2020 - 2021 Selections

Nibi is determined to bring clean water to her community.

Nibi is the Anishinabemowin word for water. In Nibi’s Water Song, Nibi is an Indigenous girl on the search for clean water to drink. Though she is faced with repeated obstacles, Nibi’s joyful and determined energy becomes a catalyst for change and action as her community rallies around her to make clean drinking water available for all.

First published in 2020, Nibi’s Water Song was shortlisted for both the IODE Jean Throop Award and longlisted for the First Nations Communities READ Award. This dual-language edition presents the text in both English and Anishinabemowin.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4-8.

Dual-language: English and Anishinabemowin

Translated by Tina Nottaway. Tina is an Algonquin Anicinabe Ikwe artist and translator from Rapid Lake, Quebec. She is fluent in her language, Anicinabemowin. Tina is also a crafter and facilitates workshops on moccasin making, birchbark basket making and other cultural activities.

This resource is available in English: Nibi's Water Song

This resource is also available in French: Nibi a soif, très soif

Additional Information
32 pages | 9.51" x 9.51" | Paperback

I lost my talk
The talk you took away
When I was a little girl
At Shubenacadie school.

One of Rita Joe's most influential poems, "I Lost My Talk" tells the revered Mi'kmaw Elder's childhood story of losing her language while a resident of the residential school in Shubenacadie, Nova Scotia. An often quoted piece in this era of truth and reconciliation, Joe's powerful words explore and celebrate the survival of Mi'kmaw culture and language despite its attempted eradication.

A companion book to the simultaneously published I'm Finding My Talk by Rebecca Thomas, I Lost My Talk is a necessary reminder of a dark chapter in Canada's history, a powerful reading experience, and an effective teaching tool for young readers of all cultures and backgrounds. Includes a biography of Rita Joe and striking colour illustrations by Mi'kmaw artist Pauline Young.

Reviews
"This picture book version of I Lost My Talk is best read with Rebecca Thomas’s I’m Finding My Talk. These haunting, evocative books bring an original approach to the exploration of Canadian residential schools in picture books. For readers and teachers who appreciate fact-based information, there is also “A Short History of Residential Schools” at the end of I Lost My Talk. Educators, librarians, and families will find their classrooms and book collections invaluably enriched by these books. They are real tools of truth and reconciliation; as such, they belong on every bookshelf in Canada and beyond." - CM Reviews

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 9.

This work features a short history of residential schools and information about the author.

Recommended in the Canadian Indigenous Books for Schools 2020/2021 resource list for grades 1-7 for English Language Arts.

Additional Information
32 pages | 8.00" x 10.00"

I'm finding my talk
And it may take some time,
But I'm learning to speak
In a language that's mine.

A response to Rita Joe's iconic poem "I Lost My Talk," and published simultaneously with the new children's book edition illustrated by Pauline Young, comes a companion picture book by award-winning spoken-word artist and Mi'kmaw activist Rebecca Thomas. A second-generation residential school survivor, Thomas writes this response poem openly and honestly, reflecting on the process of working through the destructive effects of colonialism.

From sewing regalia to dancing at powow to learning traditional language, I'm Finding My Talk is about rediscovering her community, and finding culture. Features stunning, vibrant illustrations by Mi'kmaw artist Pauline Young.

Reviews
"Published as a companion to the picture book I Lost My Talk, featuring the famous poem by Rita Joe, both volumes explore the legacy of Canada’s residential schools. They feature vibrant illustrations by Pauline Young that bring the words alive with emotional nuance. This remarkable pair of books possesses the rare ability of being suited to readers of all ages: three to six-year-olds, the traditional intended audience of picture books, will be captivated by the bright, lively illustrations; elementary and middle school children will find their Social Studies curriculum enriched by experiencing these important concepts rendered creatively; teens and adults will gain insight and empathy by enjoying these beautiful poems." - CM Reviews

"[A]n honest reflection on the process of working through the destructive effects of colonialism by participating in cultural connections. This book offers the opportunity to show the journey one takes when rediscovering their community and culture." - The Dalai Lama Center

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 9.

