Anishinaabeg

Wolf Pup Finds His Pack is about a young wolf pup who moves from home to home looking for a safe place to stay while Mother and Father Wolf get healthy. As Wolf Pup left his family with his brother, Mother Wolf gave the Pups Sweetgrass. Mother Wolf taught them that Sweetgrass, a Sacred Medicine, would give them peace when they felt scared and alone. On their journey to find a new home, the pups visit Grandmother and Grandfather Wolf. They tired easily and had no room for Wolf Pup. As Wolf Pup was leaving, Grandfather Wolf handed him some Cedar for strength as he continued his journey. Wolf Pup then stayed with Auntie Wolf a while but then had to leave. Auntie Wolf gave him some Sage. Learn with Wolf Pup as he continues to find a safe place to stay.

Algonquin author S.P. Joseph Lyons, from Kitigan Zibi First Nation has also written Little Bear in Foster Care. Wolf Pup Misses His Pack is a second book in his Foster Care Series.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 1 to 4.

This is the second book in S.P. Joseph Lyon's Foster Care Series.

Keywords / Themes: Medicine, Wolves, Family, Foster Care, Home, Safety, Adoption.

Additional Information
42 Pages | Paperback

A young boy, troubled by the state of the world, asks for his grandfather’s guidance. On his advice, the boy leaves for a Vision Quest on the land for four days and four nights. He receives teachings from the Grandfather Animals, who say how to walk on Mother Earth by following the Seven Sacred Laws. Now an Elder, Knowledge Keeper, and doctor, the boy shares the teachings with us in this beautiful story about walking the good life. In the accompanying DVD, The Seven Sacred Laws, Elder Dr. David Courchene expands on the story to a rapt audience in the Turtle Lodge.

Educator Information
Recommended by the publisher for grades 5 and under.

Comes with an accompanying DVD and Teacher’s Guide!

The beaver is busy...
This delightful children's picture book tells the story of amik, the beaver, who works on his dam throughout the day while nature and the activities of other animals carry on around him. At the end of a long day, amik returns to his den to be with his family.

Along with its beautiful cut-paper illustrations, Amik offers the chance for children to learn words and phrases in the Ojibwe language, as the text appears in both English and Anishinaabemowin. A fun, colourful and engaging book for children ages three through six.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 6.

Dual-language: English and Anishinaabemowin

Additional Information
20 pages | 9.00" x 8.00" | Board  Book

"Aadizookaanan or Sacred Stories were passed down for thousands of years, filling the long winter nights with Anishinaabeg oral histories, philosophies, and ceremonies. Bagone-Giizhig is one of the many ancient stories that Anishinaabeg Ancestors have gifted us. The constellations of Wenaboozhoo and Bagone-Giizhig rise in the East during the Winter season. This signifies when it is time to share Aadizookaanan and reminds the Anishinaabeg of where they come from. These cultural Teachings shine bright in the night sky and this is the Anishinaabe way of life." 

Text in English translation and in the original Anishinaabemowin/Ojibwe.

Educator Information
Recommended for grades 4 to 7.

Dual-language: English with the original hand-written Anishinaabemowin version of the story at the back.

Additional Information
61 Pages

In this beautifully illustrated children’s book, readers will experience the world in a new way as they see the seasons through the joyful eyes of Nimkii, a fun, nature-loving dog who will teach them a whole new language: Ojibwemowin, a language spoken by the indigenous tribes in parts of Michigan, Ontario, northern Minnesota and Wisconsin, and Alberta.

Whether hunting for maple trees in the fall, playing in the snow in the winter, enjoying the spring showers, or swimming in the summer, Nimkii seeks out activities that allow her to enjoy her natural surroundings. Fun and inspiring, this bilingual book helps children and adults communicate in new ways while exploring different elements of culture.

Educator Information
Children's Literature

Dual-language: English and Ojibwemowin 

Translated by Margaret Noodin, of the Pine Marten Clan. 

