Picture Books

Kú7pece (Porcupine) has always struggled with his emotions and pushed his relations away. Kú7pece does not like this part of himself and wants to explore his identity and learn more about himself, his family, and the land.

To connect with his relations and his friends, Kú7pece decides to build a gathering place: a c7ístkten̓ (winter home). This is a place he is hoping his relations can gather and learn about each other through sharing stories. However, Kú7pece traps the sun and soon gets distracted by the sun’s heat and light. So much so, he forgets who he is and his purpose. Soon he is trapped too and cannot see that he is neglecting his responsibilities.

It takes the sacrifice of his relations and friends to help him realize he was trapped in his own reality. Once he realizes the lesson of the sacrifice of his friends – that they were trying to help him reconnect to his own place and purpose – he uses all his courage to turn away from the sun’s heat and light. Slowly, he remembers his identity, purpose, and responsibilities. In the end, Kú7pece finds himself again and reconnects with his relations to gather to tell stories, learn from each other, and support one another.

Porcupine is a story about expressing emotions and being considerate to the needs of others. It works well as a bedtime story or read-aloud for classrooms.

This book works well with others by Mike Bowden and Kelsey Jules, including Four Winds, Bear and Coyote, and Chief Goose.

Educator Information
Recommended for grades 3 to 7.

This book is part of the Secwépemc Stories series.

This story is a great resource to introduce Indigenous languages to young readers. Secwepemctsín is one of 30 distinct Indigenous languages in British Columbia and is in the process of being revitalized after governments and religions developed policies to eliminate the rich language and culture of Indigenous peoples. The book integrates Secwépemc words into the text and includes a pronunciation guide on every page.

This story connects to the BC First Peoples’ Principles of Learning: learning is holistic, reflexive, experiential, and relational; learning involves the consequences of one’s actions; learning is embedded in story; and learning involves patience and time. Learning from Indigenous stories can be different and personal every time a story is read or told, depending on context. This book provides an opportunity for those reading to reflect, explore, connect, and learn on a personal interpretative level.

Curriculum links:

• Social emotional learning: identity, self-awareness, emotions, family, community, relationship skills
• Reading and language skills
• Indigenous knowledge and traditions

Additional Information
24 Pages | Colour illustrations | 22 x 28 cm | ISBN: 9781771745710 | Paperback

This bundle includes all four Secwépemc stories from Mike Bowden:

• Four Winds (hardcover)
• Porcupine (paperback)
• Bear and Coyote (paperback)
• Chief Goose (paperback)

Secwépemc Stories are the collaborative work of Secwépemc author Mike Bowden and Secwépemc artist Kelsey Jules. These stories convey Secwépemc teachings and embody Indigenous ways of knowing. Mike, a storyteller and educator, strongly believes in story as a way of learning and understanding the world and our relationships within it. Secwépemc language is integrated into the stories and accompanied by pronunciation guides.

These stories connect to the BC First Peoples principles of learning and provide opportunities for those reading to reflect, explore, connect and learn on a personal interpretative level.

Additional Information
Books are 8.5" x 11" | 24 Pages | ISBN 9781771746632

Scroll below to learn more about each book included.

The ink and watercolour illustrations in this book reflect the life cycle of a salmon from the salmon’s point of view looking up from underwater.  Silhouette images provide a clue to the seasons and to the predators the salmon encounters throughout its life.  The story reminds us how the salmon demonstrates great determination and strength in its long journey from the stream where life begins, to the ocean, and back to its natal stream.  
 
Carol ends the story with a step-by-step instructional guide to create your own ink and watercolour image.

Educator Information
This is the 10th anniversary edition from CSWA Science in Society award-winning author/illustrator Carol McDougall, B. Ed., M.A. Carol is an international educator and conservationist with decades of classroom and fine arts teaching experience. She conducts workshops on using the arts to help make learning creative and engaging.

Recommended Grades: K-5.

Additional Information
32 pages | 11" x 8.5" | ISBN: 9781771744461 | Hardcover

• Social emotional learning: community, helping others, critical thinking, learning from mistakes and trying again
• Reading and language skills
• Indigenous knowledge and traditions

Anna explores what it means to be Mohawk, her own identity and the identity of others as she learns to follow the Eagle’s path. She learns how her culture has taught many generations to value honesty, wisdom and courage in their day-to-day lives. Anna also learns about two-spirit people when her best friend tells her that she likes other girls. This revelation leaves her full of questions, and with support from her wise and loving mother, she understands the value in accepting everyone for who they are.

