Healing and Wellness

I am not a costume.

Ayasha’s school is having a costume party and she is so excited!

But when Ayasha arrives at school and sees other students wearing fake regalia, she is confused and upset. She doesn’t understand why they think her culture is a costume. Ayasha turns to her family and together they come up with a way to teach her classmates about her culture and how to honor her people respectfully.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6+.

Additional Information
32 pages | 8.50" x 11.00" | 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 

It’s the summer of 1989, and Mia is on her own—adjusting to life without her ex-best friend, Lara.

Summer vacation starts off well enough as Mia binges MTV and learns how to jar fish with her aunty and uncle. Then her grandma starts feeling unwell. At first, Mia isn’t too worried, but when a call comes in from the clinic to say her grandmother has to go to the hospital in Vancouver, everyone realizes this is serious.

Mia and her mom and aunties head to the city to be by her grandmother’s side. Mia mostly ping-pongs from the hospital to the motel, but she also gets to see some of the city and eat (too much) takeout. She even joins a basketball camp at the Friendship Centre, where she meets a teen coach who inspires her to get back into the game she loves and delve deeper into what it means to be Indigenous. As time passes, Mia’s grandmother's health doesn’t improve, and she has to face the fact that her beloved grandma might not get better.

Reviews
"Engaging, endearing and earnest, Spencer skillfully weaves together the simple joys of life with painful truths.” - Emily Seo, award-nominated author of The Science of Boys

"Kim Spencer is a master at seeing the world through a child’s eyes. A moving tribute to life, love, family and community." - Kevin Sylvester, award-winning author of Apartment 713

“A sensitive and wise rendering of Mia grappling with grief, family and identity. Mia’s self-discovery journey and her celebration of family, identity and roots will be hugely appealing and comforting to tweens exploring their own coming-of-age trials. Told in elegant poetic vignettes, I Won’t Feel This Way Forever is an emotionally rich and profound story that resonates across generations and cultures. A slam dunk follow-up to Weird Rules to Follow.” - Salma Hussain, author of The Secret Diary of Mona Hasan, a Quill & Quire 2022 Book of the Year

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 9 to 12.

Fountas & Pinnell Text Level Gradient: Z
Lexile measure: 710L
Guided Reading Level: Z

Additional Information
192 pages | 5.00" x 7.50" | 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 

There’s no “brave” without “afraid”! Jo Jo is back to face her fears, in her own special way, in the fifth book in the beloved Jo Jo Makoons chapter book series.

Spunky Ojibwe first-grader Jo Jo Makoons knows a lot about bravery and boldness. Her cat, Mimi, is very brave when she tries new foods, and Teacher is very bold when he wears his ugly ties to school.

When Jo Jo is invited to her very first friend sleepover, it’s her turn to be courageous! Only she’s not quite sure how. Especially when scary puppets and dolls hide around every corner…

Full of spooky fun and after-school mischief, Jo Jo Makoons celebrates an Ojibwe girl with a big heart who finds her courage through the people she loves.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 10.

This is the fifth book in the Jo Jo Makoons series.

The first book in this acclaimed chapter book series was an American Indian Youth Literature Award Honor Book; a best book of the year from Kirkus Reviews, School Library Journal, American Indians in Children's Literature, and the Chicago Public Library; a Charlotte Huck Award Honor Book; and a Cooperative Children's Book Center CCBC Choices selection.

Additional Information
64 pages | 5.12" x 7.62" | Paperback

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 

Join ošil and her grandparents as they harvest food along what is now called the southwest coast of British Columbia!

It’s ošil’s favourite time of year! When the seasons change and the weather grows warm, the ɬagət̓ (herring) return to the waters of the ɬaʔəmɩn Nation, located on the southwest coast of British Columbia. For ošil and her grandparents, their arrival is the beginning of a full year of harvesting traditional foods provided by the sea and land. Together they fish, pick berries, and dig for clams. Everything tastes so good. And the best part is that there is enough for everyone to share!