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

On a journey to uncover her family’s story, Spotted Fawn travels through time and space to reclaim connection to ancestors, language, and the land in this essential graphic novel.  

In the dreamworld, she bears witness to a mountain of buffalo skulls, a ghostly monument to the slaughter of the buffalo—a key tactic to starve and contain the Indigenous People onto reservations.

Spotted Fawn must travel through her own family history to confront the harsh realities of the past and reignite her connection to her people and the land. Her darkroom becomes a portal, allowing her glimpses into the lives of her relatives. Guided by her ancestors, Spotted Fawn’s travels through the past allow her to come into full face—like the moon itself.

Adapted from the acclaimed stop-motion animated film of the same name, also by Strong, Four Faces of the Moon brings the history of the Michif, Cree, Nakoda, and Anishinaabe Peoples alive on the page.

Backmatter by Dr. Sherry Farrell Racette (Michif), an associate professor of Native Studies and Women’s and Gender Studies at the University of Manitoba, provides information on Michif culture and history.

Awards

• 2023 Snow Willow Award, Saskatchewan, Young Readers' Choice Award
• 2022 Great Graphic Novels for Teens, YALSA

Reviews
“Worthwhile . . . and offers interesting perspectives on the search for Indigenous identity.” — CM Reviews, 03/05/21

“This is magnificent storytelling. This is Spotted Fawn magic.” —Richard Van Camp, author of Little You, and We Sang You Home

“Moving and intense . . . the graphic novel effectively portrays how Indigenous youth can reconnect to their ancestors through art, language, and cultural knowledge.”  — School Library Journal, 04/30/21

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 12+

Unique visuals: This is a groundbreaking project with stunning spreads adapted from award-winning stop-motion animation film of same name. Art is all manipulated and modified stills from the film, that itself uses elaborate sets and puppetry.

This is an #ownvoices story.  Amanda Strong is a member of the Michif Nation.

The book includes a note from the author. Strong did a lot of research about family and their involvement in historical events like the Red River Rebellion, discovering connections to personal and political history later in life. Additional resources at the end of the book by Dr. Sherry Farrell-Racette (Michif), an associate professor of Native Studies and Women’s and Gender Studies at the University of Manitoba, provides information on Michif culture and history and the injustices of colonialism. Includes information on:
1. Moon – cycles, symbols, cultural ties
2. What is a Michif? What is a Métis
3. Historical events
4. Timeline

Additional Information
208 pages | 7.10" x 10.10" | Hardcover 

"Our Ancestors passed, Adizookaanan, our legends, down for thousands of years, filling the long winter nights with our oral history, philosophy, and ceremonies. Ajijaak is one of our many ancient stories that our Ancestors have gifted us. The many teachings of the animals, the stars, the Clan structures, and the four elements are brought to life through Ajijaak.

Many stories were passed on to Mary as a child. She shared Ajijaak with Leonard. Leonard’s love for the Anishinaabeg and concern that our way of life was being lost especially our oral traditions, decided he would work hard to bring the translation of Ajijaak to readers. Leonard wrote Ajijaak down in Anishinaabemowin and illustrated the story.

Mary and Leonard say our stories are written in the stars, so we can never forget the truth of our existence—we are spirits on a physical journey, with a sacred duty to understand, respect and care for the generous gifts we receive from all the beings who inhabit the earth.

Educator Information
Recommended for grades 5 to 7.

Additional Information
80 Pages | Paperback 

Algonquin author S.P. Joseph Lyons, from Kitigan Zibi First Nation, was placed in foster care as a young child and is a survivor of the Sixties Scoop. Foster Care can be scary and lonely. Through S.P. Joseph Lyons’ experiences, the Little Bear in Foster Care book makes foster care a little less frightening.

Little Bear in Foster Care connects children to a range of emotions, encourages them to find their voice, and lets them know they are not alone or to blame. Through Little Bear in Foster Care, S.P. Joseph Lyons helps young children process their feelings and experiences.

The richness of Indigenous cultures and emotions come alive in this story of healing and resilience. This is an important book for adults to read to all young children. Little Bear in Foster Care is geared for young school-aged children.