A powerful story to share with children of all ages.

Educator Information
Recommended for Grades 3 to 7.

Additional Information
24 Pages | ISBN: 9781771742566 | Paperback

Join us on a mid August day, on the wild and rocky shores of the Pacific Northwest Coast. From the orca to the tiniest barnacle, enjoy a colourful glimpse into the lives of the many creatures that live in, and around, Hideaway Cove.

Brenda Boreham and Laura Timmermans share with us, through words and illustrations, the many interconnections within a healthy marine eco-system.

Reviews
"Hideaway Cove is a must-have when teaching a seashore ecosystem unit. This book provides opportunities for students to share their connections with the seashore while they learn more about the interactions within the marine ecosystem.” – Cindy Haack, Canadian Teacher Magazine 

“Hideaway Cove is a delightful, information-packed picture book that takes children through a day in the life of a west coast cove. Here, humans are noticeably absent, and the diverse plants and animals tell a wonderful tale. Brenda Boreham’s text is lyrical and rich in detail.” – Sheryl McFarlane, Hakai Magazine 

Educator & Series Information

Search for a crab that travels from page to page in this story! 

Additional Information
32 Pages | ISBN" 9781771741347 | Hardcover

Join us on a mid August day, on the wild and rocky shores of the Pacific Northwest Coast. From the orca to the tiniest barnacle, enjoy a colourful glimpse into the lives of the many creatures that live in, and around, Hideaway Cove.

Brenda Boreham and Laura Timmermans share with us, through words and illustrations, the many interconnections within a healthy marine eco-system.

Reviews
"Hideaway Cove is a must-have when teaching a seashore ecosystem unit. This book provides opportunities for students to share their connections with the seashore while they learn more about the interactions within the marine ecosystem.” – Cindy Haack, Canadian Teacher Magazine 

“Hideaway Cove is a delightful, information-packed picture book that takes children through a day in the life of a west coast cove. Here, humans are noticeably absent, and the diverse plants and animals tell a wonderful tale. Brenda Boreham’s text is lyrical and rich in detail.” – Sheryl McFarlane, Hakai Magazine 

Educator & Series Information
Each book in the By Day and By Night Nature Series focuses on a scene typical of a distinct west coast habitat, showing how living and non-living things are connected in a healthy ecosystem. As readers, we observe animals going about their daily activities: caring for their young, searching for food, and responding to the changes in light, temperature, and weather conditions throughout the day or night. The last four pages of each book provide facts about the highlighted animals and plants as well as features that are unique to their habitats. The final page suggests ways that young readers and their families can be respectful as they visit wilderness areas.

Search for a crab that travels from page to page in this story! 

Additional Information
32 Pages | ISBN: 9781771741330 | Paperback

It is winter. The land lies still, quiet and stark beneath a blanket of snow. The tiny footprints of a mouse can be seen in the light of the moon.

"Wrapped in the quiet, and there in the bleak, there stood a wise mouse, preparing to speak."

The words that mouse chose were from many years past. She spoke them into the cold night air. So begins the enchanting story of a very special Winter Solstice celebration.

Kwakwaka’wakw author Terri Mack and Tsimshian artist Bill Helin have collaborated to bring us this story of strength, friendship and celebration. The lyrical text and engaging illustrations will appeal to readers of all ages.

Author's note:
Gila'kasla!
I spent a year writing and rewriting this poem to be sure to convey the message clearly to my audience. It was important to me that the poem reflect the importance of us all joining together to find the sacredness in celebration, the joy of belonging within a greater community and the voice of determination inside of each of us. Inspired by Indigenous Peoples rising, healing and joining together I hope that this poem inspires our youth to be strong and determined in all their future goals.
~Terri Mack

Additional Information
24 pages | 9" x 12" | ISBN: 9781771740555 | Paperback

“My little baby bear,
Will you go to sleep?
You want to giggle with me,
As I count the sheep!”

Have some bedtime giggles with your little baby bear while reading this warm and tender poem.

My Little Baby Bear is a charming and accessible book that’s great for young children. It works wonderfully as a bedtime story or a read-aloud during the day.

The book works well with a drum to sing the poem together as a group.

Additional Information
16 Pages | 8 inches x 8 inches | ISBN: 9781771740562 | Paperback

Dog Salmon is the bully of the river and is taught how important it is to respect others. The story also integrates the natural salmon cycle.

Additional Information
18 Pages | 8.5" x 7" | Paperback | ISBN: 9780987967008