Recommended in the Canadian Indigenous Books for Schools 2020/2021 resource list for grades 1-3 in the areas of Social Studies and Language Arts.

Former Halifax Poet Laureate and second-generation residential school survivor Rebecca Thomas writes honestly and powerfully in this companion piece to Rita Joe's I Lost My Talk. Includes vibrant illustrations from Mi'kmaw artist Pauline Young.

Additional Information
32 pages | 8.00" x 10.00"

Based on ancient Haida narratives, this vibrantly illustrated children's book empowers young people and teaches them to live in harmony with nature.

Haida Gwaii is home to a rich and vibrant culture whose origins date back thousands of years. Today, the Haida People are known throughout Canada and the world for their artistic achievements, their commitment to social justice and environmental protection, and their deep connection to the natural world. Embedded in Haida culture and drawn from ancient oral narratives are a number of Supernatural Beings, many of them female, who embody these connections to the land, the sea, and the sky. Magical Beings of Haida Gwaii features ten of these ancient figures and presents them to children as visually engaging, empowering, and meaningful examples of living in balance with nature. Developed by renowned Haida activist, lawyer, performer, and artist Terri-Lynn Williams-Davidson and Haida educator Sara Florence Davidson, this book challenges stereotypes, helps advance reconciliation, and celebrates Indigenous identity and culture.

Reviews
"Magical Beings of Haida Gwaii is a gentle, powerful collection of words and pictures, stories that hold knowledge, teachings, and traditions for the generations of today and the future. A must-read for those who live on the beautiful island of Haida Gwaii, and any Canadian who wants to learn about one of the many vital Indigenous cultures across Turtle Island." — David A. Robertson, winner of the Governor General’s award for When We Were Alone

"Magical Beings of Haida Gwaii is an enchanting book born of a close relationship and understanding of how we see the world from an Indigenous perspective. There is an intrinsic value to stories recorded from the most natural of primary sources, our families. Terri-Lynn and Sara Davidson have given us a lesson on how to value our Indigenous magical beings as we all have them."— Naa-Jing-Jada, Verna J. Kirkness, educator and author of Creating Space: My Life and Work in Indigenous Education

"An absolute treasure and honouring for the Haida People and for Haida Gwaii, and a marvel of devotion for the world to learn from. Oh I love this book so much! I am in awe of Magical Beings of Haida Gwaii. Every Nation deserves a book as gorgeous and as healing as this one." — Richard Van Camp, award-winning author of Moccasin Square Gardens

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 5 to 8.

Recommended in the Canadian Indigenous Books for Schools 2020/2021 resource list for grades 2 to 9 for English Language Arts, Fine Arts, and Social Studies.

Includes a glossary and pronunciation guide at the back. 

A Colouring and Activity Book for this work can be found here: Magical Beings of Haida Gwaii Colouring and Activity Book

Additional Information
64 pages | 8.00" x 10.00" | Paperback

Donovan is hungry for a special kind of breakfast . . . BEAR!

It’s breakfast time and Donovan knows exactly what he wants this morning! Not eggs, not pancakes, not cereal. No, what he wants is BEAR, just like his grandfather used to eat for breakfast!  

So Donovan sets off to bag a bear of his own, going on an adventurous hunt through the woods, where he stalks and is stalked by an ant, a squirrel, and a dog — but they are not bears, so he shoos them away!

When Donovan finally meets a real, big and growling bear, he quickly learns that sometimes breakfast tastes best when it doesn’t have any teeth!

Educator Information
This story was inspired by Donovan, a first-grader in La Loche, Saskatchewan, a Chippewan community in northern Saskatchewan that Robert Munsch visited in January, 1990. When Robert asked what the kids liked to eat, Donovan said that he liked to eat BEAR!

This resource is also available in French: Un ours pour dejeuner!

This book is also available in English and Algonquin:Bear for Breakfast / Makwa kidji kijeba wisiniyan

Additional Information
32 pages

A tender, luminous portrait of art, nature, and connecting across generations.