Little Bear gives voice to the feelings and fears children experience when placed in confusing and unfamiliar environments.

Awards

• 2022 Co-winner of the First Nation Communities READ PMC Indigenous Literature Award, Children’s Category winner

Educator & Series Information
Includes information about smudging, talking feathers, and traditional circles.

This book is part of the Foster Care Series.

Little Bear in Foster Care is a dual language book written in Anishinaabemowin, the language of the Anishinaabeg, and English. Translated by Potawatomi Odawa Elder and Language Keeper, Mawla Shawana, from Wikwemikong Unceded Territory.  With vibrant illustrations by Julian Grafenauer, Ojibwe, from Rolling River First Nation.

Additional Information
32 Pages | Paperback

Richard Van Camp, internationally renowned storyteller and bestselling author of Welcome Song for Baby and We Sang You Home, has partnered with talented illustrator Julie Flett to create a tender book for babies and toddlers that honors the child in everyone. With its delightful contemporary illustrations, Little You is perfect to be shared, read or sung to all the little people in your life—and the new little ones on the way! 

Mother Earth, we come from her, we go to her, without her we wouldn't be here, she gives all of us life and because of her we are all one family. In many segments of Indigenous life we speak of Mother Earth, Father Sky, Grandfather Sun, and Grandmother Moon. Meet Your Family / Gikenim Giniigi'igoog is a rhythmic poem that will enlighten readers on how to view these important figures and share a greater concept of seeing the world as our natural family. Meet Your Family / Gikenim Giniigi'igoog is presented in both English and Ojibway. An additional softcover book written in Ojibway with a phonetics guide is included inside this hardcover book.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

Dual-language English/Ojibwe book. An additional softcover book in Ojibwe with a language learning guide is included inside the hardcover book.

This book offers a spiritual way of looking at all living things on earth as being connected through Mother Nature.

A teacher lesson plan is available: Meet Your Family Teacher Lesson Plan

This book is available in French and Ojibway: Rencontre ta famille / Gikenim Giniigi'igoog

Additional Information
28 pages | 10.95" x 8.50"

Comment sais-tu quelle est la saison? Quand les bleuets mûrs tombent et que le sable brûle, comprends-tu que c’est l’été? Quand le carouge à épaulettes s’envole, comprends-tu que c’est l’automne? Arrête-toi une minute et regarde autour de toi : la nature nous parle. La Terre mère nous prévient de chaque changement et de chacune de ses étapes. Que ce soit à l’aide de la lumière matinale du Soleil ou de la Lune perchée haut dans le ciel, il y a de nombreux moyens de savoir à quelle saison nous sommes. Il suffit de s’arrêter, de regarder et d’écouter. Chaque saison raconte une histoire.

Cette histoire poétique, écrite en Ojibwé et accompagnée d’une traduction française, décrit le parcours d’une petite-fille et de sa grand-mère alors qu’elles se promènent au cours des saisons. Les illustrations fascinantes et le texte lyrique encouragent les lecteurs à se connecter à la Terre et à l’écouter. Elle a beaucoup de choses à dire.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Dual-language: French and Ojibwe

This book is also available in English and Anishinaabemowin: Mii maanda ezhi-gkendmaanh / This Is How I Know.

Additional Information
8.49" x 8.76"

Niibing, dgwaagig, bboong, mnookmig dbaadjigaade maanpii mzin'igning / A Book about the Seasons.

An Anishinaabe child and her grandmother explore the natural wonders of each season in this lyrical, bilingual story-poem.

In this lyrical story-poem, written in Anishinaabemowin and English, a child and grandmother explore their surroundings, taking pleasure in the familiar sights that each new season brings.

We accompany them through warm summer days full of wildflowers, bees and blueberries, then fall, when bears feast before hibernation and forest mushrooms are ripe for harvest. Winter mornings begin in darkness as deer, mice and other animals search for food, while spring brings green shoots poking through melting snow and the chirping of peepers.

