Picture Books

With simple, lyrical text and vibrant panoramic illustrations, this picture book explores the beauty and resources of thirteen ancestral Indigenous lands and how we all use those lands each day. Simple poetry and portrayals of children and families enjoying rivers, bike paths, beaches, and parks show how everyday activities can include honoring Indigenous nations and cultures.

Author Katrina Phillips (Ojibwe citizen) and illustrator Sam Zimmerman (Ojibwe direct descendant) together have crafted a loving tribute that gently demonstrates recognition and acknowledgement of the nations of people who first called these lands home.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 9.

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

For young readers, an inspiring story about a river, a successful Native-led movement for environmental justice, and the making of a scientist.

Growing up in the Yurok and Karuk Tribes, Brook Thompson learned to care for the fish that nurtured her and her family. She knew that along the Klamath River in Northern California, salmon and lampreys are a needed part of life. But she also saw how these fish were in danger. People had built dams along the Klamath River, making it very hard for salmon and lampreys to live. Tribal people and their friends organized to have four of the dams removed, and they won. In I Love Salmon and Lampreys, Thompson tells this inspiring tale, and she shares how it motivated her to become a scientist. Featuring adorable illustrations by Anastasia Khmelevska, as well as fun facts about salmon and lampreys, this is a stirring story about stewarding nature for the generations to come.

Reviews
"[Brook Thompson] compares these salmon transitions to her own life, sharing how she left her family to go out to university to learn how to protect salmon and lampreys and then came home to fight for conservation rights as an engineer and scientist. Maps, back matter, and fun facts enhance this satisfying, engaging story." —Booklist

"A powerful story about protesting for positive changes that protect the environment." —Kids Bookshelf

"The book not only celebrates the resilience of the Klamath River and its inhabitants but also highlights the profound impact of environmental justice on the lives of individuals and communities. It is a powerful reminder that we all have a role to play in protecting our planet and ensuring a healthy future for generations to come." —Mama Likes This

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

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

Joanasie loves to live in Kinngait, Nunavut. His community may be small, but it is never boring!

Kinngait is a small community with lots to do throughout the year. Joanasie rides his bike in the summer and has snowball fights under the northern lights in the winter. And don't forget about Kinngait Studios, home of the talented artists that make Kinngait the "Capital of Inuit Art." Join Joanasie as he explains why Kinngait is a great place to live in this bilingual picture book.

Reviews
"Written by Inuit author and actress Maika Harper—best known for her role on the television series Mohawk Girls—the story reflects Inuit identity with warmth and respectful representation. Though Harper was born in Iqaluit and does not write from her lived experience in Kinngait, her cultural connection lends authenticity to the broader Inuit perspective depicted. Recommended for readers interested in northern communities, Indigenous identity, and contemporary Inuit storytelling." - Anika L., Middle School Teacher, Indigenous Books for Schools

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.

Dual-language: English and Inuktitut

This book is part of the Community Connections series.

I Love to Live in Kinngait teaches readers about the community dubbed the “Capital of Inuit Art.” 

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

Beautifully illustrated with a cloth-like spine, this imaginative picture book shares an Inuk child's experience with gratitude and celebrates family connections from the newest siblings to cherished Elders.

A young boy, Kalluk, leaves his camp to tell his grandmother that his mother is about to have a baby. Along the way, Kalluk meets different animals and he asks them why they are so happy. The rabbits say they love to be fast enough to outrun the fox and clever enough to know when to hide. They are happy to protect each other from the winter wind: "I'd give you my tail if I could!" they say. A mother fox tells the boy her pups make her happy (and her pups say their mother makes them happy: "We would give her our tails if we could!" they say. Even the river and the wind have reasons to be happy. Kalluk's encounters with nature make him reflect on his gratitude for all it provides.

On the trip back, Kalluk and his grandmother talk about happiness, peace and choices. They speak to the ravens and get a lift from the wind right to Kalluk's doorstep. And waiting inside is a new baby sister! Holding her in his arms, Kalluk discovers a new reason to be thankful.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 7.

