Healing and Wellness

“There is magic in you, there is magic in me, wait, just wait and see!”

And with those words, Lyle’s best friend, a stuffed sloth named Leeto, comes to life! Leeto notices that Lyle is feeling stressed and worried. Lyle has a heavy feeling in her chest, her thoughts are sticky, and her tummy is icky. Leeto knows just what to do, a trip to Present Park will teach them something new.

At Present Park, Lyle and Leeto meet special friends, Coop the bear, Winston the frog, and Nay the budgie. These friends help Lyle and Leeto learn a different way of breathing, they learn to create worry art, and how important it is to put their bodies in motion so their brains can make happy potion.

With Leeto by her side, together they will try all of the activities Present Park has to offer. How will Lyle feel by the end of their adventure?

Educator Information
For ages 5 to 9.

This book teachers children how to recognize the physical and emotional symptoms of stress and worry. The story follows an Indigenous girl and Leeto, her stuffed sloth who comes alive in her mind.

"This book is a passion project for me. In my 25 plus years of experience in the mental health field, I noticed a gap in the literature available for children that deals with emotional intelligence (what am I feeling and experiencing) as well as emotional resilience ( how can I regulate myself and get through stressful times). Gaining self awareness enables children to identify triggers and early signs of stress, allowing for proactive intervention before these strong emotions escalate.

I also recognize the important role parents and care-givers play in supporting children's emotional well-being. For younger children, Blots, Dots and Sticky Thoughts (Stress and Worry) is meant to be assisted reading between parents and their children to generate open dialogue. Open communication about these types of topics foster a supportive and understanding atmosphere where children can speak freely about their emotions.

This story wouldn't be complete without some fun! Lyle and Leeto share a bit of magic as they chant their special phrase to have Leeto come to life. They meet new friends like Coop the bear, Winston the frog, and Nay the budgie who does a hilarious dance called "Giggle Giggle Bum Wiggle"! 

This book is excellent for any child who wants to harness their magic and activate their limitless potential." - Cariss Jackson 

Additional Information
36 Pages | 8.5" x 8.5" | Paperback

Two everyday superheroes set out to save the world—starting with their school—in an exciting new middle-grade graphic series from two award-winning authors and a debut illustrator.

When cousins Riley Halfmoon and Maya Dawn move to Urbanopolis to live with their activist grandma, they get off to a rocky start. Outgoing Riley misses her Muscogee cousins but is sure that she and Maya will be instant BFFs. Meanwhile, introvert Maya misses her parents, on active duty in Japan, and just wants some space to herself. At school, Maya joins Robotics Club and Riley bonds with fellow gymnasts. Just when they start to feel at home, their school culture is threatened by an influential foe in disguise. Joining student council feels like a way to help, so both cousins toss their hats in the ring for sixth-grade class president. But when they realize what they’re up against—money, power, and lies—they quickly shift from competition to cooperation, joining forces as superheroes. Riley is savvy with people; Maya is a whiz with gadgets. In no time, this dazzling duo is off to save the day! Relatable and rich in themes of family, community, and compromise, the Blue Stars series will entertain and empower, inspiring readers to be the stars they are.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 8 to 12.

This is the first book in The Blue Stars series, a middle-grade graphic series.

Additional Information
176 pages | 6.00" x 8.50" | Paperback

Our people believe spirit lives in everything.

Mountain, river, wind, tree.

Come, take a walk with me.

What do we learn from plants when we listen to them speaking? Indigenous plantsman Nicholas Hummingbird calls on the legacy of his great-grandparents to remember how one drop of rain, one seed, one plant can renew a cycle of hope and connection—for him and for each of us.

Perfect for readers of Sy Montgomery, debut authors Nicholas Hummingbird and Julia Wasson joyfully proclaim even the youngest person can be an earth protector. With gorgeous illustrations from Rock Your Mocs artist Madelyn Goodnight, Can You Hear the Plants Speak? encourages us to engage with the natural world.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

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

In this story, Miss Sam talks to the class about powwows. Miss Sam has danced at powwows since she was a child.  

