Language

Tsunaxen sets off on a relaxing canoe ride and has an adventure instead!

In a Coast Salish village, beautifully described with bright illustrations, lives young Tsunaxen who knows to practice his cultural teachings by giving thanks and trusting in the Creator, no matter what he encounters.

Educator Information
Recommended for Grades 3 and under.

Dual-Language: English and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Sníchim (Squamish)

Additional Information
32 pages | 7.90" x 9.80"

Kudlu's children will not go to sleep until he tells them a story of long ago. Before they will shut their eyes, they want to hear about a time long before Kudlu was born, a time when the world was magic. Before they can sleep, they want to hear about giants, animals disguised as humans, little people the size of lemmings, and all of the other wonderful things that existed way back then.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

Bilingual: English and Inuktitut 

Reviews
“A bilingual sampler—cold of setting but warm of spirit.” — ★ Kirkus

Additional Information
44 pages | 8.75" x 8.75" | Paperback 

"There are many things I would like to do and see with my friend in Qikiqtarjuaq."

Monica wants to visit her friend Mary in Qikiqtarjuaq, Nunavut. Monica likes to imagine all the fun they will have together there. Monica and Mary will go camping, fish for delicious Arctic char, and see the big icebergs around the community. There will be lots to do when Monica visits Qikiqtarjuaq in this bilingual picture book!

Reviews
"The book touches on Qikiqtarjuaq’s history while highlighting the natural features and landforms that define the region, known as the “iceberg capital” of Nunavut. Through simple, descriptive language and vivid illustrations, it offers a warm, culturally rich introduction to Arctic life, Inuit clothing and Traditions, and the northern landscape. Ideal for early primary classrooms, this story invites students to explore place-based experiences, family, belonging, and a deep connection to community and land." - Shannon D., Elementary & Middle School Teacher, Indigenous Books for Schools

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.

Dual-Language: English and Inuktitut.

This book is part of the Community Connections series.

This book is included in the Indigenous Books for Schools database from the Association of Book Publishers of BC. It is recommended for K to 2 classrooms for English Language Arts, Science, Social Studies. 

Additional Information
19 pages | 8.00" x 9.00" | Paperback

Follow a day in the life of a young, mixed heritage Ojibwe child and learn key words and phrases from the Ojibwe language in this enchantingly illustrated children’s book.

The Ojibwe people are the largest Indigenous group of Turtle Island, now known as North America, and live around the present-day Great Lakes. After their land was taken by Europeans, many Ojibwe children were placed in boarding schools that forbid them to use their native language. Though this led to a decline in fluent speakers, there is a growing movement to restore the strength of the Ojibwe language.

In Ojibwe culture, a dream catcher (izhi’on) protects people, especially children, from harm by catching bad dreams in its web and allowing good dreams to pass through the feathers hanging at the bottom.

Wisdom Weavers introduces children to the Ojibwe language from an Indigenous perspective. International speaker, author, and creator of Ojibwe Word of the Day, James Vukelich Kaagegaabaw, presents a selection of words and phrases throughout the day while his son learns about the Ojibwe tradition of the dream catcher. Created with children ages 6 to 11 (beginner- to mid-level readers) in mind, Wisdom Weavers is an engaging and accessible way for children to discover the Ojibwe language and learn key phrases and words like:

How to welcome the morning - Mino-giizhigad
How to say I love you - Gizhawenimin
How to be grateful - Miigwech
How to make an offering - Biindaakoojige
School - Gikinoo’amaadiiwigamig
Tree - Mitig
Backpack -Bimiwanaan
Sun - Giizis
And more!

This inspiring story features a total of 73 words and phrases to learn in Ojibwe, introduced throughout the visually captivating and representative scenes showing an average day in an Ojibwe family from illustrator Marcus Trujillo, a tribal member with the Pueblo of Laguna in affiliation with the Village of Paraje. Also featuring a brief history of the Ojibwe people and language and a culturally accurate how-to guide for making a dream catcher at home, Wisdom Weavers immerses young people in a vibrant traditional culture while helping to keep the Ojibwe language and customs alive.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 11.

This book includes some words and phrases in Ojibwe, but it is not a fully dual-language book.

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

Encourage children to show love and support for each other and to consider each other’s well-being in their everyday actions.

Award-winning author and international speaker Monique Gray Smith wrote You Hold Me Up to prompt a dialogue among young people, their care providers and educators about reconciliation and the importance of the connections children make with others. With vibrant illustrations from award-winning author and illustrator Danielle Daniel, this is a foundational book about building relationships, fostering empathy and encouraging respect between peers, starting with our littlest citizens.

Educator Information
This board book version of You Hold Me Up is recommended for ages 2 and under.