Additional Information
32 pages | 8.00" x 8.00" | Hardcover

For kids ages 3-7, this lyrical picture book explores the complex emotions around missing a loved one, with stunning illustrations by Ojibwe artist Maya McKibbin.

I wish I could show you…
this great big meadow,
like a sea of lacy clouds….

In this beautiful ode to nature and mindfulness, a child sets out to explore the environment around their home, using all their senses. Yet, someone important is missing, someone the child wishes could be there on the journey.

Expressive text by Kathy Stinson leaves room for readers’ own interpretations about who the child in the story might be missing, while Indigenous illustrator Maya McKibbin’s gorgeous images capture the lush beauty of the natural world and the tenderness of a child’s emotions.

The perfect book for helping a child navigate loss, or missing someone that can’t be there with them.

Reviews
“Radiant images and a spacious narrative provide adults with an uplifting space to discuss heavy emotions with young ones ... A glowing window into grieving that makes room for sorrow and joy to coexist.”—Kirkus Reviews

"Lovely descriptive language….will lead to discussions about loss and how spending time in nature can be healing. A gentle book dealing with grief, told through the lens of the natural world.”—School Library Journal

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 7.

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

Siasi is always reminded by her parents to help others. 

In Inuit traditional values, helping others keeps the community strong and healthy.

Whether it’s helping her father with the fishing nets, making sure her little sister stays safe on her bike, or just helping to keep the house clean and tidy, Siasi learns that helping others can be fun and also feels pretty good inside!

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.

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

This beautifully illustrated Métis picture book is fully bilingual in Michif and English. A feast for the eyes and a tickle for the funny bone, Kohkum cooks up a HUGE order of bannock in her own kitchen, for the Queen and 299 guests!

This lively and whimsical tale begins with a letter from the government asking Kohkum to cook bannock for the Royal visit. Kohkum's grandson Xavier is as excited as she is, until they do the math and are shocked to learn that they are cooking not just for the Queen but for her entourage and guests too. A mad scramble ensues, with a rushed trip to the grocery store to buy a ridiculous amount of flour and milk, and a perilous trip home with the car stuffed with supplies and Xavier riding on the roof. Several aunties come to the rescue, helping with bannock assembly and sharing in the excitement of cooking for the Queen.

Written by an educator, this story provides many opportunities to count in English and Michif, with many laughs along the way as Kohkum, aunties, and Xavier scramble to cook the bannock in time for the Queen's visit. Boldly colourful, humourous illustrations by illustrator Hawlii Pichette bring this entertaining story to life. Full translation makes this book ideal for in-class cultural learning and Michif language acquisition.

Educator Information
Recommended for preschool to Grade 4.

Bilingual: Michif and English

Michif Translation by Irma Klyne and Larry Fayant.

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

Young readers will get ready for autumn on a moose tracking adventure with Joshua and Kokum.

When the harvest begins every fall, Joshua looks forward to eating Kokum's delicious moose meat stew at family feasts. He loves being on the land, and he can't wait to go moose hunting with his kokum.

Joshua and Kokum are careful not to make too much noise as they look for moose tracks in the forest. There are so many different animal tracks and Joshua can find them all. But which ones are moose tracks?

In the back of the book, find a glossary and pronunciation guide for the Omushkegomowin (Swampy Cree language) and Anishaabemowin (Ojibwe language) words featured throughout the story. A wonderful cultural learning experience for 5- to 8-year-olds!

Reviews
"A great learning tool for kids! This book not only teaches Omushkegomowin and Anishinaabemowin words and how to identify different animal tracks, but also, and most importantly, it instills respect for all living creatures and consideration for Mother Nature. I hope to one day harvest a moose with my kids, but in the meantime, we’ll try Kokum’s recipe for moose meat stew." — Chuck Hughes, chef and host of Chuck and the First Peoples' Kitchen

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 5 to 8.

Reading Levels:

• Fountas & Pinnell Text Level Gradient: L
• Lexile measure: 760L

This book is part of the Joshua Learns from the Land series.

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

Hush my sweet one, close your eyes,

let me tell you a story of the Labrador skies.

