Writing

The Cherokee Syllabary: An Illustrated Key to the Cherokee Language reintroduces adults as well as children to their language once again. The introduction and pronunciation key aid in understanding the beautifully illustrated syllabary characters. Accompanying each illustration is a Cherokee word that contains the Cherokee syllabary character, the Cherokee sounds of each syllabary character in the word, the word in English and a row of syllabary characters with sound of each below. Young children will be enchanted by the delightful illustrations. The concept for the illustrations was influenced by medieval illuminated manuscripts. The book is a valuable educational resource for schools and libraries that adds multicultural diversity to their classrooms and collections.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8, but anyone learning the Cherokee language could find this useful.

Includes an Understanding the Text page, nothing that the Cherokee alphabet isn't an alphabet but a syllabary (each Cherokee character represents a complete syllable) and explaining more about the information in the book.

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

Anishinaabe educator and author Wanda Barker, Bear Clan from Hollow Water First Nation brings her knowledge and fluency in Anishinaabemowin to language learners in her book Anishinaabemowin Animal Alphabet Book 1. This alphabet book focuses on the letters used in the double vowel writing system. The book focuses on learning the names of animals, information on the animals and their actions. A double vowel chart to learn the sounds and pronunciation is included.

Educator Information
Recommended for grades 1 to 3.

Additional Information
36 Pages 

In this charming picture book allegory of the creative writing process, happenstance and weather events symbolize the emotional ebb and flow of writing a poem.

I had a poem in my pocket,
but my pocket got a rip.
Rhymes tumbled down my leg
and trickled from my hip.

Thus begins the journey of a young poet's words out into the world, where they join randomly with other words to form funny riffs and puns all over a busy city street. The child scrambles to capture the loose words and arrange them back into poem form, only to lose them again as a storm swoops in on a rushing wind. Eventually, the words plant themselves in the muddy ground, where they grow into something that might be even better than the original poem: a Poet-Tree.

Not only a fanciful rhyming adventure tale, Chris Tougas's picture book is also a delightful allegory for the creative writing process. Perfect for classroom discussions about the emotional ups and downs of writing, this highly innovative book celebrating poetry and creativity is an excellent choice for National Poetry Month. It also showcases the magic of language and how much fun words can be. High-energy artwork by Josée Bisaillon is so full of words in flight and at play that children can pore over it again and again, and in the final spread, readers can search for rhyming pairs. An afterword discusses National Poetry Month and Poem in Your Pocket Day. This is a book that adult writers will also appreciate.

Reviews
"This is a whimsical, rhyming story that gives expression to the long frustration and toil that's often part of the artistic process." —Booklist

"This book about wordplay strikes the write balance between silly and sincere."—Kirkus Reviews

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 7.

Lexile Code: Adult Directed 
Lexile Level: 570

Additional Information
24 pages | 9.15" x 10.35" | Hardcover 

Step 1: Choose an idea for your story. A good one.
Step 2: Decide on a setting. Don't be afraid to mix things up.
Step 3: Create a heroine—or a hero.
Now: Begin.

Accomplished storytellers Kate Messner and Mark Siegel playfully chronicle the process of becoming a writer, guiding young storytellers through the joys and challenges of the writing process. From choosing an idea, to creating a problem for their character to resolve, to coming to The End, this empowering picture book breaks down the writing process in a dynamic and accessible way, encouraging kids to explore their own creativity—and share their stories with others!

Key Features:

• Perfect for educators, librarians, and parents who are helping children develop early writing and reading skills
• Great read-aloud book for preschool- and kindergarten-aged children interested in learning to read
• Helps teach Common Core Curriculum skills

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 8 to 12.

Additional Information
36 pages | 10.05" x 10.40"

A first of its kind, Pacific Northwest Indigenous Art Activity Book features playful educational activities for children. Each page features original Indigenous art alongside fun and challenging activities intended to develop reading, writing, colouring, and problem solving skills.

Additional Information
24 pages 

Illustrator Rogé visited a school in Mingan, an Innu village in northeastern Quebec. He spent a few days taking the time to photograph each child. Once he returned home to his studio, brush in hand, he revisited the eyes of these children and drew their portraits.

Mingan, my village is a collection of fifteen faces, and fifteen poems written by young Innu. Given a platform to be heard, the children chose to transport readers far away from the difficulties and problems related to their realities to see the beauty that surrounds them in nature.

First published in French as Mingan Mon Village in 2012, which won several awards and nominations, including:  Winner, 2013 Prix des libraires du Québec jeunesse (5-11 years category); 2013 Governor General’s Award, French Children’s Illustration finalist Finalist; Prix TD de Littérature Canadienne pour L’enfance et la Jeunesse 2013.

Reviews
"Mingan, My Village is a beautiful collection of poetry created by Innu children of the Teueikan school in Mingan, Quebec. The compilation includes 15 poems and 15 portraits that reveal a glimpse into the lives of the poets. Their poetry often focuses on local values, including relationships with nature and connections with the ancestors. The children skilfully integrate elements of imagery, metaphor, and simile, filling each page with emotion and meaning. . . Mingan, My Village offers a heartfelt glimpse into the lives of the Innu children. The poetry is inspired and supported by a range of artists, and Rogé's artwork masterfully complements the poets. Highly Recommended." — CM Magazine

Additional Information
42 pages | 8.00" x 12.00"

This exciting title introduces readers to the folktale genre. Readers will learn that folktales are often passed down and retold from generation to generation. Readers will discover the similarities and differences between folktales from around the world. The title also includes guided writing activities to help readers write their own folktales.

Educator & Series Information
Reading Level: Gr. 3
Interest Level: Gr. 3-6
Guided Reading Level: P

This book is part of the Text Styles series. Myths, folktales, legends, and fables—each kind of story has a set of rules for its construction. This engaging new series shows young readers how to look at stories in a whole new way. Children will develop their reading comprehension and critical reading skills by learning to identify the characteristics of different literary genres, or styles, in stories from around the world. Writing guides show students how to create their own stories in each particular style. 

Additional Information
32 pages | 7.80" x 9.60"