Picture Books

"A long time ago, Our People came from the Northern Woodlands to the Great Plains looking for food," Grandfather said. "They saw that the Buffalo lived in harmony with Mother Earth the same as Our People did."

Through the Creator, the buffalo gave themselves as a gift for the sustenance and survival of the Plains Cree people. The largest land animal in North America once thundered across the Great Plains in numbers of 30 to 50 million. They provided shelter, food, clothing, tools, hunting gear, ceremonial objects and many other necessities for those who lived on the Plains.

But by 1889, just over a thousand buffalo remained, and the lives of the Plains Cree people changed. The buffalo is honoured to this day, a reminder of life in harmony with nature as it was once lived. This is the story of how the buffalo came to share themselves so freely.

Educator Information
The text is in English and y-dialect Plains Cree.  Y-dialect Plains Cree translation by Randy Morin, Jean Okimasis, and Arok Wolvengrey.

This resource is also available in French: Hommage au bison.

Additional Information
48 pages | 11.00" x 8.50"

Step One: Find a story. (A good one.)

Step Two: Find a reading buddy. (Someone nice.)

Step Three: Find a reading spot. (Couches are cozy.)

Now: Begin.

Accomplished storytellers Kate Messner and Mark Siegel chronicle the process of becoming a reader: from pulling a book off the shelf and finding someone with whom to share a story, to reading aloud, predicting what will happen, and—finally—coming to The End. This picture book playfully and movingly illustrates the idea that the reader who discovers the love of reading finds, at the end, the beginning.

Reviews
"An entertaining and educational introduction and overview to the experience of tackling a new book."-- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 5 to 8.

Additional Information
32 pages | 10.00" x 10.40"

In the time before animals were as they are today, Wolf spends his days admiring all the other animals. Not content to simply be a wolf, happy and hunting with his pack, he watches the owls, wolverines, and caribou with envy, wishing that he could be like them. Wishing he could be anything other than a wolf. When the magic of the land finally grants his wish, Wolf finds out that what he admires may not be what he really wants in the end.

Reviews
"Children who are struggling to be satisfied with and confident in their identities may be able to identify with the wolf.  This book would be a good starting point for discussion.  Highly recommended for elementary school libraries and public libraries." - Sandy Campbell, The Deakin Review of Children's Literature

Additional Information
32 pages | 9.30" x 7.25"

Akuluk is not excited about visiting her grandparents in Nunavut. She would rather head south for summer vacation, somewhere with roller coasters and cotton candy. There can't be much to do way up there, Akuluk figures. But as soon as she steps off the plane and sees all the exciting animals that the tundra has to offer, Akuluk forgets all about her dreams of going south. On her first full day in Nunavut, she can't wait to travel out on the land with her grandfather to hunt for wild eggs.

As she learns about the different types of eggs, how to collect them properly, and the delicious meals that can be prepared with them, Akuluk knows that this is just the beginning of the exciting things she'll learn about the Arctic.

Additional Information
36 pages | 8.50" x 8.50" | Paperback Edition Published: 2018

This beginner’s guide explores the major attributes of the forest biome and showcases its striking beauty and remarkable diversity using examples from around the globe.

Through simple, easy-to-understand language and beautifully detailed paintings, this guide describes the characteristics of different types of forests - from the cold boreal forests of the northern hemisphere to the warm tropical forests near the equator - and shows how various species of animals and plants have adapted to life in these habitats.

Awards
- Best Children’s Books of the Year ―Bank Street College of Education, 2008
- Society of School Librarians International Book Awards (Honor Book, Science K-6) ―Society of School Librarians International, 2007

Reviews
“It can be easy to forget that sometimes readers just need a simple concept, presented without bells and whistles: this book does just that… This is another strong series book for the Sills and would be a fine addition to elementary school and public libraries.” ― School Library Journal

“The Sills do a good job of showing (and especially identifying) both plants and animals… A solid introduction…” ― Kirkus Reviews

“Need an engaging K-2 book to help you teach habitats? Forests does a wonderful job of introducing early childhood learners to forest habitats and the organisms found there. ―NSTA Recommends

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

Recommended ages: 3-7

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

Additional Information
48 pages | 10.00" x 8.50"

This beginner’s guide explores the major attributes of mountains and showcases their striking beauty and remarkable diversity using examples from around the globe.

