" Landscape 

Wellness expert Mallika Chopra speaks to a younger audience in this new picture book about feeling emotions in your body through color.

Did you know that your body is absolutely amazing? It can do so many things at the same time, explore the world both inside and outside, and help you feel the feelings deep down inside. When you start to feel big feelings, it's helpful to use colors, words, and breath to explore your body and to make yourself calmer and more at peace.

In wellness expert Mallika Chopra's debut picture book, she helps children imagine a rainbow of colors radiating from their body and combines this color connection with breathing exercises to help them relieve stress, tension, fears, and sadness and to feel happier and more at peace. My Body Is a Rainbow is sure to be a go-to resource for parents, caregivers, and educators to help preschool-aged children feel safe, creative, strong, loved, unique, wise, and perfect just the way they are.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Additional Information
32 pages | 9.30" x 9.45" | Hardcover

Celebrate Earth Day with this valentine to our wonderful planet from the Newbery Award–winning author of Sarah, Plain and Tall.

Our friend Earth does so many wonderful things! She tends to animals large and small. She pours down summer rain and autumn leaves. She sprinkles whisper-white snow and protects the tiny seeds waiting for spring.

Readers of all ages will pore over the pages of this spectacular book. Its enticing die-cut pages encourage exploration as its poetic text celebrates everything Earth does for us, all the while reminding us to be a good friend in return.

Key Features:

• Interactive format and kid-friendly art will engage both toddlers and young readers.
• A celebration of the natural world and rallying cry for positive action for Planet Earth
• Great opportunities to share life science concepts and amazing facts about the environment with children

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4-7.

Great read-aloud books for kids ages 3-5

Additional Information
44 pages | 11.21" x 9.13" | Hardcover with die-cut pages, full-colour illustrations throughout

An innovative retelling of the classic Christmas tale, this full-color book takes a whimsical look at what Christmas Eve might be like for a Native American family when Old Red Shirt comes a-calling with his team of flying white buffalo to deliver fry bread, commodities, and other goodies. Renowned Cherokee artist Jesse Hummingbird's inspired illustrations transform the author's playful adaptation into a fresh and modern work of art.

Reviews
“For a child, the poem presents an old story in a new light, complete with a Native Santa clad in buckskins, beadwork and carrying a medicine bundle. If that's not tradition, I don't know what is. As for the adults sharing the story, this is a poem that will at the very least, make you smile.” — The Circle News

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.

Themes / Keywords: Christmas; Holidays; Native American; Celebrations; Lyrical; Poetry; Traditions.

Additional Information
40 pages | 11.75" x 8.25" | Hardcover

From the author of the New York Times-bestseller The Hidden Life of Trees comes this spirited picture book, which shares the true story of how trees communicate, feel, and grow.

Piet the squirrel feels all alone in his forest home. Luckily, Peter the Forester has the perfect plan to cheer him up: a search for tree children. You can’t be lonely in a forest full of friends! As they wander, Peter shares amazing facts about trees, how they communicate and care for each other, and the struggles they endure. Soon, the little squirrel is feeling much better—especially when he realizes he’s helped the tree children grow.

This environmentally conscious picture book, written by acclaimed author and forester Peter Wohlleben, brings the majesty of The Hidden Life of Trees to the youngest of readers everywhere.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

• A magical story from the New York Times best selling author of The Hidden Life of Trees, set in an enchanting forest, and filled with facts about trees, including how they communicate and care for each other.
• Peter Wohlleben’s first picture book in English for children, inspired by his long-time work leading children at his forest academy on educational tours in Germany’s Eifel Mountains.
• The longer storybook format encourages quality story-time.
• Inspires children to be environmentally conscious, connect with nature, and view the forest as a place full of friends 
• Engaging images by artist Cale Atkinson bring to life the touching relationships between humans, woodland animals and forest families.

Topics: Science and Nature; Trees; Environmental Awareness; Squirrels; Beech Trees; Social Themes - Friendship.

Additional Information
40 pages | 8.25" x 11.00"

What toddler likes getting their diaper changed?

In this hilarious rhyming book, a little boy sees his world crumble around him as his mother prepares to change his diaper. But surrounded by a little love and feeling fresh and clean, he realizes that things may not be so terrible after all . . . unless he ever needs his diaper changed again!

Fun for babies, toddlers, and parents alike, this humorous book brings to life a scene familiar to all parents.

Reviews
"The cartoon-like illustrations from Vancouver’s Emma Pedersen drolly capture the cherubic child’s wide-eyed, histrionic view of his world...The melodramatic, rhyming text offers over-the-top comic relief while keenly bringing the stressors in an infant’s life into sharp, magnified focus" — Quill & Quire

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 2 and under. 

