Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)

Team Tuktu and Friends is up to bat! Ukaliq is excited to spend the day with his friends, but he’s nervous about playing Inuktitut baseball. What if he isn’t any good at it? Tiri is fast, Nanuq is strong, and Tuktu has good aim. What if Ukaliq can’t even hit the ball? As the game ramps up and Ukaliq steps up to the plate, will he be able to discover his own unique baseball talent?

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 3 - 5.

This is an Arvaaq Book. Books in this series are intended for infants and very young children and are designed to help children develop physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and language skills.

Ukaliq Learns to Play Inuktitut Baseball shows children that everyone has their own unique skills.

F&P Level: L

Bilingual: English and Inuktitut

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

The drum represents the heartbeat of Mother Earth. We all belong to the earth and we all belong to the drum.

Nikosis grew up going to powwows with his family, happily immersed in music, dance and the sounds of the drum. But when he starts going to daycare, he doesn’t feel like he belongs. Nikosis cries every time his mother leaves him in the unfamiliar environment until, one day, she and the teachers use drums to help Nikosis find connection and comfort.

Inspired by her son’s experience—and her family's love of powwow music and dance—Indigenous educator and champion hoop dancer Sandra Lamouche shares this uplifting true story of the transformative effects of culturally safe and inclusive early childhood education.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.

Find the dual-language (English and Plains Cree) version here: We Belong to the Drum / mistikwaskihk kitipeyimikonaw 

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

The drum represents the heartbeat of Mother Earth. We all belong to the earth and we all belong to the drum.

Nikosis grew up going to powwows with his family, happily immersed in music, dance and the sounds of the drum. But when he starts going to daycare, he doesn’t feel like he belongs. Nikosis cries every time his mother leaves him in the unfamiliar environment until, one day, she and the teachers use drums to help Nikosis find connection and comfort.

Inspired by her son’s experience—and her family's love of powwow music and dance—Indigenous educator and champion hoop dancer Sandra Lamouche shares this uplifting true story of the transformative effects of culturally safe and inclusive early childhood education.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.

This is the dual-language version, in English and Plains Cree. 

A free, downloadable poster for this book is available: Poster - We Belong to the Drum

About the Translator
As a first-language speaker of Plains Cree (nêhiyawêwin), translator Dolores Greyeyes Sand has devoted her career to teaching and promoting Cree language and cultural literacy at every opportunity, proudly following the path laid by her late mother, Dr. Freda Ahenakew, CM, SOM.

Find the English version here: We Belong to the Drum

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

A heartwarming book from creators of Indigenous and Métis descent about the power of story and tradition to help navigate change

How does a strange new place become home?

When Ojiig moves to the city with his family, he misses everything they left behind. Most of all, he misses the sparkling night sky. Without the stars watching over him, he feels lost.

His parents try to help, but nothing seems to work. Not glow-in-the-dark sticker stars, not a star-shaped nightlight. But then they have a new idea for how to make Ojiig feel better — a special quilt stitched through with family stories that will wrap Ojiig in the warmth of knowing who he is and where he came from. Join this irresistible family as they discover the power of story and tradition to make a new place feel like home.

Reviews
"Luby (Anishinaabe) and Donovan (Métis) have created a story of identity that is grounded in a specific community with universal themes that will appeal to many readers…useful for classes engaging in discussions about cultural identity, migration, and remaining connected to one’s culture…Highly recommended.”—School Library Journal, starred review

“Luby’s lyrical text and Donovan’s vibrant…illustrations combine to powerfully convey universal themes about change and the strength of family.”—Horn Book, starred review

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

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

"Who am I?" a young girl asks her mom as she snuggles close. "You are the fire that burns and the eagle that soars. You are the oak tree and the wild rose," says momma. Written from an Indigenous perspective, Who Am I? tells the story of how we are all connected to our ancestors, our past and future, and the Earth--and how it is everyone's duty to fend off darkness, connect to the past, offer safety and shelter, and color the world with beauty.

Awards

• An Own Voices, Own Stories Grand Prize winner.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6-7.