Mi’gmaq gather with their community to dance and sing at powwows. This is also a time for healing and prayers. 

What celebrations do you go to? 

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4-7, for use in kindergarten and Grade 1 classrooms.

Cedar School Decodables is divided into six sets, which increase in word count and complexity of sentence structure. Miss Sam’s Powwow is in Set 4 – Longer Words, and reviews closed/closed syllable words and compound words. Books in Set 4 have 90-100 words. 

Readers should be familiar with the concepts included in Set 1 to Set 4: 

• consonants 

• beginning and end blends 

• short and long vowels 

• digraphs 

• a /o/ 

• s – /s/ and /z/ 

• -s, -es, -ed, and -ing suffixes 

• VC-CV, V/CV, VC/V, and compound words 

• possessives 

Series Information
Welcome to Cedar School! Join Liv, Tom, Gus, and Bell as they learn on the land and explore Mi’gmaw teachings with their teacher, Miss Sam, and the school’s Mi’gmaw Elder, Jen. With charming illustrations and simple storylines, this decodable series engages students as they practise their reading skills. Each book includes a pre-reading review of non-decodable words, and many of the books introduce special words related to Indigenous teachings. Talking Together prompts facilitate discussions led by the reading teacher. 

Developed in partnership with Dyslexia Canada, Cedar School Decodables is a series of 20 decodable books for young readers. Designed for students who have previously learned short vowel and consonant sounds, additional phonic skills are developed progressively throughout the series.

The series will be accompanied by Cedar School Decodables Teacher’s Guide and a series of four picture books, which will be available at a later date.

Additional Information
16 pages | 6.5” x 5.5” | Paperback | ISBN: 978-1-77174-648-9

In this story, Tom shares his bicycle with Gus, but Gus is nervous about riding it. Will he be brave?

Community is important to Mi’gmaq, which is why Mi’gmaq care for and look after each other. One of the ways they do this is by being a good friend.

Can you think of a time when a friend helped you?

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4-7, for use in kindergarten and Grade 1 classrooms.

Cedar School Decodables is divided into six sets, which increase in word count and complexity of sentence structure. Time for a Bike Ride is in Set 3 – VCe, and reviews a_e and i_e. Books in Set 3 have 80-90 words.  

Readers should be familiar with the concepts included in Set 1 to Set 3: 

• consonants 

• beginning and end blends 

• short and long vowels 

• digraphs 

• a /o/ 

• s – /s/ and /z/ 

• -s and -es suffixes 

• possessives 

Series Information
Welcome to Cedar School! Join Liv, Tom, Gus, and Bell as they learn on the land and explore Mi’gmaw teachings with their teacher, Miss Sam, and the school’s Mi’gmaw Elder, Jen. With charming illustrations and simple storylines, this decodable series engages students as they practise their reading skills. Each book includes a pre-reading review of non-decodable words, and many of the books introduce special words related to Indigenous teachings. Talking Together prompts facilitate discussions led by the reading teacher. 

Developed in partnership with Dyslexia Canada, Cedar School Decodables is a series of 20 decodable books for young readers. Designed for students who have previously learned short vowel and consonant sounds, additional phonic skills are developed progressively throughout the series.

The series will be accompanied by Cedar School Decodables Teacher’s Guide and a series of four picture books, which will be available at a later date.

Additional Information
16 pages | 6.5” x 5.5” | Paperback | ISBN: 978-1-77174-644-1

In this story, Gus and Tom are upset. Miss Sam helps them smudge to feel better.

Mi’gmaq burn sage and other traditional medicines to smudge. Smudging helps people let go of sadness and anger.

What do you do when you are feeling sad?

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4-7, for use in kindergarten and Grade 1 classrooms.

Cedar School Decodables is divided into six sets, which increase in word count and complexity of sentence structure. We Smudge is in Set 5 – Ending Spelling Patterns, and reviews -tch and -dge. Books in Set 5 have 100-110 words.  

