Indigenous

Following the huge success of Sometimes I Feel Like a Fox, this companion book is a lyrical celebration of our relationship to the natural world.

In each of twelve short poems, a child tells us how or why they feel like the sun, a river, a mountain, a cloud, the rain, a forest and more. Their deeply felt connections and identification with these wonders point to how much we are all part of the natural world. Each poem comes to life through vivid, playful illustrations that show the children immersed in their surroundings. The book serves as a gentle call to action — to notice, appreciate, preserve and protect our environment, while delighting in all its beauty.

A mindfulness activity — A Mindful Walk or Roll — invites young readers to use their senses to experience their surroundings to the fullest. Includes a brief author’s note that highlights our connections to the natural world.

Educator & Series Information Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 6 

This book is part of the Sometimes I Feel Like series.

Key Text Features
- author’s note
- illustrations
- poems
- procedural text

Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K.5
Recognize common types of texts (e.g., storybooks, poems).

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.2
Retell stories, including key details, and demonstrate understanding of their central message or lesson.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.4
Identify words and phrases in stories or poems that suggest feelings or appeal to the senses.

Additional Information
32 pages | 8.25" x 10.00" | Hardcover 

Spencer the Siksik can’t wait for the first snowfall. He is going to build a snow fort with Gary the Snow Goose!

When Spencer’s mom tells him he must first shovel his grandma’s steps, he doesn’t understand why she has to ruin his fun. He just wants to play outside! But when Spencer sees that his grandma and her neighbours can’t leave their houses, he remembers what his mom taught him about taking care of Elders in his community.

Follow along as Spencer learns the importance of one of the eight guiding Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit principles: serving others. Explore more books in the Spencer the Siksik series to see how Spencer and his friend Gary learn about the other principles!

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

This book is part of a series that teaches children about Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit principles, or "IQ" principles, which are a set of communal laws that focus on the ways one is expected to behave. Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit literally translates to "that which Inuit have always known to be true." This book teaches the IQ principle of serving others.

Additional Information
40 pages | 9.50" x 10.50" | Paperback

Spencer is stuck inside on a boring rainy day. As he plays on his tablet, he becomes frustrated trying to hold it upright. He asks his parents for a tablet holder, but they explain that it is not something Spencer needs. He understands, but he still has to find a way to hold the tablet without being uncomfortable. Then, Spencer remembers what his grandmother told him about being innovative and resourceful. What will Spencer create to solve his problem?

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

This book is part of a series that teaches children Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit principles, or "IQ" principles, which are a set of communal laws that focus on the ways one is expected to behave. Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit literally translates to "that which Inuit have always known to be true." This book teaches children about the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit principle of qanuqtuurniq, being innovative and resourceful. 

This title encourages creativity and using what you have to solve problems.

Additional Information
32 pages | 9.50" x 10.50" | Paperback 

A beautifully illustrated hardcover storybook introducing kids to the characters of Netflix’s preschool show Spirit Rangers!

It’s opening day at Xus National Park in Southern California, and Kodi, Summer, and Eddy Skycedar’s first day as Junior Park Rangers! But when a mysterious storm threatens to close the park, the siblings must put their heads together to save the day.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 7.

Kids ages 3 to 7 will love this hardcover storybook full of beautiful illustrations featuring the amazing characters from Netflix’s newest preschool show Spirit Rangers!

Created by Samala Chumash descendent, Karissa Valencia, Spirit Rangers is a fantasy-adventure preschool series following Native American sibling trio Kodiak, Summer and Eddy Skycedar, who have a shared secret—they’re Spirit Rangers! Spirit Rangers protect every crook, cranny and critter of Spirit Park. With the blessing of the Chumash and Cowlitz tribes, we’ll join the Skycedar kids on their amazing adventures with spirits inspired by Indigenous stories.

Additional Information
32 pages | 10.30" x 10.30" | Hardcover

A modern story of traditional Indigenous knowledge that follows a young boy and his Auntie as they gather and braid sweetgrass, one of the four sacred medicines.

