Abenaki (Wabanaki)

There, in the middle of the forest, the young calf stood alone. 

When a young moose calf gets lost in a storm, he is found by Nana and Papa, a kind couple who offer him shelter and a name: Charlie. They bring him home to Matachewan First Nation, where two dogs, Spike and Molly, happily welcome him into their pack. Together, Charlie and his friends spend their days digging holes on the beach, playing fetch, and having fun. 

But Charlie is growing fast, and soon it will be time for him to return to the forest. With Spike and Molly by his side, Charlie sets off on an adventure to learn more about himself—and what it means to be a moose. 

Educator Information 
This illustrated chapter book is recommended for ages 6 to 9. The chapters are each titled with an Ojibwe word or phrase, and a glossary of the Ojibwe words and their pronunciations is included at the back of the book. Discussion questions and an author’s note can also be found at the end of the book, and a free lesson plan is available for download on our website. 

With an engaging story, lovable characters, and powerful messages, Charlie the Matachewan Moose is perfect for readers transitioning from picture books to chapter books. Meaningful themes of identity and self-awareness provide opportunities for discussion, making this book an excellent choice for homes and classrooms. 

Curriculum Connections 

• English Language Arts – figures of speech, reading, listening, discussing 

• Science – diverse ecosystems, animal behaviours and habitats 

• Personal and Social Awareness – personal and cultural identity, connecting to community, identifying values 

• Art – traditional Indigenous art styles 

• Social-Emotional Learning – recognizing and managing emotions, building positive relationships, showing empathy  

• Indigenous Knowledge and Traditions – Ojibwe language and teachings, cultural significance of animals

Additional Information 
112 Pages | 5.5” x 8.5” | Paperback | Printed in Canada 

Nichemis est encore tout petit, mais sa grande sœur se fait un devoir de lui faire découvrir les splendeurs et richesses de leur culture. Au cœur de cette histoire, les liens forts tissés entre la famille et les membres de la communauté s’épanouissent, créant un récit riche en découvertes et en amour fraternel. Nichemis, petit frère est un album tendre qui allie la ferveur de la transmission à la fierté de l’identité abénakise.

Educator Information
Juvenile Fiction 

Il y a de cela très longtemps, une ourse bleue comme la nuit et vivant dans le ciel donna naissance à un petit ourson, Awassos. Malheureusement, elle dut l'abandonner sur Terre pour le protéger d'un grand chasseur. Awassos, dont la fourrure brillait encore comme des étoiles, fut recueilli par les esprits de la forêt, qui le regardèrent grandir.Mais sa maman lui manquant beaucoup, l'ours décida d'aller explorer son nouveau monde pour trouver le moyen de revenir auprès d'elle. Au cours de cette grande aventure, Awassos acquit son pelage, ses griffes et ses crocs. Il n'aurait cependant jamais imaginé qu'il rencontrerait une femme-étoile, Mkuigo, qui lui ferait découvrir l'amour et lui permettrait de devenir... le tout premier homme.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6+.

Additional Information
54 Pages | Paperback

To many Native Americans, the 13 cycles of the moon represent the changing seasons and the passage of time. Each moon has its own special name that, while varying among the tribal nations, is consistent with the legend that the 13 scales on Old Turtle's back hold the key to these moons. The authors present 13 poems that take readers through the year, from the "Moon of Popping Trees"--when the "cottonwoods crack with frost"--to the "Big Moon" of the Abenakis. The book's effective design consists of verses in vertical columns at the left of each spread, with the remainder occupied by Locker's ( Family Farm ; Catskill Eagle ) typically lush artwork. His oil paintings are eye-catching in their depth of color reflecting dramatic seasonal changes. Trees, skies and woodland creatures are rendered in vivid hues that combine to produce an enthralling vision. This unusual and intelligent book is an exemplary introduction to Native American culture with its emphasis on the importance of nature.

Additional Infromation
32 pages | 8.00" x 10.25"