Ojibway (Ojibwe)

Exploring reconciliation and connection through a story that spans seven generations, Frozen River (nîkwatin sîpiy) tells the story of two eleven-year-olds through the eyes of Grandmother Moon. Eilidh and Wâpam are born under the same blood moon, but Eilidh was born in Scotland and Wâpam in Kihci-Manito kâ ayapit, now known as Manitoba. After sailing across the ocean in hopes of a more prosperous life, Eilidh meets Wâpam deep in the forest, and the two become instant friends. Coming from vastly different worlds, Eilidh and Wâpam decide to teach each other about their ways of life. But when a sacred promise between them is broken, the relationship among cultures becomes jeopardized for generations to come.

Frozen River (nîkwatin sîpiy) shows audiences that an openness to learn from those who have protected and honoured the waterways for centuries can lead to healing and reconciliation.

Awards

• 2021 Sharon Enkin Plays for Young People Award winner

Reviews
"The show’s script cleverly makes important issues digestible for young audiences."— Van City Vince

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 8 to 14.

Additional Information
88 pages | 5.37" x 8.38" | Paperback

You never walk alone.

Remember the hummingbird's teachings. Remember you are loved.

Kokum warned us to watch out for one another. If we weren't careful, Windigo would eat us. But one night, alone in the darkness, I felt its breath on my neck. Windigo's lies crept into my heart, and I believed them. When we lose connection with others, we lose ourselves, and Windigo's darkness grows and spreads.

In this deeply emotional and beautifully illustrated picture book, the ancestors send a hummingbird to a child lost in Windigo’s darkness. Its teachings of resilience, love and connection bring the child home and remind us that our ancestors are always watching and can help us find our way if we only ask.

This bilingual book includes full text in both English and Anishinaabemowin.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

Fountas & Pinnell Text Level Gradient: U

Lexile measure: 520L

Guided Reading Level: U

Dual-Language: English and Anishinaabemowin

There are many dialects fo Anishinaabemowin, and this book presents a phonetic spelling of the language as learned by the author and co-translator in Duck Bay, northeastern Manitoba. This dialect is sometimes referred to as Western Ojibwa, Nakawemowin, Saulteaux or Plains Ojibwa. Translated by Norman Chartrand and Jennifer Leason.

This beautifully illustrated story expresses hope, healing and reclamation of Indigenous strength and identity in the wake of oppression and trauma.

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

Tessa loves how her grandmother always smells of campfire stories. Mom says it’s because Kohkom spends her days sewing beautiful beads onto smoked hides. Inspired, Tessa asks Kohkom to teach her beading, but first she must listen and learn about the many stories held in a bead.

A celebration of Cree craftsmanship, language, and learning. The loving exchange of knowledge between Tessa and her Kohkom will be familiar to many children. Readers will learn that different Indigenous communities have different beadwork techniques, and that this traditional art form is alive and thriving today.

Reviews
"The story is a beautiful look into the importance of beading in our communities and the ways that this art practice ties us together as families and communities." — Nancy Cooper, First Nations Consultant for the Southern Ontario Library Services and coordinator for First Nation Communities Read

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

This dual language edition contains the story in both Ininîmowin (Cree, N-dialect) and English.

Translators: Duane Linklater & Angela Shisheesh
Duane is Omaskêko Ininiwak and currently lives in North Bay, Ontario. He earned a Master of Fine Arts from Bard College and a Bachelor of Native Studies with a focus in Cree language from the University of Alberta. Linklater is lifelong learner of the Cree language and credits the many Elders, including his kohkom Agnes Hunter, for teaching and sharing the language.

Angela is a Cree translator at Ojibway & Cree Cultural Centre based in Timmins, Ontario

An English-only version is available: What's in a Bead?

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

In this moving graphic novel, thirteen-year-old Reanna grieves the loss of her older sister. Can she find comfort through her family’s Ojibwe traditions?

It’s been a year since Reanna’s sister, Chelsea, went missing on her way home from school. Without any idea of what happened, Reanna and her family struggle to find closure.

Driven from their home by memories, Reanna’s mom moves to the big city. Left behind on the reserve, Reanna and her little brother go to live with their dad.