This book is available in hardcover: You Hold Me Up

This book is available in English and Plains Cree: You Hold Me Up / ê-ohpinitoyahk

This book is available in English and Anishinaabemowin: You Hold Me Up / Gimanaadenim 

This book is also available in French: Tu es là pour moi

Additional Information
24 pages | 7.00" x 7.00" | Board Book

A colouring book that teaches the Plains Cree language! A Little Plains Cree Colouring Book—Plains Cree People explores kinship relationships, the names of various family members and careers in the Plains Cree language.

The content focuses on terms familiar to the First Nations Cree people of Saskatchewan and is a companion to nēhiyawēwin awāsi-masinahikanis—A Little Plains Cree Book for Children: A Reference for Teaching the Plains Cree Language. Our hope is to encourage a basic understanding of the language so that learners are able to converse with Plains Cree speakers. The best path to fluency in the Plains Cree language is immersion, but learning one word at a time is a good place to start!

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 12.

Find companion resources here:

• A Little Plains Cree Book for Children: A Reference for Teaching the Plains Cree Language
• nēhiyawēwin awāsi-masinahikanis: A Little Plains Cree Book for Children—Teaching Guide

Additional Information
56 pages | 8.50" x 11.00" | Paperback

A debut picture book that celebrates self-love, care, and resilience with one of the most widespread plants—the dandelion.

Both a love letter to the dandelion and a call to love ourselves in a difficult world, Âmî Osâwâpikones reminds us that we are not defined as others see us. Following our young protagonist and the dandelions through the seasons, we are reminded that we are resilient, we are healers, we are funny, and we are loved.

Reviews
“A playful, lyrical, and persuasive love letter to a dandelion ... This tribute to a precious flowering plant will capture readers’ hearts.” —Kirkus Reviews

“SJ combines her gifts as both author and illustrator in this beautiful and endearing book that both children and adults will adore.” —Monique Gray-Smith

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 7.

Includes some Cree words (y-dialect - Plains Cree).  Plains Cree translations and a pronunciation guide can be found at the back of the book.

Includes an Author's Note that describes the inspiration for this story.

Themes: self-love, resilience, care, and lightheartedness conveyed through the dandelion. 

This book is available in French: Âmî Osâwâpikones / Cher pissenlit 

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

Apli’kmuj, the rabbit, is heading to the gathering—all on his own! His forest friends try to help guide his way, but they must follow their own paths and cannot travel with him. The salmon swims upstream and the owl can fly above the trees, but how will Ali'kmuj get there to perform his dance for all the creatures at the gathering? Maybe the four sacred medicines can help him on his journey!

Apli’kmuj's Journey is a fun and accessible story that describes Mi'kmaq values and vocabulary, and was created to engage Indigenous and non-Indigenous children alike!

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 5 to 8.

This book teaches about the four sacred medicines, sweetgrass, sage, cedar, and tobacco.

Additional Information
36 pages | 10.03" x 8.07" | Paperback 

This poetic journey through Inuit oral history gives a glimpse of traditional beliefs surrounding the creation of the world. From the creation of day and night and the Sun and the Moon, to the origin of Death, this collection of simple retellings is richly supported by the artwork of acclaimed artist Germaine Arnattaujuq.

Featuring a foreword by the artist about her work illustrating Inuit myths and legends, this introduction to traditional Inuit stories is based on the animated film Arctic Song, which was co-produced and co-directed by Germaine Arnattaujuq and Neil Christopher.

Educator Information
Dual-language: English and Inuktitut

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

tānisi! my little one, tānisi!

Auntie always greets Cree in Nehiyaw when she comes for a visit. When Auntie arrives with a surprise gift hidden in her bag, Cree can’t wait to discover what it is. The first clue? It’s from the rez. As Cree tries to figure out what it might be, the bag starts to move. Cree is thrilled when the bag opens and out jumps a rez puppy!

Cree asks Auntie how to take care of the new puppy. Auntie talks to Cree about the importance of dogs in their culture. They are our relatives, she explains, and need to be well taken care of. Cree decides she will name her new puppy "Atim", the Nehiyaw word for dog.

Awards

• Winner of the 2021 Second Story Press Indigenous Writing Contest

Reviews
"Everyone has an auntie like the auntie in this book! She is eclectic and kooky and brings surprises that come with important teachings about responsibility and reciprocity.” — Nancy Cooper, First Nations Consultant for the Southern Ontario Library Services and coordinator for First Nation

“The Auntie in this story sounds so cool and I can just imagine how exciting it would be when she came to visit. This story is fun and sweet and has a great message about taking care of our pets and one another.” — Jodie Callaghan, author of Ga’s/The Train

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

A dual-language edition in English and Plains Cree, Y Dialect, is available: okāwīsimāw omēkiwin askīhkānihk ohci / Auntie's Rez Surprise.