This poem, written by Labrador Inuit author-illustrator Kayla Williams, takes readers on a lyrical journey through the skies of Labrador, showcasing all the beauty that makes “the Big Land” unique.

From snowmobiles gliding through silent forests to the snowy crunch of fur mukluks on the ice, the sights and sounds of Labrador are lovingly recreated for young readers.

This is our home of Labrador, the most beautiful place we could be!

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 5 and under.

Additional Information
24 pages | 8.50" x 9.50" | Hardcover 

How a young boy is raised by his grandfather on the Tohono O'odham Indian Reservation. The book denotes various aspects of O'odham himdag (culture) and begins with a simple question that the boy asks his Hu'ul Ke:li (Grandfather) with a culturally relevant answer as to why they do the things they do during the day. Various activities include waking up early in the morning and asking why they do so - to daily chores and activities such as tending horses, working in the garden, hauling water, and gathering food/medicine in the desert.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5 by the publisher, but this book contains a lot of text and may be more suitable for older children.

This book includes many O'odham words, but it is not a dual-language book. A glossary is included.

This book is part of the Tohono O'odham series.

Subjects / Themes: Family, Daily Life, Health, Home, Culture

Additional Information
48 pages | 11.00" x 9.00" | colour illustrations | Hardcover

Today is a good day to go for a walk on Mother Earth.

Come on a journey with young Sachiiwin and Waawaasbiikse as they count all the wonderful animals they can see. With each new animal friend, learn their Anishinaabemowin name, and discover what makes them special.

This delightful resource for little ones from Ojibway author, Juliana Armstrong, combines concepts of counting, Anishinaabemowin language learning, and traditional teachings. Accessible, repetitive and gentle, this book offers readers a space to celebrate the beauty of language, and reflect on what guides us in our own walk on Mother Earth.

Educator Information 
Recommended for ages 4 to 11.

This is not a fully dual-language book, but it includes the Anishinaabemowin name for each animal in the story.

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

In this bedtime picture book, join two special families on an illuminating journey through the year and seasons as they explore all the different lights we see at night.

It is dark . . . until street lamps turn on, one, two, three. Red light, green light, yellow light — then, suddenly, lightning strikes! Our porch light guides us home, and while we sleep, the stars of the spring sky emerge, along with new babies, their faces lit by the night. In summer, our faces shine in the campfire light while fireworks burst above us. In autumn, we shiver and cheer under the towering lights of the football field and trick-or-treat on paths lit by the flickering smiles of pumpkins. And in winter, candles and holiday lights gleam but are dwarfed by the majesty of the aurora.

This sweet, beautifully illustrated picture book, a perfect pick for introducing the seasons and seasonal activities and events, explores the simple joys we experience throughout the year when we share them with those we love.

Reviews
"A sleepy seasonal ode to the lights that shine after the sun goes down. . . . The lights, both natural and artificial, cast such warm glows that even in darker scenes, the shadows are never deep in Zeng’s peaceful, idyllic layouts. As she follows an East Asian–presenting human family and a furry four-footed one through the seasons, she tucks in grace notes, from foxlike swirls of sky mist to symbolic candles for Christmas, Kwanzaa, and Hanukkah . . . Comforting and snoozy, just right for bedtime reading." —Kirkus Reviews

"Hilderman’s evocative first-person-plural prose and Zeng’s painterly digital artwork characterize the four seasons via emblematic ‘lights at night’ in this satisfying springtide-to-wintertide tour. . . . Highlighted with the help of page-filling art and poetic lines, night lights offer an ideal and innovative angle onto the pleasures of a northern clime’s seasons." —Publishers Weekly

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 7.

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

Liitia can't wait to compete in the one-ski race, but she will need practice and a little help if she wants to win!

Liitia lives in Qausuittuq (Resolute Bay), Nunavut, where there is a one-ski race at the end of each spring. Liitia's grandma was always the fastest racer when she was a child, and Liitia wants to race too! She is determined to win the race at the end of the season, even with her old rusty one-ski. Join Liitia in this bilingual picture book as she prepares for the race with a little help from her Grandma.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.