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

Listening is a first step towards reconciliation. It's never too early to start. "Every child matters, including you and me. With our orange hearts, we walk in harmony." As a young child, your little world can be full of big feelings. In this book, I, Phyllis Webstad, founder of Orange Shirt Day, show how sharing my story with the world helped me to process my feelings. My true story encourages young children to open their hearts when others share their feelings and be more comfortable sharing their own feelings, too.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 2 to 6.

This book is available in French in paperback: Avec nos coeurs oranges

This book is available in English in paperback: With Our Orange Hearts (PB)

Additional Information
24 pages | 8.15" x 8.25"  | Hardcover

Educator Information
You Are Sacred is a perfect read-aloud for children ages 3 to 6 in both classrooms and homes. 

Curriculum Connections:
Early Literacy – listening, reading, and discussing

Art – traditional Anishinaabe clothing and art

Health and Wellness – focusing on breath and balance, self-affirmation

Science – harmonious ecosystems, biodiversity of plants and animals with Indigenous cultural importance, environmental awareness

Social Responsibility – uplifting others and ourselves

Indigenous Knowledge and Traditions – teachings of the Anishinaabe Medicine Wheel, the Seven Generations, and All Our Relations 

Series Information
You Are Sacred is the first book in the All That You Are series. Through lyrical text and watercolour illustrations, this series shares the teachings of the Anishinaabe Medicine Wheel to remind children of their connection to the world around them. Each book is inspired by one quadrant of the Medicine Wheel that represents an aspect of wellness—Spiritual, Physical, Emotional, or Mental. A diagram of the Medicine Wheel is included at the back of the books. Anishinaabe Connections are also included to share more about Anishinaabe art, culture, and traditions explored in the text and illustrations.

You Are the Land is the second book in the series.

A percentage of proceeds from the All That You Are series is donated to the Indian Residential School Survivors Society to support their efforts in advocacy for justice and healing. To find out more information, please visit https://www.irsss.ca/.

Additional Information
24 Pages | 8" x 8" | Hardcover | ISBN: 978-1-77174-629-8

Coauthored by one of the grandsons of Mahatma Gandhi, this gentle guide to cultivating peace will find a welcome place at home and in classrooms.

Peace is you. Peace is me.
Peace is the great big WE of community.

Where can we find peace? It shows in the way we walk, stand, or form a circle. It can be found when we play or dig in the garden, speak up or ask for help, or sit still and listen to the silence. Whether we’re learning, taking turns, or getting past hurt feelings and misunderstandings, peace is always there, as long as we look at one another, ready to discover. Drawing on the philosophies of Mahatma Gandhi and educator Maria Montessori, coauthors Arun Gandhi and Bethany Hegedus offer an inviting primer brought to life through the warm, wondrous illustrations of Colombian artist Andrés Landazábal. As Mahatma Gandhi once said, “If we are to teach real peace in this world . . . we shall have to begin with children.” You, Me, We does just that, as it celebrates the peace that can be found in us all.

Reviews
"Peace takes center stage in this picture book co-authored by the grandson of Mahatma Gandhi. . . . Soft, gentle artwork with a cotton-candy feeling infuses the narrative with warmth and depicts the students playing, meditating, and sharing. . . a good starting point to spark discussions about peace and community-building. . . Will encourage young readers to give peace a chance." —Kirkus Reviews

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 6.

Additional Information
32 pages | 11.00" x 9.38" | Hardcover

Matt is excited to join Junior Rangers and go on their spring hunting trip. During drills, an older ranger, Chaz, praises Matt's skills, and he jumps at the chance to hang out with Chaz. But when Chaz and his friends start making fun of a fellow ranger with less hunting experience, Matt feels pressured to join in. Matt doesn't want to bully anyone, but he doesn't want to be called a loser either. As his new behaviour pushes another friend away, and Matt sees his actions have consequences, he learns what being a real friend actually looks like.

Educator & Series Information
Graphic novel recommended for ages 9 to 11.