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

A thunderstorm evokes a boy's family traditions, in this rainy-day story from award-winning author Melanie Florence.

Benjamin loves the rain. He loves splashing through puddles in his bright yellow rain boots and watching the colors of a rainbow in the water as they ripple around his feet. But most of all, Benjamin loves thunder. To him, thunder --- piyêsiwak --- sounds like his grandfather's drum. It calls to him, like the songs his grandfather plays while his father and other powwow dancers spin and step in time to the drumbeat. As Benjamin hears the thunder rumble overhead, he imagines himself as a powwow dancer. He spins, he taps his feet and he lifts his knees. Faster and faster he twirls, delighted by and filled with the rhythm of piyêsiwak.

This artfully written story from award-winning author Melanie Florence celebrates both the universal joys of playing in the rain and the connections to family traditions that center and ground us. Elements of Cree powwow culture and Cree words for colors and weather are interwoven into the story, with a pronunciation guide in the back matter.

The vibrant and eye-catching art by Hawlii Pichette, inspired by the scenery of northern Ontario, adds drama to the pages. This inviting picture book makes a perfect read-aloud for a rainy day, as well as an excellent introduction to Cree cultural traditions, local communities and experiencing nature firsthand.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 7.

This book is available in French: Benjamin, au rythme du tonnerre 

This book is part of the Benjamin Outdoors series. From dancing in the rain with thunder for a drum to planting a vegetable garden with his mom, Benjamin loves being in nature. With evocative text and vibrant art, this delightful picture book series celebrates the joys of spending time outdoors and weaves in nature-related Cree words.

Additional Information
32 pages | 10.00" x 8.50" | Hardcover

Busy beavers have a family reunion in this story that celebrates Indigenous perspectives.

It’s a special day for Amik the beaver and her little sister, Nishiime. Their cousins are coming to visit! Amik is excited, but Nishiime feels nervous about meeting new people, and when the cousins finally arrive, Nishiime disappears.

Lively, immersive illustrations show Amik and her cousins as they search the woods for Nishiime. Each creature they encounter, introduced to readers using their Anishinaabe names, reveals how beavers help the forest community. A fish thanks them for digging canals in the mud that they swim through. A deer thanks the beavers for cutting down trees so they can reach the tastiest leaves. None of the creatures have seen Nishiime, but keen-eyed kids will have spotted her hiding in the background throughout the story.

Eventually, Nishiime returns to the group, having overcome her shyness by learning an important lesson: despite being from different places, the beavers are all united by the ways they support the forest ecosystem. With the perfect blend of fact and fun, this salute to the industrious beaver is also an energetic celebration of Indigenous perspectives, languages, and diversity.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 7.

Includes some Anishinaabe words.  A glossary is found at the back of the book.

Each beaver in the story comes from a different Nation, and their names mean "beaver" in their own language.

Curriculum Connections
Language Arts: Reading
Science: Needs and Characteristics of Living Things; Habitats
Social Studies: Indigenous Peoples

Additional Information
32 pages | 10.50" x 9.00" | Hardcover

A lullaby of reconciliation and reclamation, celebrating the ancestral relationship between Indigenous children and the land that is forever their home.

Under glowing morning sun and silvery winter moon, from speckled frogs croaking in spring to summer fields painted with fireweed, this meditative lullaby introduces little ones to the plants and animals of the Prairies and the Plains. Featuring stunning artwork by celebrated artist Carla Joseph, Forever Our Home is a beautiful and gentle song about our spiritual connection to the land.

Reviews
A tender hymn to the prairie in all seasons...Uplifting and joyous." — Kirkus Reviews

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.

Written in both Plains Cree and English and featuring stunning artwork by celebrated artist Carla Joseph, Forever Our Home / kâkikê kîkinaw is a beautiful and gentle song about our spiritual connection to the land.

Find the English version here: Forever Our Home

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

Part of the Little Explorers series, this book shows young readers how to garden everything from flowers to veggies — and offers tips and tricks for keeping it all in bloom.

Let's get our hands dirty!

Whether you have a big backyard or pots on a balcony, you can grow just about anything if you have healthy soil, plenty of water, and bright sunlight. This book in the Little Explorers series takes young readers through every step to creating their own garden: from collecting nutrient-rich soil and choosing the right time of day to water your plants, to identifying helpful critters from unwanted pests. Featuring new vocabulary words like "germinate," "fertilizer," and "pollinator," and encouraging a microscopic look at nature, this is the perfect book for curious little gardeners.

What will you grow first?

Educator & Series Information
Recommended Ages: 4-8

This book is part of the Little Explorers Series.

Additional Information
32 pages | 8.00" x 6.50"