Readers should be familiar with the concepts included in Set 1 to Set 5: 

• consonants 

• beginning and end blends 

• short and long vowels 

• digraphs 

• suffixes and ending spelling patterns 

• a /o/ 

• s – /s/ and /z/ 

• VC-CV, V/CV, VC/V, and compound words 

Series Information
Welcome to Cedar School! Join Liv, Tom, Gus, and Bell as they learn on the land and explore Mi’gmaw teachings with their teacher, Miss Sam, and the school’s Mi’gmaw Elder, Jen. With charming illustrations and simple storylines, this decodable series engages students as they practise their reading skills. Each book includes a pre-reading review of non-decodable words, and many of the books introduce special words related to Indigenous teachings. Talking Together prompts facilitate discussions led by the reading teacher. 

Developed in partnership with Dyslexia Canada, Cedar School Decodables is a series of 20 decodable books for young readers. Designed for students who have previously learned short vowel and consonant sounds, additional phonic skills are developed progressively throughout the series.

The series will be accompanied by Cedar School Decodables Teacher’s Guide and a series of four picture books, which will be available at a later date.

Additional Information
16 pages | 6.5” x 5.5” | Paperback | ISBN: 978-1-77174-650-2

A Cherokee girl introduces her younger brother to their family's traditions — begrudgingly! — in this picture book written by Walter Award-winner Andrea L. Rogers and featuring gorgeous collage illustrations from debut artist Rebecca Lee Kunz.

Sissy’s younger brother, Chooch, isn’t a baby anymore. They just celebrated his second birthday, after all. But no matter what Chooch does — even if he’s messing something up! Which is basically all the time! — their parents say he’s just “helping.” Sissy feels that Chooch can get away with anything!

When Elisi paints a mural, Chooch helps. When Edutsi makes grape dumplings, Chooch helps. When Oginalii gigs for crawdads, Chooch helps. When Sissy tries to make a clay pot, Chooch helps . . .

“Hesdi!” Sissy yells. Quit it! And Chooch bursts into tears. What follows is a tender family moment that will resonate with anyone who has welcomed a new little one to the fold. Chooch Helped is a universal story of an older sibling learning to make space for a new child, told with grace by Andrea L. Rogers and stunning art from Rebecca Lee Kunz showing one Cherokee family practicing their cultural traditions.

Awards

• 2025 Randolph Caldecott Medal

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Additional Information
48 pages | 9.85" x 10.80" | Hardcover 

Everyone is welcome in the circle.

In this warmhearted book, we join Molly at the Intertribal Community Center, where she introduces us to people she knows and loves: her grandmother and her grandmother’s wife, her uncles and their baby, her cousins, and her treasured friends.

They dance, sing, garden, learn, pray, and eat together. And tonight, they come together for a feast! Molly shares with the reader how each person makes her feel—and reminds us that love is love.

Through tender prose and radiant artwork, author Monique Gray Smith (Cree/Lakota) and illustrator Nicole Neidhardt (Diné) show how there is always room for others in our lives. Circle of Love is a story celebrating family, friends, community, and, most of all, love.

Includes an author’s note, contextual notes, and glossary.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8

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

Vann, a struggling stickball player, competes in a game on the Cherokee Nation. Can he help his team win? Written by award-winning Cherokee author Traci Sorell.

Vann loves playing his tribe’s stickball game, but he’s not as skilled as his teammates. Vann stumbles, and he tries and fails to score. How can he help his teammates win?

Exciting and fast-paced, Clack, Clack! Smack! reminds readers that sportsmanship and being a team player is just as important as being the star. Back matter explains the origins of Cherokee stickball.