It's early July, and for Matthew and his Auntie that means one thing: time to go sweetgrass picking. This year, Matthew's younger cousin Warren is coming along, and it will be his first time visiting the shoreline where the sweetgrass grows.

With Auntie's traditional Mi'kmaw knowledge and Matthew's gentle guidance, Warren learns about the many uses for sweetgrass—as traditional medicine, a sacred offering, a smudging ingredient—and the importance of not picking more than he needs. Once the trio is back at Auntie's house, she shows the boys how to clean and braid the grass.

From the duo behind the bestsellers The Gathering and The Sharing Circle, this heartfelt story about the gifts we receive from Mother Earth and how to gather them respectfully offers thoughtful insight into a treasured Mi'kmaw tradition.

Sweetgrass grows in wet meadows, low prairies, and the edges of sloughs and marshes. It grows from Labrador to Alaska, south to New Jersey, Indiana, Iowa, New Mexico, and Arizona. Widely used by North American Indigenous Peoples from many different Nations, it is also considered one of the "four sacred medicines" by many Plains Indians.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 7.

This book is part of the Indigenous Knowledge Series.

This book is available in French: Foin d'odeur

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

What does it mean to be Mi’kmaq? And if Swift Fox can’t find the answer, will she ever feel like part of her family?

When Swift Fox’s father picks her up to go visit her aunties, uncles, and cousins, her belly is already full of butterflies. And when he tells her that today is the day that she’ll learn how to be Mi’kmaq, the butterflies grow even bigger. Though her father reassures her that Mi’kmaq is who she is from her eyes to her toes, Swift Fox doesn’t understand what that means. Her family welcomes her with smiles and hugs, but when it’s time to smudge and everyone else knows how, Swift Fox feels even more like she doesn’t belong.

Then she meets her cousin Sully and realizes that she’s not the only one who’s unsure—and she may even be the one to teach him something about what being Mi’kmaq means. Based on the author’s own experience, with striking illustrations by Maya McKibbin, Swift Fox All Along is a poignant story about identity and belonging that is at once personal and universally resonant.

Reviews
“A touching and universal narrative . . . This title should definitely be added to any list of recommended children’s books focused on Indigenous life, family, tradition, feelings, anxiety, fear and self-regulation. Swift Fox All Along is also brimming with cross-curricular applications for school use, including incorporation with science, social studies, history, language, and mental health. Highly Recommended.” — CM Reviews

“Highlights the importance of connections to culture and self.”  — Kirkus Reviews, 07/28/20

"This is a straightforward tale of a girl finding her way into a culture that is her heritage, yet new to her. As such, it works effectively. This may suit libraries in need of more modern ­Native picture books with child appeal.” — School Library Journal, 08/20

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 7.

Own voices: Illustrator Maya McKibbin is a two-spirited Yaqui, Ojibwe and Irish. Author Rebecca Thomas is an award-winning Mi’kmaw poet. The story is deeply personal. Rebecca is of mixed heritage and grew up off-reserve and was 6 years old before she began getting to know her father. Her dad himself attended a residential school and had lost connection with his culture and language. This was something regained later with wider visits to his home community and wanted to share with his children. 

Important themes: the Indigenous story is full of universal themes including family, connection, identity and self-acceptance.

This book is available in French: Wowgwis de la tête aux pieds

Additional Information
36 pages | 9.00" x 10.25" | Paperback

“Stories have hearts, just like people. And the heart of this story is true, even if the things said or done have been switched around a bit.”

In this follow-up to the critically acclaimed Tanna’s Owl, Tanna finds a small, grey lemming, far too cute to turn over to the scientist who has sent the children out to gather lemmings for his research. Instead, Tanna deems Fluffi to be a family member and attempts to raise the lemming in her home. But when the lemming strays from its cozy bed behind the stove and into Tanna’s mother’s things, Tanna is forced to consider whether she has really done what is best for Fluffi. Is it possible to treat something poorly by trying to treat it well?

