Literacy
Synopsis:
From small sapling to towering giant, follow the long life of a cedar tree in this illustrated book for young scientists.
Step outside to explore the hidden mysteries of the cedar tree life cycle in this beautifully illustrated, engaging non-fiction book for young scientists ages 9 to 12.
Meet Nox Sim Gan, the cedar mother, whose life cycle spans centuries and whose roots anchor the landscape. The cedar mother plays a vital role in the ecosystem: offering shelter for birds in her strong limbs, providing refuge for small creatures beneath her bark, and healing the Gitxsan with a medicinal tea made from her soft, green leaves. She also creates the very oxygen that all land-dwelling creatures need to breathe.
Delve into the remarkable story of the western red cedar as you learn how she nourishes herself through an unexpected connection to salmon, the secret web of life that thrives beneath the ground, and how, at the end of her life, she leaves a final gift for the Gitxsan. This book invites young readers to discover the life of a tree that is much more than meets the eye, offering lessons in interconnectedness, and in wisdom passed down through generations.
Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 9 to 12.
Lexile measure: 1050L
This book is part of the Mother of Xsan series, which uses striking illustration and lyrical language to bring the poetry of the Xsan ecosystem to life. It is the eighth book in the series.
Additional Information
32 pages | 6.50" x 10.00" | Hardcover
Synopsis:
A bilingual Mi'kmaw-English board book promoting dental health in baby's first year.
Every morning and every night I need help brushing my teeth.
Look at me smiling so healthy and happy.
Healthy gums and teeth improve overall wellness and quality of life, and help you feel confident in your smile. Beginning during pregnancy, there are things you can do to support your child's gum and teeth health.
This informative board book written in Mi'kmaw and English will teach caregivers how to support their child's oral health through their first year of life and beyond. Develop healthy habits and learn what food and drink is best for growing teeth and gums, when to take baby to their first dental visit, and the appropriate amount of toothpaste for children.
Written by the Tui'kn Partnership with support from the Dalhousie University Faculty of Dentistry, Baby Smiles will make sure that baby's teeth are healthy and happy their whole life long.
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 and under.
Dual-Language: Mi'kmaw-English.
Additional Information
28 pages | 7.00" x 7.00" | Board Book
Synopsis:
A beautiful board book that introduces toddlers and young children to the Cherokee syllabary. The thirteen colorful illustrations draw children into the picture on every page. The object in each picture is named in Cherokee, along with the Cherokee pronunciation of the word, and the name of the object in English.
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 2 and under.
The object in each picture is named in Cherokee, along with the Cherokee pronunciation of the word, and the name of the object in English.
Additional Information
16 pages | 8.00" x 8.00" | Board Book
Synopsis:
Celebrate the 35th anniversary of this beloved holiday classic with a fresh edition that preserves the magic of the original story and brings it to life with stunning new illustrations.
The year is 1955. Arvaarluk and his friends watch Rocky Parsons land his plane on the ice in Repulse Bay, a tiny community “smack dab on the Arctic Circle.” Having never seen trees before, the children try to guess what the six green spindly things are that Rocky delivers. One of the boys has a brilliant idea: why not use them as baseball bats?
Michael Arvaarluk Kusugak is one of Canada’s foremost storytellers. Baseball Bats for Christmas captures the warmth and cadence of his voice as he describes the close-knit life of his community and the ingenuity he and his friends demonstrated when faced with something wholly unfamiliar.
Award-winning Inuk illustrator Coco Apunnguaq Lynge draws inspiration from the iconic work of Inuk artist Germaine Arnaktauyok to immerse the reader in the beauty of the Arctic landscape.
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 5 to 8.
Themes: Inuit; Arctic; community; multicultural; friends; resourcefulness.
Additional Information
32 pages | 8.50" x 10.75" | Hardcover
Synopsis:
These six posters are perfect for teaching or reinforcing key reading strategies to support a structured literacy approach. Use them to teach or remind students to decode words by trying various strategies:
- Blend the Sounds
- Break It into Syllables
- Find the Root Word
- Find the Vowel
- Sound It Out
- Tap Each Letter
Students will love seeing familiar faces from the Cedar School Decodables series, written by Emma Metallic and illustrated by Natalie Laurin. The Decodable Reading Strategies Posters also pair perfectly with the Cedar School Decodables: Words of Encouragement Sticker Sheets.
Each poster is printed in Canada on heavy stock paper with a matte finish.
Additional Information
10” x 14” | 6 Posters | 978-1-77174-686-1 | Made in Canada

Synopsis:
Encourage a love of reading with these adorable sticker sheets! Each sticker includes a short phrase that is decodable within the scope and sequence of the Cedar School Decodables series to inspire further reading practise and develop vocabulary.
The Words of Encouragement stickers can be used in a structured literacy approach to:
- Reinforce learned reading skills.