Reviews
"Two Cherokee teams play a game of stickball in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Vann feels insecure about having missed a key shot in last week’s match. “Stickball requires speed,” after all, and his “towering body” won’t cooperate. As Vann and his team, the Eagles, take to the field against the Redhawks, they “zip,” “chase,” and “rush” for the ball, their wooden sticks clashing with a “CLACK, CLACK!” Coach gives the team a pep talk in Tsalagi, the Cherokee language. He reminds them of gadugi, the importance of working together. As the players return to the field to finish the game, Vann’s best friend, Jesse, gives him an encouraging smile. The game is now tied. Can Vann and his team win? Sorell and Erb, both members of the Cherokee Nation, deliver an uplifting story of team spirit and collaboration; the emphasis is on group triumphs rather than individual victories. Writing in terse, alliterative prose—“a tackle, a twist, and a wrong turn”—Sorell skillfully builds tension as she choreographs this action-packed game. Erb’s thick-lined cartoon illustrations have a pleasing solidity; they capture the chaos and drama of the game and depict players with a range of brown skin tones. The story features frequent Tsalagi words and phrases. Backmatter stresses the importance of keeping the Cherokee language alive and explains the significance of stickball, which traditionally was used to settle conflicts. Stand and cheer for this fast-paced tale of sportsmanship and community." —Kirkus Reviews 

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 7.

Additional Information
32 pages | 8.38" x 10.31" | Hardcover

From master Hopi woodcarver Mavasta Honyouti, the story of his grandfather’s experience at a residential boarding school and how he returned home to pass their traditions down to future generations.

When Mavasta Honyouti was a boy he would go with his grandfather to their cornfield, watching him nurture every plant. During breaks, his grandfather would take out a piece of paako root and use his pocketknife to whittle away. He made beautiful carvings that Mavasta would later learn to do himself.

But Mavasta would often wonder: what was his kwa’a like when he was a boy? And one day, he heard the story.

Mavasta’s grandfather, like many Native American children across the country in the late 19th and early 20th century, was forced to leave his Hopi reservation as a child and go to a residential boarding school far away. There, the government cut his hair, punished him for speaking his native language, and gave him a new name. But Mavasta's grandfather never forgot who he was – or where he came from – and he tried to escape again and again. Finally, he made it back to their reservation.

In later years, Mavasta’s kwa’a chose a simple life, taking great care of his family just like he took great care of his plants. His son and later his grandson became acclaimed Hopi katsina woodcarvers, just like him. Coming Home: A Hopi Resistance Story is a deeply personal book – written in both English and Hopi – that features sixteen stunning original painted wood carvings. It is an unforgettable testament to one man rising above a painful piece of history to keep the light of his family and culture alive.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Dual-language: English and Hopi.

Additional Information
48 pages | 9.00" x 9.20" | Hardcover 

Mistakes can be an opportunity for growth.

Indigenous artist and storyteller Andrea Fritz tells the tale of a wood duck and a crow who turn a mistake into an opportunity for friendship and growth.

Qwiwilh the wood duck is preparing to nest in his favorite tree when Q'uleeq'e' the crow invites him to play in the tall branches. They jump higher and higher up the tree until they accidentally break the branches and come crashing down into the stream below. After a daring rescue, Qwiwilh sadly realizes his nesting spot is gone, and Q'uleeq'e' decides to make things right for her new friend.

In this original story set in Coast Salish Traditional Territory, author and artist Andrea Fritz uses Indigenous storytelling techniques and art to share the culture and language of the Hul’q’umi’num’-speaking Peoples. This is the second book in the Coast Salish Tales, following Otter Doesn't Know.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

This is the second book in the Coast Salish Tales series, following Otter Doesn't Know.

Recommended in the Indigenous Books for Schools catalogue as a valuable resource for English Language Arts and Art in K to Grade 3.

Themes: Animals, Art, Community, Connectedness to Nature, Respect, Language, Relationships, Traditional Knowledge

Additional Information
32 pages | 8.75" x 10.75" | Hardcover

Told in the voice of a boy and his father by turns, this book takes a thoughtful and heartfelt look at the emotional toll of a child being taken from their family and community to attend residential school.

While the child’s internal monologue expresses his fear, confusion, and loss, the father’s monologue conveys his own sadness, fears, and hopes for the future of his child. The narrative gives voice to the things left unsaid between a parent and child experiencing this heart-rending separation. Upon his return to his community, when father and son are reunited, they must start the long process of reconnection.

Based on the author’s family history of residential school separation, this book provides a unique perspective on the difficult cycle of loss, reconnection, and regaining hope for the future.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 9 to 12.