Reanna is hurt and angry that her mom has run away. She feels lonely, abandoned… but she is not alone. Lights turn on in empty rooms, and objects move without being touched.

There are little moons everywhere.

Reviews
"Little Moons has all the hallmarks of becoming a cherished companion for young hearts navigating the turbulent waters of grief and loss. This graphic novel not only offers solace but also illuminates the path toward healing. Little Moons gently guides readers through the darkest of nights, reminding them that even in moments of profound sadness, there is still light to be found."—Tasha Spillett, New York Times bestselling author 

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 12 to 18.

Subjects, Themes, and Big Ideas: Death, Grief, Siblings, Paranormal, Graphic Novels, Socail Justice, MMIWG2S, Prejudice and Racism, Social Emotional Learning, Aspects of Indigenous Cultures, Smudging, Powwow, Spirituality and Ceremony, Regalia, Traditional Art, Contemporary Setting, Strong Female Characters.

Fountas & Pinnell Z+

Additional Information
64 pages | 6.50" x 10.00" | Paperback

Un enfant anishinaabe explore l’histoire d’une precieuse graine de mnoomin et le cercle de vie que le mnoomin entretient.

Redigee en anishinaabemowin et en francais, l’histoire se deroule au moment de la recolte. L’enfant tient une graine de mnoomin et imagine toute la vie qui a rendu possible une seule graine : l’ephemere, le brochet, le rat musque, l’aigle et l’orignal ont tous eu un role a jouer dans sa creation. Que se passera-t-il si la graine germe? Les feuilles immergees abriteront les jeunes poissons, les pousses protegeront les canetons, les tiges nourriront les larves, qui a leur tour fourniront de la nourriture aux chauves-souris... jusqu’a ce que le mnoomin soit a nouveau pret a etre recolte.

Cette histoire magnifiquement ecrite et illustree revele l’importance culturelle et ecologique du mnoomin.

Educator Information
Recommedned for ages 4 to 6.

Written in Anishinaabemowin and French.

This book is available in Anishinaabemowin and English: Mnoomin maan'gowing / The Gift of Mnoomin.

Additional Information
36 pages | 8.51" x 8.73" | Paperback

A vibrant debut early chapter book series celebrating Cree culture and being true to yourself.

Sarah Ponakey has moved to the city from her home community with her mom and it’s the pits! She misses her Kôhkom, her best friend Eden, and the forests around her community. She’s had a hard time making new friends at school but at least she keeps in touch with Eden through meticulously written letters with very big words. After a particularly tough day where she nearly loses her favorite stuffed animal, Âhâsiw, and is brushed off by her mom, Sarah finds herself transported to a magical forest powwow . . .

Accompanied by a life-sized Âhâsiw in his beautiful regalia, Sarah watches in excitement as a chipmunk emcees, and bears play the host drum at her first ever powwow. The more she sees, the more her confidence grows. As she joins in the celebration, Sarah discovers that she can connect to her Cree culture no matter where she is. Her Kôhkom’s going to love this story! Âhâsiw’s Forest Powwow, the first book from debut children’s author Sita MacMillan, features Cree words throughout the story and a note to the reader. Azby Whitecalf’s dynamic illustrations bring life to this warm, charming, and funny introduction to Sarah Ponakey, the storycatcher.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 9.

This is the first book in the Sarah Ponakey, Storycatcher series, a vibrant debut early chapter book series celebrating Cree culture and being true to yourself.

Additional Information
120 pages | 6.00" x 9.00" | Paperback

This rhyming book helps children learn and understand the Sharing Circle and using a Talking Stick in a Sharing Circle.

Educator Information
The publisher recommends this work for grades 1 to 3.

Additional Information
Paperback 

Following the success of Sometimes I Feel Like a Fox and Sometimes I Feel Like a River, this companion book explores the nature and beauty of trees.

Twelve lyrical poems look at twelve different trees, from early spring to deep winter. In each poem, a child identifies with a feature of the tree - such as the smooth trunk of a birch whose bark has peeled away, the strong branches of a spruce that shelter small birds or the pink flowers of a cherry blossom that tumble like confetti. The poems provide an opportunity to learn about each tree, inspiring us to look afresh at the trees around us - whether in the schoolyard, neighborhood or park - and get to know them better.