This book is part of the Nunavummi Reading Series, a Nunavut-developed series that supports literacy learning while teaching readers about the people, traditions, and environment of the Canadian Arctic. It is a Level 15-16 book in the series. 

Nunavummi Reading Series books have also been officially levelled using the Fountas & Pinnell Text Level Gradient™ Levelling System. F&P Level of this book: O.

This book is also part of the Social Emotional Learning Series from Nunavummi. These books feature thoughtful, engaging stories that teach children to identify and regulate their emotions in healthy ways.

Additional Information
52 pages | 7.50" x 10.00" | Paperback

When a new family moves in, the whole neighborhood comes together to celebrate their diverse community in this uplifting new book from the bestselling creators of All Are Welcome!

Let’s go walking down our street.
Friends and neighbors here to greet.
There are oh so many folks to meet.
We all are neighbors here.

Moving to a new place can be hard, but when your neighbors welcome you with open arms, there are so many things to discover and celebrate. Come along with the kids from the bestseller All Are Welcome as they introduce the new kid to a community where everyone has a place and is loved and appreciated—no matter what.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

This book is available in French: Mes voisins, mon quartier.

Additional Information
44 pages | 10.38" x 10.31" | Hardcover

Edited by award-winning and bestselling author Cynthia Leitich Smith, this collection of intersecting stories by both new and veteran Native writers bursts with hope, joy, resilience, the strength of community, and Native pride.

Native families from Nations across the continent gather at the Dance for Mother Earth Powwow in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

In a high school gym full of color and song, people dance, sell beadwork and books, and celebrate friendship and heritage. Young protagonists will meet relatives from faraway, mysterious strangers, and sometimes one another (plus one scrappy rez dog).

They are the heroes of their own stories.

Featuring stories and poems by:
Joseph Bruchac
Art Coulson
Christine Day
Eric Gansworth
Carole Lindstrom
Dawn Quigley
Rebecca Roanhorse
David A. Robertson
Andrea L. Rogers
Kim Rogers
Cynthia Leitich Smith
Monique Gray Smith
Traci Sorell,
Tim Tingle
Erika T. Wurth
Brian Young

Reviews
"This uplifting assembly affirms the vitality of Indigenous life today and offers accessible situations and characters to all young readers." — Shelf Awareness

"The entries tell of the personal struggles, family joy, belief systems, and stunning regalia of various nations, including the Cree, Ojibwe, Choctaw, Cherokee, Navajo, Abenaki, and Haudenosaunee, through the eyes of the young protagonists. Enrollment issues, Indian wannabes, and veterans’ histories are just a few of the serious themes addressed in these entertaining stories written by familiar and lesser-known writers alike. Senses of goodwill and humor pervade the book as well as the spirit of community, intersection, resilience, and a desire to remember the past... A joyful invitation to celebrate the circle of ancestors together."— Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"With exceptionally strong writing throughout, and appended with glossary, author notes, and acknowledgements, this makes an appealing choice for those just learning about contemporary Indigenous life as well as readers well versed with the powwow circuit." — Booklist (starred review)

"Ancestor Approved: Intertribal Stories for Kids is a collection of stories from both new and veteran Indigenous authors. The stories feature a blend of the underlying themes of hope, joy, resilience, the strength of community, and Native pride." - The Dalai Lama Center

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 8 to 12.

Editor Insights: “The contributors joined efforts—by text message, email, and an online message board—to create this engaging collection of interconnected stories, poems, and visual artwork centered on a two-day event, including the characters’ preparations and journeys home.” - Cynthia Leitich Smith

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

Andy has had a rough school year and is ready for summer vacation. But when Grandpa Rick tells him that he will be participating in a canoe journey instead of enjoying his usual summer activities, Andy feels he is being punished.

Join Andy as he experiences a Tribal Canoe Journey for the first time and learns what it’s like to belong to a canoe family. Follow along as Andy navigates physical and emotional challenges and finds an answer to the important question: “Who am I?”