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

This book is part of the Tanna's Animals series.

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

It’s Papatsie’s birthday, and her parents have a big surprise for her. She and her best friend Ashley will be going on a scavenger hunt! Follow along as Ashley and Papatsie find clues hidden in familiar spots in their community, which eventually lead them to a birthday surprise. Woven into the clues are examples of positional language and simple shapes. This helps children build early math skills through an engaging story.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.

Includes many examples of positional language and simple shapes.  These help children build early math skills through an engaging story.

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

With the wizened old chief set to step down, young Linny dreams of being chosen as his replacement. As she struggles to pass his test, Linny learns with the help of her family what it really takes to become chief...in the most unexpected way.

This story is told with the help of traditional corn husk dolls. Corn dolls protect the home, livestock, and personal wellness of the maker and their family. Corn husk dolls have been made in some Indigenous cultures since the beginning of corn agriculture more than one thousand years ago, and continue to be made today.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 10.

Empowers young girls to pursue their dreams, especially in terms of pushing traditionally male-dominated roles.

The story keeps the readers' attention with its rhythm and rhyme. 

Offers a unique perspective on positive growth mindset and developing leadership skills.

Author is an approved educational facilitator and works as an Indigenous Mentor and Storyteller in schools.

Find a teacher lesson plan here: The Corn Chief Teacher Lesson Plan

This book is available in French: Le chef du mais

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

A Lakota author’s version of how the Pleiades, the Seven Sisters star formation, came to be.

When seven Lakota sisters venture deep into the forest to gather chokecherries, they are surprised and chased by Mato Sica, a giant bear known to eat people. The sisters run and climb up a short rock ledge and pray for help. The ground trembles and gives a sudden jolt, and they find themselves on top of a tall earth tower. A great giant eagle comes to their rescue and carries the seven sisters up to the Star Nation, where they are welcomed home and become the Wicincala Sakowin, also known as the Seven Sisters or Pleiades star formation.

Reviews
“Author/illustrator Beartrack-Algeo (Lower Brule Lakota Nation) creates a mystical world. [A] retelling of the story of Pleiades, the Seven Sisters star formation. Rich oil paintings accompany the lyrical telling. An opening glossary defines Lakota terms. Lovingly depicts the sacred relationship between Lakota people and their homeland.”— Kirkus Reviews

“Beartrack-Algeo’s love and pride of her (Lakota) culture and the land shines throughout the story.”— School Library Journal

Educator Information
Includes a glossary of Lakota words and phrases.

Concepts / Subjects: Indigenous; Lakota; Astronomy; Star Formations.

Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

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

I don’t recall seeing books when I was a little boy. But the old people, they grew up listening to stories. And so, every night, when the old people were done their evening prayers, they would sit and they would tell us stories too.

At the time of the spring thaw, the Rocky Cree fill their canoes with furs, eager to trade with the new visitors in mistiwāsahak (Hudson Bay). But not all of the new visitors are welcome.

When the canoes return home to the shores of the misinipī river, the Rocky Cree begin to collapse one by one, drenched in sweat and slowly slipping into delirium. Kākakiw struggles to help the sick as more and more people pass into the spirit world. Exhausted physically, emotionally, and spiritually, he seeks guidance through prayer.

Hope finally comes with a visitor in the night: one of the Little People, small beings who are just like us. If Kākakiw can journey to their home, he will be given the medicine his people need. All he has to do is paddle through a cliff of solid bedrock to get there.

To save his people from certain death, Kākakiw must overcome doubt to follow the traditional teachings of the Asiniskaw Īthiniwak and trust in the gift of the Little People.

In this illustrated short story for all ages, celebrated Rocky Cree storyteller William Dumas shares a teaching about hope in the face of adversity. This book is a companion story to The Six Seasons of the Asiniskaw Īthiniwak series.