Liitia’s One-Ski is about a young girl in Resolute Bay, Nunavut, who wants to race in a community one-ski competition. The story is inspired by a real championship that took place and the author’s memories of one-skiing while growing up in Resolute Bay.

In this story, Liitia learns the importance of trying your best and not giving up when faced with challenges as she works toward her dream. This story also demonstrates the value of good sportsmanship and supporting each other as the competition brings people together. 

This bilingual storybook is part of our Community Connections series, which is a collection of fun and engaging stories from Inuit authors that celebrate Nunavut communities.

Dual-language: English and Inuktitut

Additional Information
27 pages | 8.00" x 10.00" | Paperback

From the bestselling and Governor General's Award–winning author of On the Trapline comes a beautifully told and comforting picture book about a boy's journey to overcome generational trauma of residential schools.

Deep in the night, when James should be sleeping, he tosses and turns. He thinks about big questions, like why we don't feel dizzy when the Earth spins. He looks at the stars outside his bedroom and thinks about the night sky stories his kōkom has told him. He imagines being a moshom himself. On nights like these, he follows the moonlit path to his mother's bedroom. They talk and they cuddle, and they fall asleep just like that.

One day, James's kōkom takes him on a special walk with a big group of people. It's called a march, and it ends in front of a big pile of things: teddy bears, flowers, tobacco ties and little shoes. Kōkom tells him that this is a memorial in honor of Indigenous children who had gone to residential schools and boarding schools but didn't come home. He learns that his kōkom was sent away to one of these schools with her sister, who also didn't come home.

That night, James can't sleep so he follows the moonlit path to his mother. She explains to James that at residential school when Kōkom felt alone, she had her sister to cuddle, just like they do. And James falls asleep gathered in his mother's arms.

Includes an author note discussing the inspiration for the book.

Reviews
"Robertson (Norway House Cree Nation) sensitively approaches this history, never explicitly describing the horrors of residential schools but instead leaving space for adults to grapple with youngsters’ questions in their own ways. Though he doesn’t provide easy answers, it’s clear that familial love keeps this child buoyed. Suffused with pinks, icy blues, and deep indigos, the glowing, cartoon-style digital illustrations from McKibbin (Ojibwe) depict the ancestral bonds that keep James rooted. Honest yet age-appropriate and deeply uplifting." —Kirkus Reviews

"Cree author Robertson reteams with Ojibwe, Yoeme, and Irish artist McKibbin (The Song That Called Them Home) for this work that honors children who did not return from residential schools. . . . James and his mother’s musing on intergenerational story-sharing further contribute to themes of connection and loss in this emotional work." —Publishers Weekly

"[Robertson and McKibbin] have taken on the weighty task of presenting a catastrophic loss to young readers, but also offering hope and determination. With poetic text and images of family life that are both familiar and mystical in tone, they have achieved this goal. . . . The honesty of Little Shoes is an antidote to fear." —Imaginary Elevators

"[A] big story about generational trauma of residential schools [which] focuses on the comfort that comes from family. Maya McKibbin evokes comfort and discomfort, as well as affection and thoughtfulness, with great sensitivity. . . . [A] great discussion starter for families and classes about residential schools, about Every Child Matters, and about asking questions. But it will also inspire understanding and empathy for that which has happened so that tragedies like residential schools are not repeated." —CanLit for Little Canadians

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 7.

This book is available in French: Petits souliers

Additional Information
48 pages | 8.00" x 12.00" | Hardcover 

Cuddle up with this celebration of winter and explore the wonders of nature’s light with Moon Song from Caldecott Medalist Michaela Goade.

On an island at the edge of a silvery sea, when the moon rises and night falls, a girl spins a story for her worried cousin to help him find comfort in the wintery dark. She invites him to see moonlight glittering in the forest, bioluminescence sparkling by the shore, and northern lights blazing in the sky. In the dark of the night, the whole world sings.

Celebrated Tlingit creator Michaela Goade, who brought us a summer's celebration in the Caldecott Honor Award‑winning Berry Song, invites us to discover the wonder and comfort of a winter's night through a magnificent Moon Song.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Additional Information
40 pages | 9.00" x 11.75" | Hardcover