In this addition to the About Habitats series, award-winning author Cathryn Sill uses simple, easy-to-understand language to teach children what mountains are and what kinds of animals and plants live there. John Sill’s detailed, full-color illustrations reflect the diversity of mountain landscapes—from the snow-covered peaks of the Himalaya Mountains to the forested slopes of the Appalachians.

A glossary and afterword provide further fascinating details about mountains to inspire readers to learn more.

Awards
- NSTA Recommends – National Science Teachers Association (US), 2014

Reviews
“A beautiful and informative selection.” ― School Library Journal

“A solid introduction sure to help readers develop an appreciation for the scope and unique beauty of the mountains and mountain ranges that grace our planet.” ― Kirkus Reviews

"The young age 4 to 7 child who has the pleasure to read and study this book will enjoy the soft colors and simple rendering of accurate illustrations of the various mountain habitats." ― Chat with Vera blog

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

Recommended ages: 3-7

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

Additional Information
48 pages | 10.00" x 8.50"

Based on true events, Dolphin SOS recounts the story of three dolphins trapped in an ice-covered cove on the coast of Newfoundland. After the government fails to provide assistance, some young boys take matters into their own hands in order to save the distressed dolphins.

Reviews
"Striking, strong black, white, and gray—toned watercolor and collage art portrays the cold climate that the dolphins and rescuers endured. The happy ending will delight children after they witness how these animals were almost lost to the elements."— School Library Journal

"A beautiful book...It is a story of compassion, endurance, and a special brief moment when humans and animals connect. Everything about this book is done with elegant simplicity...Flett's artwork is exquisite, using mainly black and white to portray the landscape with a bit of colour...Highly recommended for both school and public libraries."— Resource Links

"This life—and—death story will resonate with readers as much as it did with the western Canadian writers and illustrator who gave it a new life....The spare text is set in a sea of whites and grays, a stark reminder of this moving rescue's chilly setting.... Distress gives way to relief in this you-are-there tale for young readers and listeners who enjoy real-life animal encounters."— Kirkus Reviews

"Dolphin SOS is a beautiful narrative which is based on a true event . . . a charming story of dolphin rescue [that] introduces children to modern superheroes."— CM Magazine

"Young Nicole tells this exciting rescue story based on an actual event . . . "It's a beautiful ending." We share Nicole's concern, empathy with the dolphins, and satisfaction at the end."— Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz

"Julie Flett's picturebooks honour her aboriginal heritage."— Quill & Quire

Educator Information
Recommended Ages: 4-8

Additional Information
32 pages | 10.25" x 9.33"

"...and this I need to know." With this refrain, Indigenous children are invited to re-learn their ancestral teachings about the Little People in their communities. With simple language and natural photographs, I Was Born Precious and Sacred acknowledges culturally integral concepts that promote the sacredness of life, the building of positive self-esteem, and an awareness of children's rights to be safe, loved and respected. Readers and listeners of all ages will be reminded that every aspect of a child is sacred and valuable and that each of us must work to preserve and nurture their minds, bodies, spirits and hearts.

Educator & Series Information
This is the first book in the Precious and Sacred series.

Reading level: K-3.

Additional Information
32 pages | 8.00" x 8.00"

Authenticity Note: This book has received the Authentic Indigenous Text label because it was written by Debora Abood with the support and participation of Elders from the Victoria Native Friendship Centre.

“My little baby bear,
Will you go to sleep?
You want to giggle with me,
As I count the sheep!”

Have some bedtime giggles with your little baby bear while reading this warm and tender poem.

My Little Baby Bear is a charming and accessible book that’s great for young children. It works wonderfully as a bedtime story or a read-aloud during the day.

The book works well with a drum to sing the poem together as a group.

Additional Information
16 Pages | 8 inches x 8 inches | ISBN: 9781771740562 | Paperback

“There’s a moon in the sky. It looks like a drum, which guides the earth where Taan is from.”

So begins a year in the life of Taan, which means “bear” in the Haida Language.

Alison Gear has based this wonderfully engaging and thoughtful story on one version of the Haida Moon cycle. It follows Taan as she experiences the wonder of the unfolding seasons.

Kiki van der Heiden worked closely with the children on Haida Gwaii to create the absolutely stunning felted artwork that gracefully complements each page of Taan’s story.

This is a story woven together by the community on Haida Gwaii.