When a young girl moves from the country to a small town, she feels lonely and out of place. But soon she meets an elderly woman next door, who shares her love of arts and crafts. Can the girl navigate the changing seasons and failing health of her new friend? Acclaimed author and artist Julie Flett’s textured images of birds, flowers, art, and landscapes bring vibrancy and warmth to this powerful story, which highlights the fulfillment of intergenerational relationships and shared passions.

Awards

• TD Canadian Children's Literature Award

Educator Information
Recommended Ages: 3 to 8

Recommended Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 3.

Curriculum Connections: Family - Indigenous, Friendship, Emotions and Feelings, Nature, Seasons

Gorgeous artwork captures life cycles, changing seasons, and the passing of life, providing a gentle way to discuss difficult subject matter with youth including loneliness, death, and grief.

Guided Reading Level: L

RRL: 19

Common Core State Standards
W.2.3,5,7,8
SL.2.1,1b,1c,2,3,4,6
RF.2.3,3d,3f,4,4a,4c
L.2.3,4,4a,4d,5,5a,5b,6

Recommended in the Canadian Indigenous Books for Schools 2020/2021 resource list as being useful for grades K-2 in these areas: English Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies.

Additional Information
48 pages | 10.00" x 10.00"

Nadia Sammurtok lovingly invites the reader into the amautik—the pouch in the back of a mother’s parka used to carry a child—to experience everything through the eyes of the baby nestled inside, from the cloudlike softness of the pouch to the glistening sound of Anaana’s laughter.

Sweet and soothing, this book offers a unique perspective that will charm readers of all ages.

Reviews
"Each spread appeals to a different sense, creating a deliciously cozy and nurturing microenvironment for this lucky tot. Inuit author and educator Sammurtok brings her work preserving Inuktitut to the text, with a spare sprinkling of vocabulary (defined in a closing glossary). The repetition of “In my anaana’s amautik” at the beginning of each short paragraph is both lulling and reinforcing of the relationship between child and mother. Canadian illustrator Lishchenko’s use of textures and subtle colors blends well with the strong, simple text. Delicate pastels give the Arctic landscape a welcoming beauty, and fanciful depictions of the similes the narrator suggests lend a playful air. The far north has never felt so deliciously warm." — Kirkus, STARRED review

"This gentle story is warm, cozy, and loving—just like being in anaana’s amautik. Readers will carry this gorgeous book close to their hearts." — School Library Journal, STARRED review

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 and under.

Additional Information
24 pages | 9.00" x 9.00"

Begin and end the day with gratitude.

Award-winning author Richard Van Camp wanted to express his gratitude for all that surrounds him and his family. The strength of their connections, the nature that provides for them, the love that is endless. Complemented by photos from Indigenous women photographers who celebrate their own gratefulness on the collective blog Tea&Bannock, the simple verse in May We Have Enough to Share is the perfect way to start or end your little one's days in gratitude.

Educator Information
Ages 2 and under.

Themes: gratitude, sharing, community, mindfulness, babies, toddlers

Additional Information
24 pages | 7.00" x 7.00"

Neekah is thrilled that she can finally learn to knit like her mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother before her. But knitting a toque for Grandma Dorothy is not as easy as she had imagined. A lyrical celebration of the tradition of Cowichan knitting among the Coast Salish peoples and the joy of creating something with your hands.

Neekah’s great-grandma, Mumma, knit all her life. Her Grandma Dorothy knits, her mom knits, and all her aunties knit. Even some of Neekah’s uncles knit. And Neekah wants to knit too. Every year she asks her mom if she can learn, and every year she hears, “Be patient. Your hands aren’t quite big enough yet.”

At last Neekah is ready to learn, her head and heart bursting with the colourful patterns and designs she will create with the wool. She sits down with her mom, holding the wooden needles Grandpa Carl has made for her and the wool from Auntie Joni’s wool shop. But knitting a toque for Grandma Dorothy is not as easy as she had imagined.

From award-winning author Sylvia Olsen comes a lyrical celebration of the tradition of Cowichan knitting among the Coast Salish peoples and the joy of creating something with your hands. Combined with Sheena Lott’s exquisite watercolours, families will love to share this cozy, loving story that carries the clicking of knitting needles down through the generations to a young girl holding her first set of needles.