- Create a learning environment that introduces students to a variety of text.
- Make daily lessons fun and engaging for students.
- Encourage nervous readers to approach a challenging word or passage of text.
- Motivate readers to form positive reading habits.
- Celebrate readers’ successes and achievements.
With colourful artwork and cheerful messages, these stickers are the perfect choice for anyone wanting to celebrate the little ones in their lives. Childcare providers, nurses, and parents can encourage positive behaviour in a fun and meaningful way.
Young learners will love seeing familiar faces from the Cedar School Decodables series, written by Emma Metallic and illustrated by Natalie Laurin. The Words of Encouragement Sticker Sheets also pair perfectly with the Cedar School Decodables: Decodable Reading Strategies Posters.
Each package contains five identical sticker sheets with twenty-four unique designs.
Additional Information
5” x 7” | 5 Sticker Sheets, 24 Stickers per Sheet | 978-1-77174-685-4 | Made in Canada
Synopsis:
Learn about the rhythms of the seasons with Joshua in this captivating read-aloud story for ages 5 to 8.
Join Joshua as his father teaches him about traditional food harvesting.
Joshua loves being on the land. When the weather is warm, Joshua and his dad gather mint from the shores of Animbiigoo Zaagi’igan Anishinaabek (Lake Nipigon First Nation) in northeastern Ontario. But when will that be? It’s not when the leaves are changing colour. It’s not when the snow falls from the sky. It’s not when the flowers are budding. When is it time to gather mint from the land?
In the back of the book, find a glossary and pronunciation guide for the Swampy Cree and Anishinaabemowin words featured throughout the story.
Reviews
"Tyna Legault Taylor delivers a magical story of the seasons through Joshua’s sweet anticipation as he learns how to know when it is time to harvest katakipanik / gaaminomaagobagak / mint from the land. In this beautifully illustrated book, Joshua gains important land-based traditional knowledges from his father about harvesting, medicines, and Indigenous food sovereignty and learns key words in Northern Swampy Cree and Anishinaabemowin as he discovers his relationships to land. With the inclusion of a recipe for Mint From the Land Iced Tea and a glossary, this book will engage readers of all ages, but will be especially treasured by children who see themselves in Joshua’s curious and adventurous spirit!" — Barbara Parker, Associate Professor, Lakehead University
“Swampy Cree…and Anishinaabemowin words are interwoven seamlessly into the simply stated sentences. Dao’s vibrant illustrations radiate warmth and connection. Sharing land-based Indigenous knowledge, this is an informative picture-book-series opener.”—Booklist
“A warm and colourful tale that brings traditional teachings to life. This is a story from the home and the heart that the whole family will enjoy.”—Don Kelly, Gemini Award–nominated host of APTN's Fish Out of Water and Crazy Like a Lynx
“The lived experience of Joshua and his family...is a testament to the sacred connection between Indigenous people and the land. A great tool for all children to learn more about Indigenous people and Indigenous languages.”—Phil Fontaine, former National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations
Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 5 to 8.
Includes some Swampy Cree (n-dialect) words in brown and Anishinaabemowin words in green, but this is not a dual-language book.
The backmatter includes a Swampy Cree/Anishinaabemowin Glossary and a recipe for Mint From the Land Iced Tea.
Big Ideas: Land-Based and Place-Based Learning, Traditional Foods, Traditional Clothing, Traditional Medicine, STEM: Seasonal Cycles, STEM: Plants.
This book is part of the Joshua Learns from the Land series.
Additional Information
36 pages | 9.00" x 9.00" | Hardcover
Synopsis:
Let Dragonfly lead you on a journey of inspiration!
Following your winged guide, visit the places and things that can help you find strength in the present and imagine your amazing future. Dream alongside everything from a giant construction site and a sewing machine to the river and a blanket of moss. After your travels, Dragonfly asks: What do you like to dream about? With its mixed setting in rural and urban environments and exploration of both the natural and modern world, Dreaming Alongside gives readers permission to daydream and think of what magic their lives have the potential to hold.
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.
This bilingual book includes full text in both English and Plains Cree.
Translated into Plains Cree by Dorothy Thunder.
This book is available in English only: Dreaming Alongside.
Additional Information
32 pages | 9.00" x 9.00" | Hardcover
Synopsis:
Read along with Bree, Dee, and Reed, and learn the Long ‘ee’ Vowel.
Educator & Series Information
Recommended for K-2.
This book is part of the Drumbeat Decodable Book Collection Series 2.
Following the Drumbeat Decodable Series 1, the Drumbeat Decodable Series 2 also provides practice for children to become phonics-wise readers.
The Drumbeat Decodable Series 2 teach readers the long vowels (Long i_e, Long o_e, Long ee, Long ai, Long a_e, Long oa, Long u_e, and Long ea) in the context of cvc (consonant-vowel-consonant) words bringing a much-needed Indigenous Perspective to this phonics program. Each book contains a word list, high-frequency words, long vowel words, and fun activities for extended learning.
