Indigenous Peoples

Anahareo Saves the Beaver is the lost story of how Anahareo, an Indigenous woman, helps save the beaver from extinction. Anahareo helps to initiate the conservation movement by convincing Grey Owl to adopt two beaver kits and give up trapping. She helps him raise environmental awareness around the world. The story is accompanied by some Anishinabe translations and teachings as well as some thought-provoking environmental insights which will appeal to children ages 3 to 8.

Educator Information
The publisher recommends this work for ages 3 to 8.

Translation and Indigenous Teachings are by Dennis and Elaine Mckay, Anishinabe elders, Rolling River First Nation.

Proceeds from this book go to Friends of Riding Mountain.

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

In this fun board book for young kids, turtles skateboard, salmon snorkel, bears take photos and otters frolic with floaties!

Mi’kmaw artist Mel Beaulieu’s lively modern take on traditional beadwork brings these animals to life. Mi’kma’ki’s most iconic animals are portrayed in this colourful and whimsical book.

Mi’kmaw names (and pronunciation guides) make this a great introduction to contemporary Mi’kma’ki for very young children.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 2 to 5.

Additional Information
6.53" x 6.53 | Board Book

Discover the power of poetry in this simple, modern introduction to Indigenous poet Alexander Posey, featuring an ode to autumn and the changing seasons

Autumn depicts a dreamy fall day full of jaybird songs and scarlet leaves dancing through the air. In this poem, Muscogee poet Alexander Posey celebrates the changing of the seasons as the golden sun sets on summer and the world prepares for a time of rest. With stunning illustrations from Salish artist Paige Pettibon and interactive back matter that encourages young readers to create their own poetry, this accessible picture book is a joy for young poets and their parents alike.

Reviews
"A dreamy, succinct poem across many pages that all together encapsulates the sense of fall. A strong first purchase. The poem and artwork, which create an exquisite sense of a child’s joy in playing on an autumn afternoon, will appeal to all ages." — School Library Journal

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.

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

Big or small, sweet or savoury, with stew or with sprinkles, there are tons of ways to enjoy bannock!

This rhyming book explores a favourite Inuit food, and has some fun along the way. What’s your favourite way to eat bannock?

Try it at home with the included bannock recipe!

Written by Inuk/Dene writer Masiana Kelly, this sweet and simple narrative celebrates this delicious food!

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.

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

From Sibert Honor–winning author Traci Sorell and Caldecott Medal–winning artist Michaela Goade comes a heartwarming picture book about a Native American family and the joy of moving back to their ancestral land.

Today is a day of excitement—it’s time to move! As a young Cherokee girl says goodbye to the swing, the house, and the city she's called home her whole life, she readies herself for the upcoming road trip. While her mother drives, the girl draws the changing landscape outside her window. She looks forward to the end of the journey, where she'll eat the feast her family has prepared, play in the creek with her cousins, and settle into the new rhythm of home.

With warm, expressive artwork and spare, lyrical prose, the story of a young girl’s move toward rather than away from home unfolds.

Reviews
"An evocative, heartwarming testament to the power of home and community." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"It’s a joyful image of a family embracing change that examines “the rhythm of being home." —Publishers Weekly starred review

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

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

A Fresh Retelling of the Christmas Story!

When they arrived, the time for Bitter Tears to have her child was upon her! But no place could be found in the lodging house, so He Gives Sons found a sheep cave where it was warm and dry.

There, Bitter Tears gave birth to her son. They wrapped him in a soft, warm blanket and laid him on a baby board. Then they placed him on a bed of straw in a feeding trough.

Every year at Christmas, Christians around the world celebrate the birth of Jesus—the Chosen One. Birth of the Chosen One is a unique retelling of this familiar story since it is an adaptation of the Gospel of Luke from the First Nations Version.

Birth of the Chosen One includes:

• The story of Jesus told in the tradition of Native storytellers' oral cultures
• A dynamic equivalence translation of the Christmas story that helps readers of all ages experience Scripture in a fresh and new way
• Illustrations from Native artists Hannah and Holly Buchanan
• A note from the author to encourage further conversation between children and the adults who read with them

Reviews
"It is a gentle, smooth account of Jesus' birth. I pray it reaches a vast audience encouraging each one's effort to search deeper." — Warren D. Petoskey, elder of the Waganakising Odawa and Minneconjou Lakotah nations and author of Dancing My Dream

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

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

“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

The captivating story of how the Blue Camas, a flower that has been cultivated on Canada’s west coast since time immemorial, came to symbolize the meeting of two contrasting ways of life and the perseverance of traditional knowledge against all odds.

Blue Camas, Blue Camas tells the story of a flower that is native to the Northwest Coast of North America. For thousands of years, it has been considered a sacred and valuable plant by the Indigenous Peoples of this region, who harvested and traded Blue Camas bulbs all along the west coast. At the height of this period, meadows would come alive with the bright wildflowers, which would attract dozens of species of butterflies and birds, and entire villages would work together to harvest the plant and ensure its continued growth.