Alison and Kiki worked closely with elders, teachers, children, parents, and caregivers to produce this unforgettable book. The title of each moon cycle has been translated into both Skidegate and Old Massett Haida, honouring language and wisdom. The children involved in this project, under Kiki’s gentle guidance, were hands-on each rendering of the felt pieces until they became the sculpted illustrations currently featured in Taan’s Moons.

When award-winning, best-selling author Richard Van Camp visited Haida Gwaii, he had the opportunity to read the manuscript for Taan’s Moons. He graciously agreed to contribute the heartfelt Foreword, which begins:

“Welcome to Taan’s Moons, one of the most beautiful books I have ever witnessed.”

We agree, Richard. We certainly agree.

We also want to give sincere thanks to Joanne Yovanovich, Tawni Davidson, Beng Favreau, and ArtStarts in Schools for their contribution to and support of this important book.

Authenticity Note: This book has been given the Authentic Indigenous Text label because of the collaboration of Indigenous peoples to create it. It is up to readers to determine if it is authentic for their purposes.

Little Zoo Sap and his family are moving from their summer home on the coast to their winter home in the deep woods. Unnoticed, the youngster tumbles off the end of the sled. Alone and frightened, Zoo Sap cries, and his cries attract the forest animals. Beginning with beaver and ending with the great bald eagle, the animals protect the baby and shelter him from the cold until his father comes to get him.

The new edition includes an author's note explaining the seasonal movement of the Passamaquoddy people and a pronunciation guide to the Passamaquoddy names of the animals in the story.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 11.

Additional Information
64 pages | 9.00" x 10.00"

The About Habitat series for the very young highlights the defining characteristics of various habitats, including plant and animal life, using examples from around the world.

Award-winning author Cathryn Sill and her husband, noted wildlife illustrator John Sill, offer young readers a first glimpse into wetlands habitats. In simple, easy-to-understand language, this guide teaches children what wetlands are, what kinds of animals and plants live there, and how wetlands help maintain the delicate balance among Earth's environments. John Sill's beautifully detailed full-color illustrations reflect the diversity of wetlands topography—from salt marshes along the seacoasts to tropical mangrove swamps. The astonishing varieties of wetland plants and the birds, mammals, and fish that live there are also represented.

A glossary and afterword provide young readers with further fascinating details on the earth's wetlands, their creatures, and their conditions.

Awards
- NSTA Recommends – National Science Teachers Association, 2012 (US)

Reviews
“The artwork is stunning, filled with realistic details and a beautiful balance of colors. The format would work well as a read-aloud” ― School Library Journal

“This handsome book provides an attractive introduction to the variety, singular features, and great environmental importance of wetlands.” ― Booklist Online

“This book will appeal to all readers interested in habitats…clear, precise, and easy to understand…meticulous illustrations bring each scene to life…” ― Library Media Connection

“Each wetland has different plants and animals, but all are vital to help maintain the delicate balance among Earth’s environments. This book will answer the questions readers have about fragile and important wetland habitats.” ― NSTA Recommends

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

Recommended ages: 3-7

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

Additional Information
48 pages | 10.00" x 8.50"

This award-winning book uses the letters of the alphabet to help young and old see the many, simple ways that they can fill buckets and fill their own buckets in return. When you help children become bucket fillers, you give them the key to happiness...for it is in friendship, love, and goodwill to others that we are truly happy. Yes, bucket filling is the moment by moment choice to be kind and caring. Teaching and encouraging children to be bucket fillers is one of the greatest gifts you can give to them.

Additional Information
32 pages | 8.50" x 10.98"

Night-time themed artistic view of animals, fish and insects of the Northwest Coast.

"Goodnight birds singing each other to sleep....Goodnight frogs croaking in the night....Goodnight owls keeping watch through the night". All of creation says: "Goodnight". Artwork from various Indigenous artists.

Additional Information
Hardcover format.  Also available as a board book.

The little girl in this story lives in a trailer near a forest in Saskatchewan, where her father is building a dam. She knows and loves everything about the place, but the dam is nearly finished, and when summer comes the family will move to Toronto - a city marked by a big red star on the map at school.

“Have the people in Toronto seen what I've seen?” the little girl asks, thinking of her road, her school, the forest where she plays hide-and-seek and where the wolf howls at night, the hill where she goes tobogganing in winter… And with her teacher's help, she finds a way to keep everything she loves about home.

This simple, beautifully written story, complemented by Matt James's vibrant, imaginative illustrations, will resonate deeply with anyone who has had to leave their home for a new place.

Additional Information
40 pages | 7.30" x 9.40"