Additional Information
16 Pages | Paperback
Synopsis:
Read along with Eager Beaver and learn the Long ‘ea’ Vowel.
Educator & Series Information
Recommended for K-2.
This book is part of the Drumbeat Decodable Book Collection Series 2.
Following the Drumbeat Decodable Series 1, the Drumbeat Decodable Series 2 also provides practice for children to become phonics-wise readers.
The Drumbeat Decodable Series 2 teach readers the long vowels (Long i_e, Long o_e, Long ee, Long ai, Long a_e, Long oa, Long u_e, and Long ea) in the context of cvc (consonant-vowel-consonant) words bringing a much-needed Indigenous Perspective to this phonics program. Each book contains a word list, high-frequency words, long vowel words, and fun activities for extended learning.
Additional Information
16 Pages | Paperback
Synopsis:
Read along with June Bug and Duke and learn the Long ‘u_e’ Vowel.
Educator & Series Information
Recommended for K-2.
This book is part of the Drumbeat Decodable Book Collection Series 2.
Following the Drumbeat Decodable Series 1, the Drumbeat Decodable Series 2 also provides practice for children to become phonics-wise readers.
The Drumbeat Decodable Series 2 teach readers the long vowels (Long i_e, Long o_e, Long ee, Long ai, Long a_e, Long oa, Long u_e, and Long ea) in the context of cvc (consonant-vowel-consonant) words bringing a much-needed Indigenous Perspective to this phonics program. Each book contains a word list, high-frequency words, long vowel words, and fun activities for extended learning.
Additional Information
16 Pages | Paperback
Synopsis:
Read along with Shade and Snake and learn the Long ‘a_e’ Vowel.
Educator & Series Information
Recommended for K-2.
This book is part of the Drumbeat Decodable Book Collection Series 2.
Following the Drumbeat Decodable Series 1, the Drumbeat Decodable Series 2 also provides practice for children to become phonics-wise readers.
The Drumbeat Decodable Series 2 teach readers the long vowels (Long i_e, Long o_e, Long ee, Long ai, Long a_e, Long oa, Long u_e, and Long ea) in the context of cvc (consonant-vowel-consonant) words bringing a much-needed Indigenous Perspective to this phonics program. Each book contains a word list, high-frequency words, long vowel words, and fun activities for extended learning.
Additional Information
16 Pages | Paperback
Synopsis:
Read along with Snail Trail and learn the Long ‘ai’ Vowel.
Educator & Series Information
Recommended for K-2.
This book is part of the Drumbeat Decodable Book Collection Series 2.
Following the Drumbeat Decodable Series 1, the Drumbeat Decodable Series 2 also provides practice for children to become phonics-wise readers.
The Drumbeat Decodable Series 2 teach readers the long vowels (Long i_e, Long o_e, Long ee, Long ai, Long a_e, Long oa, Long u_e, and Long ea) in the context of cvc (consonant-vowel-consonant) words bringing a much-needed Indigenous Perspective to this phonics program. Each book contains a word list, high-frequency words, long vowel words, and fun activities for extended learning.
Additional Information
16 Pages | Paperback
Synopsis:
Read along with Stone Goes Home and learn the Long ‘o_e’ Vowel.
Educator & Series Information
Recommended for K-2.
This book is part of the Drumbeat Decodable Book Collection Series 2.
Following the Drumbeat Decodable Series 1, the Drumbeat Decodable Series 2 also provides practice for children to become phonics-wise readers.
The Drumbeat Decodable Series 2 teach readers the long vowels (Long i_e, Long o_e, Long ee, Long ai, Long a_e, Long oa, Long u_e, and Long ea) in the context of cvc (consonant-vowel-consonant) words bringing a much-needed Indigenous Perspective to this phonics program. Each book contains a word list, high-frequency words, long vowel words, and fun activities for extended learning.
Additional Information
16 Pages | Paperback
Synopsis:
Read along with The Oak Tree and learn the Long ‘oa’ Vowel.
Educator & Series Information
Recommended for K-2.
This book is part of the Drumbeat Decodable Book Collection Series 2.
Following the Drumbeat Decodable Series 1, the Drumbeat Decodable Series 2 also provides practice for children to become phonics-wise readers.
The Drumbeat Decodable Series 2 teach readers the long vowels (Long i_e, Long o_e, Long ee, Long ai, Long a_e, Long oa, Long u_e, and Long ea) in the context of cvc (consonant-vowel-consonant) words bringing a much-needed Indigenous Perspective to this phonics program. Each book contains a word list, high-frequency words, long vowel words, and fun activities for extended learning.
Additional Information
16 Pages | Paperback