Awards

• 2024-2025 Hackmatack Children's Choice Award Shortlisted 

Reviews
“Andy's Tribal Canoe Journey is a fantastic book to use for reading groups. We were able to have amazing discussions.… Students loved the pictures and the story. I hope to read this with as many students as possible.” – Holly Polischuk, Cayoosh Elementary School educator 

"This graphic novel highlights how First Peoples connect to their culture and honour their past. The first-hand perspectives of participants in the 2019 journey help showcase the human emotions and physical challenges it involves. Teachers across elementary and secondary levels can use this short graphic novel as a read-aloud in a classroom or literature circles to help students learn about Tribal Canoe Journeys. Students could also be invited to explore their own traditions and experiences, and the art in the book could inspire projects that are based on the illustrations in this story." – Focused Education Resources 

Educator Information
Recommended for grades 3 to 8.

Additional Information
72 Pages | 8" x 10" | Paperback | ISBN: 978-1-77174-600-7

Ants in my Pants is a story about a young Indigenous girl who struggles to focus. She has a hard time sitting still and loves to be active. The rhyming story goes through what a day in her life is like both at school and home. Through her struggles to focus, she begins to understand that she also has many strengths. Learn the tools and techniques that she uses to stay calm and to focus. A perfect book for students who struggle to focus.

Educator Information
Recommended for grades 1 to 4.

Keywords / Themes: Indigenous Inclusive Education; Focus; Self-Regulation; Personal Strengths

Additional Information
Pages: 20 | Paperback

Rooted in Indigenous teachings, this stunning picture book encourages readers of all ages to consider the ways in which they live in connection to the world around them and to think deeply about their behaviors.

Addressing environmental issues, animal welfare, self-esteem and self-respect, and the importance of community, the authors deliver a poignant and universal message in an accessible way: Be a good ancestor to the world around you. Thought-provoking stanzas offer a call to action for each one of us to consider how we affect future generations. Every decision we make ripples out, and we can affect the world around us by thinking deeply about those decisions.

Awards

• 2023 Forest of Reading Blue Spruce Award
• 2023 Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Children's Book Awards - Children's Picture Book

Reviews
"Be A Good Ancestor is a story rooted in Indigenous teachings that ask readers to examine how they connect to the world around them and think deeply about their actions' consequences. The story looks at environmental issues, animal welfare, self-esteem and self-respect, and the importance of community making the delivery of a universal message accessible." - The Dalai Lama Center 

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.

This book is available in French: Laisse un bel héritage.

Additional Information
32 pages | 10.00" x 8.50" | Hardcover

A child who looks different from her mother finds beauty and belonging in this new book from the creator of the New York Times bestseller I Sang You Down from the Stars

Izzy’s favorite place to be is in Mama’s arms—skin to skin, safe and warm. One night, cuddled up on Mama’s lap, Izzy notices something she’s never noticed before: her skin is the color of chocolate, but Mama’s skin is the color of sand.

When Izzy realizes she’s different from Mama in other ways, too, she feels sad and confused. She wants to be beautiful like Mama! But Mama addresses Izzy’s disappointment with a gentle, loving refrain: You’re part of me, and I’m part of you. I’m beautiful like me, and you’re beautiful like you. Finding lessons from nature and repeating her affirming message, Mama encourages Izzy to see her own unique beauty.

This story about a multiracial child navigating identity and belonging draws from author Tasha Spillett-Sumner’s own experience growing up as an Afro-Indigenous girl. Lyrical text and warm, lively illustrations show Izzy’s journey as she learns to celebrate the differences that make her uniquely beautiful, and the connection to her mother that transcends physical traits.  

Reviews
"Spillett-Sumner’s quiet text strikes a steady rhythm of call and response: Izzy’s uncertainties and her mother’s answering refrain that celebrates rather than dismisses the pair’s differences ... A lovely accompaniment to any cuddle."— Kirkus Reviews - STARRED REVIEW

"This could give rise to story hour discussions of differences that matter and those that do not ... [A] sweet portrait of a mother-daughter relationship."— School Library Journal

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 7.

This book is available in French: Belle comme toi, belle comme moi 

Additional Information
32 pages | 8.25" x 11.00" | Hardcover