Dene

L’histoire édifiante d’une jeune fille qui se rapproche de sa grand-mère bien-aimée grâce à l’art du perlage.

En se réveillant par un matin maussade, Kaiah se sent aussi froide et grise que le jour. Sa grand-maman lui manque, et elle a envie de la retrouver. Sans sa grand-mère, la vie de Kaiah n’a pas de sens. Heureusement, Kaiah peut ouvrir sa précieuse boîte de perles, et grâce à la beauté qu’elle renferme, la jeune fille retrouve sa grand-mère dans un jardin plein de couleurs et d’amour.

Cette magnifique histoire de l’autrice primée Melanie Florence célèbre l’amour universel entre une grand-mère et sa petite-fille. Illustré par Karlene Harvey, une brillante artiste Tsilhqot’in et Syilx, ce livre comporte également un supplément d’information sur la tradition autochtone du perlage.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 8.

This book is available in English: Kaiah's Garden 

Additional Information
32 pages | 8.02" x 10.00" | Paperback

Le tambour est un symbole spécial dans plusieurs cultures autochtones. Dans ce livre illustré en rimes, le jeune Ren reçoit un tambour confectionné par sa mère, qui l’aide à apprendre plusieurs choses sur lui-même et sa culture. Adaptation du livre à succès, Joue du tambour avec cœur de l’auteur nuu-chah-nulth Ren Louie pour les 4 à 6 ans.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 6.

This book is available in English here: Teachings of the Drum

Additional Information
24 pages | 7.87" x 7.24" | Hardcover

Help your child power up their reading skills and learn all about the amazing life of Matoaka, better known today as Pocahontas, with this fun-filled nonfiction reader carefully leveled to help children progress.

This book tells readers the true story of this iconic American’s young life among the Pamunkey and later in Europe with her English husband. It is a motivating introduction to using essential nonfiction reading skills, proving ideal for children ready to enter the riveting world of reading.

Educator Information
Recommended for grades 2 and 3 (ages 7 to 9).

This book is a Level 2 DK Super Reader. These books take children on a journey through the wonderful world of nonfiction: traveling back to the time of dinosaurs, learning more about animals, exploring natural wonders and more, all while developing vital nonfiction reading skills and progressing from first words to reading confidently.

These books can help children practice reading by:

- Covering engaging, motivating, curriculum-aligned topics.
- Building knowledge while progressing Grades 2 and 3 reading skills.
- Developing subject vocabulary on topics such as the events and achievements in the life of Matoaka.
- Boosting understanding and retention through comprehension quizzes.

Each title, which has been leveled using MetaMetrics®: The Lexile Framework for Reading, integrates science, geography, history, and nature topics so there’s something for all children’s interests. The books and online content perfectly supplement core literacy programs and are mapped to the Common Core Standards. Children will love powering up their nonfiction reading skills and becoming reading heroes.

Additional Information
32 pages | 5.94" x 9.00" | Paperback 

Embark on a journey through Dene Traditional storytelling with Sa k'e Dene: The Man on the Moon by Lucy Antsanen!

Explore the captivating tale of a man, his wife, his dog, and the beaver grease. Curiosity leads to unexpected adventures, changing their lives forever.

Educator Information
This is a Dene “legend” about a trapper who tries to discover who mysteriously repaired his snowshoes. He sees that a ptarmigan who turns into a woman is the mystery person, and they end up as man and wife. The trapper tells his wife not to touch the beaver grease, but her curiosity gets the better of her. The trapper moves out in his disappointment and ends up living in an unusual place.

Additional Information
32 Pages | Book Dimensions: 21 × 0.2 × 21 cm | Paperback

Denesųłiné Elders Lawrence and Lena Adam have been tanning hides and sharing their knowledge with others for more than four decades. Woodland Cree knowledge carrier Tommy Bird helped his family tan hides on the trapline as a young boy. Together they share their lifetime of experience to guide a new generation of hide tanners to keep the tradition alive. The trouble-shooting tips and hands-on advice in this book will help you to make your own bone tools and turn raw moosehides into smoke-tanned hides soft enough to sew into mitts or moccasins. Combining traditional knowledge with easy-to-follow instructions and detailed colour photos, Tanning Moosehides the Northern Saskatchewan Trapline Way is a practical guide you will refer to again and again.