Additional Infroamtion
40 pages | 9.00" x 8.00" | Hardcover 

This charming and humorous book celebrates Pomo traditions and explores creative frustration, perfectionism, and the value in embracing your mistakes. 

I want to dance!

Bizzy can't wait to dance with all her friends and family at the summer gathering this year! But first, she must make the perfect regalia. It's tricky work, even with a grown-up's help, and her high expectations come crashing down in a flurry of torn fabric, loose beads, and tears. With support from her mom, grandma, and little brother, can Bizzy learn to see past the flaws, finish her work, and remember what's really important?

AR Cribbins celebrates Pomo traditions in this charming and humorous tale about creativity and perfectionism. 

Reviews
“The illustrations are bright and energetic and mirror Bizzy’s emotional undulations.”—Booklist

“The many emotions of all the characters are wonderfully encapsulated in the imagery through collage and comic book–style cartoons…. This book teaches in a safe, digestible story that accidents happen, emotions will rise, but having support can help repair the situation smoother than attempting to fix it with those immediate big feelings.”—School & Library Journal

“A vibrantly illustrated life lesson.”—Kirkus

Educator Information 
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Additional Information
40 pages | 8.80" x 11.40" | Hardcover 

The uplifting true story of Elizabeth Quocksister, a strong Indigenous woman and community leader, who dedicated her life to protecting her language and cultural traditions.

Elizabeth Quocksister (1925–81) had many roles in her life. She was a cultural teacher, a community leader, a dancer, a nurse, a photographer, a residential school survivor, and a mother of ten. Born on the Da’naxda’xw Nation on Knight Inlet on the central coast of British Columbia, Elizabeth spoke fluent Kwak’wala and proudly celebrated her Kwakwaka’wakw culture at a time when the Canadian government actively discouraged Indigenous traditions and the speaking of Indigenous languages. She cared for community members in need and saved many children from the horrors of residential school. She chronicled the daily lives, important events, and changing times of her community through photography—preserving her people’s history and culture for future generations. This inspiring picture book is a beautiful tribute to a proud Indigenous woman whose name deserves to be well-known throughout her community and beyond.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

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

Five years, three months, and twelve days.
That’s how long Wren’s mother has been missing.

In dreams, Wren can see her again: her eyes, her hair, her smile. She can even hear her laugh. Her mother, one of hundreds of Native Americans considered missing or murdered in Oklahoma. Sometimes it seems like Wren and her grandmother are the only people still looking. Even more frustrating, Wren's overprotective father won't talk about it.

Wren refuses to give up, though. And an opportunity to find lost pets seems like a real way to hone her detective skills. But everything changes when one of the missing pets is found badly hurt. Soon, there are others.

With help from an unlikely friend, Wren vows to unmask whoever is behind the animal abuse. If she can do this, maybe she can do the same for her mother's case. She'll just have to keep it secret from her father who will certainly put an end to all her sleuthing if he finds out.

Find Her explores the crisis of missing Indigenous women from the perspective of a sensitive young Cherokee girl who yearns to find her mother, while also navigating a chilling town mystery, a new friendship, and a family in need of healing.

Awards

• A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

Reviews
"Via crisp prose, Reno meshes plot threads involving abandoned shelter pets and a mystery surrounding a locator on Wren’s grandmother’s keys, which emphasize the futility Wren feels in trying to find someone who seems unreachable."—Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

"A dramatic and captivating call for attention."—Kirkus Reviews

"Cherokee writer Reno crafts a powerful debut centering an important issue affecting Indigenous women and families; a strong purchase for all middle schools."—School Library Journal

"Wren's caring heart and single-minded determination to find her mom shows the frustration and anger felt by too many young people and their families over our country's national crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW)."—Traci Sorell, award-winning author of Indian No More and Mascot

"Find Her is a compelling novel written with sensitivity by gifted Cherokee writer Ginger Reno. In this contemporary story of Wren and her family in Cherokee Nation, Reno addresses the injustice of so many missing and murdered indigenous relatives and the heartbreak and hope that comes with not knowing. Find a place on your shelves for Find Her."—Andrea L. Rogers, award-winning author of Man Made Monsters

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 10+ 

Additional Information