Danielle Daniel's passion for trees is beautifully matched by Jackie Traverse's paintings, which bring each tree to life. In the pages following the poems, children are invited to consider what different kinds of trees might mean to them. In an author's note, Danielle Daniel shares her belief, similar to her Algonquin ancestors', that trees are sentient beings with much to give and teach us.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 6.

This book is part of the Sometimes I Feel Like series.

This book encourages a familiarity with, knowledge about, love of and respect for trees, providers of shade, beauty, oxygen, medicines, food and more.

The text and illustrations show twelve trees from spring through winter, making this a title that could support teaching science units on the seasons.

Key Text Features
illustrations
author's note
poems

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

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K.5
Recognize common types of texts (e.g., storybooks, poems).

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.

Additional Information
32 pages | 8.25" x 10.00" | Hardcover 

Accompanied by award-winning illustrator Bridget George’s luminous artwork, this tradition-steeped story from renowned author Richard Wagamese meditates on the unifying powers of wisdom, kindness and respect with all the visionary clarity of our most essential legends.

The unmistakable voice of revered Ojibway author Richard Wagamese returns with this moving tale, beautifully illustrated by original work from Anishinaabe artist Bridget George.

The story unfolds in a “Long Ago Time” when animals of all kinds share a common language and gather to solemnly consider which of them should be their leader. After hearing boasts about the qualities of the candidates—Horse’s fleetness, Buffalo’s stamina, Cougar’s patience, Wolverine’s stealth—the conference decides to settle the matter with a race between the challengers around a foreboding mountaintop lake. And there will be one more contestant of the most unlikely sort: a small, charmingly humble rabbit named Waabooz, whose chances are considered slim by all.

In the action that follows, described with the piercing clarity and richness of any great legend, Wagamese and George gracefully convey the limits of physical force and the quietly irresistible energies of humility, empathy and a loving attachment to the land. Unforgettable for its lyrical power and poignant message, The Animal People Choose a Leader is yet another example of the late author’s unique gifts as a storyteller, and a welcome reminder of his honoured place in Canadian writing.

Educator & Series Information
Juvenile Fiction

This book is part of the Richard Wagamese Storybook Collection.

Additional Information
32 pages | 10.25" x 9.25" | Hardcover 

The boundaries between the virtual and the real world become dangerously blurred for a young Indigenous girl in the follow-up to the YA fantasy debut Walking in Two Worlds from bestselling Indigenous author Wab Kinew.

Devastated by the loss of her beloved older brother to cancer, Bugz returns to the place where she can always find solace and strength: the Floraverse. Over the past year, she has gained back all that she had lost in that virtual world, and while the remaining ClanLess members still plot against her, she is easily able to overcome their attacks. Even better, she's been secretly working on a bot that will be both an incredible weapon and a source of comfort: Waawaate.

With the Waawaate bot looking exactly like the brother she misses so much — even acting so much like him — Bugz feels ready to show him off to Feng, who has become a constant companion in the Verse, and she cannot wait to team up with both friend and bot to secure her dominance once and for all. But Feng has his own issues to deal with, especially when news that his parents are alive and want to contact him threatens to send his new life on the Rez into upheaval.

As they work through their complicated feelings of grief and loss, Feng and Bugz find themselves becoming ever closer. But disturbances in the Floraverse cannot be ignored, especially when Bugz realizes that her Waawaate bot is growing in powers beyond her control . . .

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 12+.

This book is part of The Floraverse series.

This book is available in French: La Route sans fin

Additional Information
272 pages | 5.50" x 8.25" | Paperback 

A pitch-perfect story about sibling bonds and Anishinaabe cultural traditions, from the bestselling author of SkySisters.