Educator Information
The publisher recommends this resource for ages 10+ 

Recommended in the Indigenous Books for Schools catalogue as a valuable resource for Art, Science, and Social Studies in grades 5 to 12.

Themes: Animals, Arts and Culture, Cultural Teachings, Fashion, Traditional Knowledge.

Additional Information
64 pages | 8.50" x 11.00" | Spiral Bound

The drum is a special symbol in many Indigenous cultures. In this rhyming picture book, young Ren is given a handmade drum by his mother that help to teach him many things about himself and his culture.

An adaptation of the best-selling book, Drum from the Heart, by Indigenous author Ren Louie for ages 4-6.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 6.

This book is an adaptation of Drum from the Heart for ages 4 to 6.

This book is available in French: Les enseignements du tambour 

Additional Information 
24 pages | 8.50" x 7.50" | Hardcover 

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

Young Ryan Fox gets good grades, but he’s not sure what he wants to be when he grows up. It isn’t until he meets a Blackfoot doctor during a school assembly that he starts to dream big.

However, becoming a doctor isn’t easy. University takes Ryan away from his family and the Siksikaitsitapi community, and without their support, he begins to struggle. Faced with more stress than he’s ever experienced, he turns to partying. Distracted from his responsibilities, his grades start to slip. His bills pile up. Getting into med school feels impossible. And now his beloved uncle is in jail. Can Ryan regain his footing to walk the path he saw so clearly as a boy?

This inspiring graphic novel for young adults is based on a true story.

Awards

• NCSS-CBC Notable Social Studies Book 2025 Winner
• CBC Young Adult Favorites 2025 Winner
• 2025 Next Generation Indie Book Award (Graphic Novel) Winner

Reviews
“Readers will root for Chase as he struggles with realistic problems like failing grades, acute stress, near-alcoholism, bills, and suddenly becoming a dad….The Rez Doctor is an uplifting and realistic narrative of achieving your dreams and giving back to your community.” — Youth Services Book Review

“…this graphic novel would be a good addition to any collection.” — School Library Journal

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 12+

Themes, Subjects, and Big Ideas: YA Fiction, Graphic Novels, Coming of Age, Careers, Occupations, New Experiences.

Fountas & Pinnell (F&P) Level: Z

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

Learn about a heroic Dene girl named TthaNárëltth’ër who turned hardship into helping her people and others. We honour TthaNárëltth’ër every year on February 5th by dressing in the colour of her red jacket.

Educator Information
Includes information for educators on the legacy of TthaNárëltth’ër and honours TthaNárëltth’ër has received.

Bio of TthaNárëltth’ër for early years.

Additional Information
36 Pages | 21 × 0.3 × 20.5 cm | Paperback

This is one Creation Story of how some of Our Relatives, The Swimmers and The Winged-Ones helped Creator make Land for The Two-Legged, The Four-Legged, and The Crawlers on Turtle Island.

Additional Information
27 Pages | Hardcover 

Apprenez ce que veut dire la phrase « Chaque enfant compte ». Phyllis Webstad, la fondatrice de la Journee du chandail orange, presente un apercu de ce mouvement sincere. Chaque enfant compte honore l'histoire et la resilience des peuples autochtones sur l'Ile de la Tortue et nous permet de tous cheminer vers la verite et la reconciliation. Si vous etes un survivant des pensionnats ou un survivant intergenerationnel, vous comptez. Pour les enfants qui ne sont pas revenus a la maison, vous comptez. L'enfant en chacun de nous compte. Chaque enfant compte.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 10.

Find the accompanying Teacher Lesson Plan here: Chaque enfant compte plan de cours

This book is available in English: Every Child Matters

Additional Information
44 pages | 8.62" x 11.18" | Hardcover 

Learn the meaning behind the phrase, ‘Every Child Matters.'

Orange Shirt Day founder, Phyllis Webstad, offers insights into this heartfelt movement.

Every Child Matters honours the history and resiliency of Indigenous Peoples on Turtle Island and moves us all forward on a path toward Truth and Reconciliation.

If you're a Residential School Survivor or an Intergenerational Survivor - you matter. For the children who didn't make it home - you matter. The child inside every one of us matters. Every Child Matters.