Reviews
"A tale rich with warmth and wonder that not only documents traditions but carries them on." — David A. Robertson, author The Barren Grounds

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 9 to 11.

Reading Level: Lexile® Framework for Reading: 870L

This book is a companion story to The Six Seasons of the Asiniskaw Īthiniwak series. This series is about the Asiniskaw Īthiniwak (Rocky Cree) of Northern Manitoba. Corresponding to the six seasons of sīkwan (spring), nīpin (summer), takwakin (fall), mikiskow (freeze-up), pipon (winter), and mithoskamin (break-up), the books explore the language, culture, knowledge, territory, and history of the 17th century Rocky Cree people through story and images. The groundbreaking series centres Indigenous ways of knowing and includes insights from a wide range of disciplines—cross-cultural education, history, archaeology, anthropology, linguistics, literature, oral culture and storytelling, experiential and community-based learning, and art.

Contains some Cree language/words, and a glossary of them.

Additional Information
48 pages | 6.00" x 9.00" | Hardcover

The lemming may be tiny...but his smarts are larger than life! Can he outsmart the mighty owl?

An owl swoops down to eat the lemming for a snack. But the lemming is smart and has a plan to trick the boastful owl. How will the lemming escape into his den? Find out in this well-known Inuit traditional story that has been simplified for younger readers to enjoy.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.

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

The Sweat Lodge teachings of the Anishinaabe are an important influence on the daily lives of the people. Full of symbolism, interconnected one with another, they are not as uncomplicated as they might seem.

The Little Boy's Vision Quest is one of those teachings and it reveals how the Sweat Lodge was brought to the people. Anishinaabe author James Whetung has crafted a crisp, clear telling while retaining the cadence of its oral beginnings. Paintings by Paul Morin evoke the crackle of fire, the scent of cedar, the mysterious dark side of the moon.

Additional Information
32 pages | 7.99" x 10.50" | Paperback

“The small shall be large . . . that's how it must be.”

In the Andean foothills, a five-year-old Quechua girl is entrusted with a big job: to collect a marrow bone from the neighbor for the family soup. A stunning debut from Indigenous author Suniyay Moreno.

Picu’s family is very poor. In the dry Andean foothills, her mother must feed fourteen people—her kids, her relatives’ kids, and the hired hand’s kids—every day. One morning, Picu, the youngest sister, is sent to get a marrow bone from a neighbor. The bone will add flavor and nutrition to the lunchtime soup. Her mother warns her not to dawdle on the two-hour walk, each way, through the wild landscape.

But Picu can’t help it! She marvels at the butterflies, samples the cactus fruit, and daydreams about using the marrow bone as a football. Will the neighbor let her family keep the bone after the soup is made? Will her mother let her play with it? And will she be punished for being so late?

Picu is a child of joie de vivre and resourcefulness. This story, like Picu herself, is tough, hard, and honest. And moving. And fun.

The Youngest Sister features a glossary of Quechuan terms that are used throughout the story.

Reviews
“The vibrant illustrations are eye-catching and have the look of vigorously applied pastels. Could possibly find use within social studies units on South America.”—School Library Connections

"A memorable story alive with the voice of an Indigenous people seldom heard from." - Kirkus Reviews

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 5 to 8.

Curriculum Connections: Global Indigenous Peoples / Poverty / Cultural Diversity / Exploration & Imagination / Resourcefulness

Additional Information
40 pages | 7.00" x 9.50" | Hardcover 

“Panik, do you know how much I love you? When I look at the horizon, past the vast tundra, I see no end. That is how much I love you.”

In this lovingly told book, a mother recounts for her daughter all the things she loves about her, connecting each attribute to an element of the Arctic landscape or Inuit traditional life. As her daughter’s eyes glisten like the fire of a seal oil lamp, and her courage shines bright like buds of purple saxifrage fighting through a thick blanket of snow, the mother weaves a beautiful narrative of connection and love that will warm the hearts of all readers.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.

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