When Europeans arrived and began to colonize the land, they did not see the value of the Blue Camas plant, and in fact saw the meadows where the plant had been harvested as ideal terrain to grow their own crops. The story takes place at the point of contact between a Lkwungen community and a group of Irish settlers, who see the land in very different ways.

This beautifully illustrated picture book is an ode to a way of life that was threatened and nearly destroyed through miscommunication and colonization. It also raises awareness for food rights, biodiversity, and the preservation of ecosystems, offering children and teachers the opportunity to discuss these important themes in an open and constructive way.

Reviews
"Blue Camas, Blue Camas is a captivating story revealing the overlooked history of colonial contact and its impact on Indigenous communities. Through vivid storytelling and diverse voices, it emphasizes land stewardship, cultural heritage, and fostering empathy, making it a valuable resource for children.”—Samantha Beynon, author of Oolichan Moon

“A beautiful story and an important narrative about the timeline of colonial contact . . . I am happy to share this book with my children.”—Sen’ákw, Senaqwila Wyss, Squamish Nation ethnobotanist

“Danielle S. Marcotte offers a rich, historical perspective of the amazing Blue Camas plant through the eyes of a First Nations family and a settler family.”—Teoni Spathelfer, Heiltsuk author of the Little Wolf Series

“This beautiful story weaves together a rich and important narrative. Family, nature, and the village are all intertwined, with the camas at the centre of it all. So simple and yet so poignant and true!”—Robert "Lucky" Budd, co-author (with Roy Henry Vickers) of the Northwest Coast Legends Series and A Is for Anemone: A First West Coast Alphabet

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

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

Hello! Who do you see and hear in the woods today? Meet a variety of woodland and water animals in this story written in Anishinaabemowin and English.

Can you see a fox digging, spot two minnows dancing or hear a swarm of bees buzzing? Boozhoo! / Hello! introduces children to familiar animals as they go about their daily activities: walking, running, swimming, climbing and finally - when the day is done - sleeping! Illustrated in a vibrant and colorful woodland style that will appeal to readers young and old alike, and accompanied by an author's note.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 6.

Dual-Language: Anishinaabemowin and English.

Translated by Mary Ann Corbiere.

Key Text Features: Author's note, translations, illustrations

Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.3
Describe characters, settings, and major events in a story, using key details.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.7
Use illustrations and details in a story to describe its characters, setting, or events.

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

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

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. Cedar School Decodables is divided into six sets, which increase in word count and complexity of sentence structure:

Set 1 – Short Vowels (40-60 words)
Set 2 – Digraphs (60-80 words)
Set 3 – VCe (80-90 words)
Set 4 – Longer Words (90-100 words)
Set 5 – Ending Spelling Patterns (100-110 words)
Set 6 – R-Controlled Vowels (110-125 words)

Educator Information
This bundle includes 120 books: six copies each of the 20 Cedar School Decodables titles. The Cedar School Decodables Teacher’s Guide, which will be available for purchase at a later date, is not included in this bundle.

This series is recommended for ages 4 to 7 for use in kindergarten and Grade 1 classrooms.

Additional Information
Each book is 16 pages | 6.5” x 5.5” | Paperback | Reading Bundle ISBN: 9781771746571

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. Cedar School Decodables is divided into six sets, which increase in word count and complexity of sentence structure:

Set 1 – Short Vowels (40-60 words)
Set 2 – Digraphs (60-80 words)
Set 3 – VCe (80-90 words)
Set 4 – Longer Words (90-100 words)
Set 5 – Ending Spelling Patterns (100-110 words)
Set 6 – R-Controlled Vowels (110-125 words)

Educator Information
This bundle includes 20 books: one copy each of the 20 Cedar School Decodables titles. The Cedar School Decodables Teacher’s Guide, which will be available for purchase at a later date, is not included in this bundle.

This series is recommended for ages 4 to 7 for use in kindergarten and Grade 1 classrooms.

Additional Information
Each book is 16 pages | 6.5” x 5.5” | Paperback | Series ISBN: 9781771746557

In this story, the class practises their math skills in the forest by counting what they see. How many birds are in the trees? 

Mi’gmaq use math when building, crafting, and making art. Math skills can be used every day! 

Can you count along with Bell, Gus, Liv, and Tom? 

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. A Forest of Numbers is in Set 4 – Longer Words, and reviews open/closed syllable 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: 978-1-77174-649-6

In this story, Tom and Liv skate on Log Pond. They play a game of hockey!  

Mi’gmaq have played hockey for a long time. Early hockey sticks were carved by Mi’gmaq from birch, elm, or ash wood. 

What games do you play in the winter? 

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. A Game on the Ice is in Set 3 – VCe, and reviews -ce and -ge. 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: 978-1-77174-646-5  

In this story, the class goes apple picking. The air is crisp and chilly. Later, Miss Sam bakes an apple pie to celebrate the fall season.

It is a Mi’gmaw tradition to harvest food with friends and family in the fall.

How do you celebrate fall?

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. Apple Picking is in Set 5 – Ending Spelling Patterns, and reviews y (/ī/ and /ē/) and -le. 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: 978-1-77174-652-6