Reviews
"Every Child Matters speaks to all Indigenous Peoples - past and present - whose lives have been impacted by the residential school system. Phyllis and Karlene beautifully honour the unity, strength and resolve shared by Survivors, their families and their communities. Residential schools took our children and tried to break their vibrant spirits. With this book, the children of today can learn the truths of this history and how they can play a part in making sure every child matters." – Stephanie Scott, Executive Director of the National Center for Truth and Reconciliation

“…a brilliantly illustrated and meticulously written narrative. It is a must read.” -  Chief Dr. Robert Joseph, Gwawaenuk, Elder, Reconciliation Canada

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 10.

Find the accompanying Teacher Lesson Plan resource HERE!

This book is available in French: Chaque enfant compte

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

This heartfelt imagining of what happens when a beloved pet dies offers children a caring introduction to the emotions of grief and loss, from a perspective of love and healing.

Shay and their dog Fluffy are best friends. Through the years they are each other’s source of comfort and companionship in times of both sadness and joy. When Shay learns that Fluffy is sick and they must say goodbye, they feel angry and scared. But Fluffy offers a gentle reassurance—as she always has—and Shay reflects on the meaningful bond they have shared with their friend and the love for her that they will hold in their heart forever.

Reviews
“An explanation of grief that is perfectly childlike, but never trivial….Easy to share in groups or one on one.” — School Library Journal

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.

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

A gorgeous picture book that pays homage to aviator Freddie Carmichael — the first Indigenous commercial pilot in the Arctic —with each month of the year highlighting moments from his life, the beauty of the North and the power of dreams.

When Freddie was young, he saw a plane up close for the first time when it dropped off supplies at his family’s remote bush camp. He was instantly hooked.

Freddie has flown for nearly seventy years, doing everything from supply runs to search and rescue to transporting dog teams to far-flung areas.

This book celebrates Freddie’s early dreams of flying and his later achievements. Readers move with Freddie through the year, hearing about his journey as a pilot and leader, while learning the names of the months in Gwich’in and Inuvialuktun at the same time. Art from Inuvialuit painter Audrea Loreen-Wulf perfectly captures the incredible Western Arctic as well as Freddie’s love for aviation.

Reviews
"The story of an Indigenous boy who dreamed of taking to the sky unfolds across the year in this picture-book biography that draws on Gwich’in language, the power of an unshakable passion, and, as rendered in the gorgeous painted illustrations, the beauty of nature." —Booklist

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 7.

Additional Information
32 pages | 11.31" x 8.25" | Hardcover

In this sequel to Maggie Lou, Firefox, the irrepressible Maggie Lou acquires a new cousin, and a horse - both of whom have minds of their own.

When Uncle Bobby gets married, Maggie Lou suddenly finds herself with a new cousin, Rosie. Rosie is the same age as Maggie. She also has a fabulous head of curls, although hers are red. And Rosie knows everything about horses and riding - something Maggie Lou has longed to do.

A rivalry sparks between the girls from the start at Uncle Bobby and Aunt Bonnie's wedding, which features an all-you-can-eat dessert table, as well as lots of energetic dancing. On Rosie's horse farm, Maggie experiences her share of humiliations as she learns how to ride on a pony so short that her feet can touch the ground.

Eventually the cousins become allies and wreak some hair-raising mischief, including a secret midnight horseback ride. And in the end they are joined by friends and family to train, hilariously, for the famous Otipîm'sowak Race - a Métis voyageur relay - carrying on a family tradition.

Throughout it all, Maggie remains stubborn and enthusiastic, as she navigates the new challenges of defeat, rivalry and family change.

Reviews
"A high-energy love letter to rambunctious girls, big families, and Métis culture." — Kirkus Reviews, June 2025

"Full of hilarious high jinks yet bursting with heart ... This book shines with realistic sibling relationships, funny dialogue, strong intergenerational bonds, and a steadfast connection to community and culture."— Booklist, July 2025

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 9 to 12.

This book is the second book in the Maggie Lou series.

Key Text Features: chapters; character drawings; dialogue; glossary; illustrations. 

Additional Information
228 pages | 5.00" x 7.50" | b&w illustrations | Paperback