Inspired by the experiences of the author as a mother.

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

Niaqualuk and Haugaaq live in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut. There is a big blizzard coming! Haugaaq wishes she could play outside more, but Niaqualuk is excited about playing inside. See what fun things the sisters do all day as the blizzard howls outside.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.

This book is part of the Community Storybooks series. These books tell fun and engaging stories that take place in different communities across Nunavut. Each book was written by an author from the community and has been carefully reviewed for authenticity.

Dual-language/Bilingual: Inuktitut and English

This book is available in Inuktitut and French here!

Additional Information
36 pages | 9.00" x 8.00" | Hardcover

A story about a grandpa kicking butt at getting old.

How to talk to kids about aging and growing up? The Grandpa That Never Grew Up is a fun way to talk to children about embracing aging and a good way for children to connect with grandparents. A follow-up to The Grandpa That Never Got Old, this story features a Grandpa who is not your average old guy, but maybe he should be.

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

Suitable for children ages 4-9 or anyone who is getting older.

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

Two young grizzly bears pay a surprise visit to Alert Bay, BC, in a picture book based on true events.

Two curious young grizzly bears go on a very long swim, far from their usual home in the Great Bear Rainforest. They crunch tart red cranberries in the bog then dig for crabs on the beach. They wander through backyards and feast on plums. Then they sniff something even more delicious—mmm, barbecued salmon. But a village full of people is no place for grizzly bears, no matter how sweet the plums or how tasty that salmon smells. Time for a helicopter ride home!

The Great Grizzlies Go Home tells the story of the bears’ adventurous journey, ending in their safe relocation back to the mainland. Featuring detailed watercolour paintings, engaging text and a concluding section with bear safety tips, the book will capture the imagination of readers young and old.

Reviews
“Judy Hilgemann has illustrated a beautiful story that tells of the challenges grizzly bears and our communities face as we learn to coexist and be more respectful of the natural world.”- Michael J. Audain, OC OBC, Founder, Grizzly Bear Foundation

“With heartwarming illustrations alongside a grizzly-bear-sized adventure, The Great Grizzlies Go Home is a true story of two sibling bears that went on a roller coaster of an island-hopping journey through the Great Bear Rainforest.” -Ian McAllister, Executive Director, Pacific Wild

“What an important story! In a time when bears are compelled to come closer to towns, the role of conservation officers and the important jobs they do need to be told. With lovely art and chock full of wonderful facts, this tale teaches and entertains!” -Robert Budd, Co-author, Northwest Coast Legends series

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.

Additional Information
32 pages | 8.50" x 11.00"

Ugly Food – still tastes like food. A children’s book about imperfect fruits and vegetables looking for love.

How to talk to your kids about food? Ugly Food is a good start. A bold book bringing big ideas to the table and sparking conversations with kids about food, food waste, ideas of perfection and what it’s like to feel rejected.

Roses are red, violets are blue, nothing is perfect and neither are you.

Educator & Series Information
Part of the Awkward + Awesome children’s book series celebrating ordinary heroes and inner weirdos. Based on true events.

Recommended for grades K to 4.

Additional Information
38 Pages | 8" x 8"

Inspired by the many Indigenous-led movements across North America, Carole Lindstrom's bold and lyrical picture book We Are Water Protectors issues an urgent rallying cry to safeguarding the Earth’s water from harm and corruption.

Water is the first medicine.
It affects and connects us all . . .

When a black snake threatens to destroy the Earth and poison her people’s water, one young water protector takes a stand to defend Earth’s most sacred resource.

Featuring illustrations by Michaela Goade.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 6.

Includes information on water protectors and the importance of water protection at the back of the book, as well as a glossary with a few words in different Indigenous languages, such as Ojibwe, Tlingit, and Lakota.

This book is available in French: Nous sommes les protecteurs de l'eau

Additional Information
40 pages | 10.00" x 10.00"

This richly illustrated book by writer David Bouchard and illustrator Kristy Cameron, weaves together Woodland style paintings with a rhythmic poem about the spiritual lessons that we can learn from the Sun and the seven sacred teachings.

Educator Information
David Bouchard is a bestselling author, speaker and educator. He is Canada’s most sought after public speaker. We Learn from the Sun is an Indigenous rhyming poem based on his best selling book Seven Sacred Teachings.

An accompanying lesson plan and resource guide entitled We Learn from the Sun: Lesson Plans and Resources can be found on our site as well.

This book is available in French: On apprend du soleil.

Recommended for ages 5 to 12.

This resource is included in the Canadian Indigenous Books for Schools 2020/2021 resource list for grades K to 7 for Language Arts.

Additional Information
34 pages | 11.00" x 9.00" | 26 colour illustrations