Connect with the land and explore traditional Indigenous ways of gathering food in this beautifully illustrated picture book written in the language spoken in Tla’amin and English. Drawn from the childhood memories of ošil (betty wilson), this book is sure to charm readers of all ages.

Reviews
“I absolutely loved this story. [It] gives readers the opportunity to experience life through the main character's eyes as she harvests traditional foods with her grandparents.The colourful images and descriptions—of herring roe, fish soup, and mashed fresh harvested berries with oven bread—are wonderful and made me wish for all these delicacies.”—Nicola I. Campbell, author of Stand Like a Cedar

“Prashant Miranda's expressive illustrations bring ošil’s story of ɬaʔəmɩn lands, language, and food to life. Whether this is an introduction to ʔayʔajuθəm or a warm trip down memory lane, as it was for me, this book will be enjoyed by readers of all ages.”—Cameron Fraser-Monroe, dancer and choreographer (Royal Winnipeg Ballet)

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

Explore this captivating story that bridges generations, celebrates cultural practices, and immerses readers in the rich traditions of the Tla’amin Nation.

Connect with the land and explore traditional Indigenous ways of gathering food in this beautifully illustrated picture book written in the language spoken in ʔayʔajuθəm and English.

Dual-Language: written in the language spoken in Tla'min and English.

The backmatter includes information on traditional foods in Tla'amin, a glossary, a note from the author, and a map.

Big Ideas: Land-Based or Place-Based Learning, Aspects of Indigenous Cultures: Traditional Foods, STEM: Seasonal Cycles, STEM: Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability.

Additional Information
44 pages | 7.75" x 10.25" | 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

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 

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 

A beautifully illustrated book that gently explores the complicated feelings a young girl experiences as she learns about tragedy and injustice.

Miya loves her school and she especially loves storytime. One day, her teacher shares a story about a little girl who was taken away to a residential school. The little girl wasn’t allowed to go home. Her hair was cut and she wasn’t allowed to keep her favourite doll. She was taken away from her family because she was Indigenous, just like Miya!

Miya worries the same thing will happen to her. Her mom tells her that Indigenous girls and boys aren’t forced to leave their families anymore. Miya is relieved, but she is still sad. What can she do about these feelings?

Reviews
"A moving and important story that deftly explores the fear a little Indigenous girl feels when she learns the truth about residential schools. Miya finds solace in her mom’s words, and readers will too. A sensitive explanation of residential schools that prioritizes the emotional safety of all readers, especially Indigenous children."— Jen Moss, lecturer at UBC's School of Creative Writing

"opens the door to an important discussion about residential schools" - School Library Journal 

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

In this story, a young girl named Miya feels scared and sad after learning about residential schools, but she learns how to cope with the help of her mother. 

A gentle story about big feelings and finding courage.

Big Ideas: Social-Emotional Learning: Emotions and Feelings; Social Justice: Intergenerational Trauma, Residential Schools.

This book is available in French: Le Chandail orange de Miya.

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

Nibi is determined to bring clean water to her community.

Nibi is the Anishinabemowin word for water. In Nibi’s Water Song, Nibi is an Indigenous girl on the search for clean water to drink. Though she is faced with repeated obstacles, Nibi’s joyful and determined energy becomes a catalyst for change and action as her community rallies around her to make clean drinking water available for all.

First published in 2020, Nibi’s Water Song was shortlisted for both the IODE Jean Throop Award and longlisted for the First Nations Communities READ Award. This dual-language edition presents the text in both English and Anishinabemowin.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4-8.

Dual-language: English and Anishinabemowin

Translated by Tina Nottaway. Tina is an Algonquin Anicinabe Ikwe artist and translator from Rapid Lake, Quebec. She is fluent in her language, Anicinabemowin. Tina is also a crafter and facilitates workshops on moccasin making, birchbark basket making and other cultural activities.

This resource is available in English: Nibi's Water Song

This resource is also available in French: Nibi a soif, très soif

Additional Information
32 pages | 9.51" x 9.51" | Paperback