Serenity is following her brother, Big Ed, to his fishing spot on Hawk River. Big Ed explains that the river is named for the Hawk, Gekek, the Keepers of the river and their Protectors. “They see things far off in the distance, things we can't,” he tells Serenity. Later, when Big Ed gets in trouble while fishing, Serenity follows the Hawk's shadow to come to her brother's aid. Bestselling author Jan Bourdeau Waboose showcases Indigenous storytelling traditions in this compelling picture book featuring Ojibwe words and cultural practices. Karlene Harvey's brightly colored illustrations stunningly capture the natural world of the bush. The sibling relationship, full of teasing and admonitions, is pitch-perfect, and will be relatable to readers of any age. This captivating book, with its rich narrative and riveting climax, is a wonderful choice for reading aloud. It's an excellent accompaniment to social studies lessons on cultures, local and global communities, and Indigenous Peoples. It also offers a perfect opportunity to encourage children to notice the natural world where they live.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 7.

Additional Information
32 pages | 10.00" x 9.00" | Hardcover

This land is your land now, but who did it belong to before? This engaging primer about native lands invites kids to trace history and explore their communities.

Before my family lived in this house, a different family did, and before them, another family, and another before them. And before that, the family who that lived here lived not in a house, but a wigwam. Who lived where you are before you got there?

This Land teaches readers that American land, from our backyards to our schools to Disney World, are the traditional homelands of many Indigenous nations. This Land will spark curiosity and encourage readers to explore the history of the places they live and the people who have lived there throughout time and today.

Reviews
 "This work aptly communicates the issue of land acknowledgments . . . A memorable message." —Publishers Weekly, starred review

"A stirring tale that fosters respect for Native peoples." —Kirkus Reviews

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Fountas & Pinnell Text Level Gradient: M 

Additional Information
40 pages | 11.37" x 9.37" | Hardcover

A little boy wants a chance to shine on his own but discovers that being apart from his large and lively Native family isn’t necessarily better in this heartwarming and humorous picture book.

When Russell gets a part in the school play, he lights up like a shining star—and he can’t wait to tell his big, boisterous Native family the exciting news. But catching their attention when they all get together feels impossible; no matter where they go, they seem to be too noisy, too many, and just too much!

Russell decides to keep his big debut to himself and fly solo for once…but being alone may not be the answer. After all, there’s no such thing as too much love, and when he needs them most, his great big family knows how to be just enough.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

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

This bestselling, innovative picture book introduces readers to the concept of Etuaptmumk—or Two-Eyed Seeing, the gift of multiple perspectives in the Mi’kmaw language—as we follow a group of young children connecting to nature as their teacher.

A poetic, joyful celebration of the Lands and Waters as spring unfolds: we watch for Robin's return, listen for Frog's croaking, and wonder at maple tree's gift of sap. Grounded in Etuaptmumk, also known as Two-Eyed Seeing—which braids together the strengths of Indigenous and non-Indigenous ways of knowing—and the Mi’kmaq concept of Netukulimk—meaning to protect Mother Earth for the ancestors, present, and future generations—Walking Together nurtures respectful, reciprocal, responsible relationships with the Land and Water, plant-life, animals and other-than-human beings for the benefit of all.

Reviews
"Walking Together is a poetic celebration grounded in Etuaptmumk (Two-Eyed Seeing) that weaves together the strengths of Indigenous and non-Indigenous ways of knowing. The story explores respectful, reciprocal, responsible relationships between the land, water, plants, animals, and humans." - The Dalai Lama Center

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 7.

Introduces the concept of Two-Eyed Seeing (the gift of multiple perspectives) to young readers.

This book is available in a bilingual format: Walking Together / Menaqaj Pemwije’tulti’k

Additional Information
36 pages | 8.90" x 8.90" | Paperback

Tessa loves how her grandmother always smells of campfire stories. Mom says it’s because Kohkom spends her days sewing beautiful beads onto smoked hides. Inspired, Tessa asks Kohkom to teach her beading, but first she must listen and learn about the many stories held in a bead.

A celebration of Cree craftsmanship, language, and learning. The loving exchange of knowledge between Tessa and her Kohkom will be familiar to many children. Readers will learn that different Indigenous communities have different beadwork techniques, and that this traditional art form is alive and thriving today.

Reviews
"The story is a beautiful look into the importance of beading in our communities and the ways that this art practice ties us together as families and communities." — Nancy Cooper, First Nations Consultant for the Southern Ontario Library Services and coordinator for First Nation Communities Read

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

A dual-language version in Ininîmowin (Cree, N-dialect) and English is available: kekwan etakwak mîkisîhk / What’s in a Bead?

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