Brittany Luby and Joshua Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley have created a book inspired by childhood memories of time spent with Knowledge Keepers, observing and living in relationship with the natural world in the place they call home — the northern reaches of Anishinaabewaking, around the Great Lakes.

Alvin Ted Corbiere and Alan Corbiere, father and son, are the Anishinaabe translators of this work.

Awards

• 2022 Indigenous Voices Award for a published work in an Indigenous language

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 7.

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

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.2.1
Ask and answer such questions as who, what, where, when, why, and how to demonstrate understanding of key details in a text.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.2.2
Recount stories, including fables and folktales from diverse cultures, and determine their central message, lesson, or moral.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K.6
With prompting and support, name the author and illustrator of a story and define the role of each in telling the story.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.4
Identify words and phrases in stories or poems that suggest feelings or appeal to the senses.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.2.5
Describe the overall structure of a story, including describing how the beginning introduces the story and the ending concludes the action.

How do you know the seasons? Do you know it's summer when blueberries fall readily and the sand is hot enough to sting? Do you know fall by the red-winged blackbird taking his leave? Take a minute and look around — nature is speaking to us. Changes are happening, and Mother Earth is letting us know at every step of the way. Whether it's the sun's bright morning light, or the white moon sitting high in the sky, there are many ways to know what time of the year it is. All we need to do is stop, look, and listen, because each season tells us a story!

This book is also available in French and Ojibwe: Mii maanda ezhi-gkendmaanh / La Terre me parle: Un livre sur les saisons 

Additional Information
44 pages | 8.75" x 8.50"

The sun on your face. The smell of warm bannock baking in the oven. Holding the hand of someone you love. What fills your heart with happiness? This beautiful board book, with illustrations from celebrated artist Julie Flett, serves as a reminder for little ones and adults alike to reflect on and cherish the moments in life that bring us joy.

International speaker and award-winning author Monique Gray Smith wrote My Heart Fills With Happiness to support the wellness of Indigenous children and families and to encourage young children to reflect on what makes them happy.

Reviews
"My Heart Fills With Happiness is a story that focuses on supporting the wellness of Indigenous children and families, encouraging them to reflect on what makes them happy. The story looks at happy memories that readers can connect to and serves as a reminder to reflect and cherish the moments in life that bring us joy." —The Dalai Lama Center 

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.

This is the dual-language English and Anishinaabemowin hardcover edition.

This book is also available in an English-only board book format: My Heart Fills With Happiness 

This book is also available in English and Plains Cree: My Heart Fills With Happiness / Ni Sâkaskineh Mîyawâten Niteh Ohcih

This book is available in French: J'ai le coeur rempli de bonheur

Additional Information
26 pages | 8.00" x 8.00"

Nuttah and Kitchi National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration is written by Sandra Samatte, Ojibwe - Saulteaux - from Skownan First Nation Treaty 2 Territory and illustrated by Julian Grafenauer, Ojibwe from Rolling River First Nation.

Come celebrate and explore with Nuttah and Kitchi on June 21st, the first day of summer as they experience all the exciting fun-filled activities and events that take place on National Indigenous Peoples Day.

Educator Information
Recommended for grades 2 to 5.

A companion activity book is available: Nuttah & Kitchi National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration Activity Book: Indigenous Teachings and Fun Activities for Everyone

Additional Information
32 Pages | Paperback

Companion book to Nuttah and Kitchi National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration, featuring Indigenous Teachings and Fun Activities for Everyone!

Both resources are written by Sandra Samatte, Ojibwe - Saulteaux - from Skownan First Nation Treaty 2 Territory and illustrated by Julian Grafenauer, Ojibwe from Rolling River First Nation. Come celebrate and explore with Nuttah and Kitchi on June 21st, the first day of summer as they experience all the exciting fun-filled activities and events that take place on National Indigenous Peoples Day.

Educator Information
Recommended for grades 2 to 5.

Find the companion book here: Nuttah & Kitchi National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration

Additional Information
32 Pages | Paperback