Reviews
“This gentle and inspiring story—with outstanding illustrations—will be read over and over again. Love threads itself through the book as knowledge and skills are passed among generations: love of family, love of learning, love of tradition; plus perseverance, the joy of discovery, creativity, and the importance of patience. A simply wonderful book.” —Meg Swanson, Knitting designer, author, and owner of schoolhousepress

“Neekah’s Knitting Needles reminded me of my childhood and the great times I had with my grandfather, Xaniimastan (Peter Mitchell), sitting on his lap while he taught me cultural songs from the bighouse. I really enjoyed reading about a young person who wanted to learn and how knitting taught her our cultural lessons about never giving up and about Respect, Patience, Generosity, Hard Work, Love, and Caring. I was lifted up when I read how proud she was to give away her first toque.” —XanIImastan, TIm HarrIs, Stz’uminus First Nation Principal, W̱ SÁNEĆ Leadership Secondary School

Educator's Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

Additional Information
8" x 10" | 40 Pages

Determination, teamwork, and perseverance together bring clean water for Nibi and all her friends.

Nibi is the Anishinaabemowin word for water. In Nibi's Water Song, an Indigenous girl is on the search for clean water to drink. Though she is faced with repeated obstacles, Nibi's joyful and determined energy becomes a catalyst for change and action as her community, and then in widening circles the country and government, rally around her to make clean drinking water available for all. In a story perfectly levelled for young readers, there is a strong underlying message that even when a problem seems too large to face, every bit that everyone does helps. And inaction in the face of a wrong is not an option.

Sunshine Tenasco, an Anishinabeg activist for clean water, has an amazing optimistic spirit that shines through her writing. The hopeful tone and lyrical read-aloud quality of this gentle allegorical tale open the door to conversations and action aimed at young children, whether they are on a reserve that does not have clean water or they are living with access to clean water. Chief Lady Bird's stunning, original artwork carries through the themes of strength, hope, and resilience in an incredible collaboration of talent.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4-8.

Features of this book include:

• An upbeat story about the importance of clean water.
• Encourages discussion on other environmental issues.
• Author and illustrator are both active in youth outreach and education in their communities.
• Models a way children can bring about change —demonstrating that though young, they are not powerless.

This resource is also available in French: Nibi a soif, très soif

This resource is available in a dual-language format of English and Anishinabemowin: Nibi nigomon/Nibi's Water Song

Additional Information
32 pages

When two rabbit sisters ignore their parents' warnings and decide to play outside on the open tundra, a hungry owl soon spots them and decides they will make a delicious meal. As a chase ensues, the sisters must act quickly, using the owl's own greed against him in order to get away.  

A traditional Inuit story and cautionary tale, this book presents a centuries-old narrative for a new generation of readers. 

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3-5.

Additional Information
40 pages | 8.00" x 9.00"

When the earth was new, words had the power to breathe life into the world. But when creating animals from breath, sometimes one does not get everything right on the first try! 

Based on a traditional Inuit story passed forward orally for generations in the South Baffin region of Nunavut, this book shares with young readers the origin of the caribou and the walrus—and tells of how these animals looked very different when they were first conceived.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 5 to 7.

Included in the Canadian Indigenous Books for Schools 2020/2021 resource list for grades 1 to 3 for English Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies.

Additional Information
32 pages | 9.50" x 9.50"

The Skeena, second longest river in the province, remains an icon of British Columbia’s northwest. Called Xsien (“water of the clouds”) by the Tsimshian and Gitksan, it has always played a vital role in the lives of Indigenous people of the region. Since the 1800s, it has also become home to gold seekers, traders, salmon fishers and other settlers who were drawn by the area’s beauty and abundant natural resources.

Voices from the Skeena takes readers on a journey inspired directly by the people who lived there. Combining forty illustrations with text selected from the pioneer interviews CBC radio producer Imbert Orchard recorded in the 1960s, the book follows the arrival of the Europeans and the introduction of the fur trade to the Omineca gold rush and the building of the Grand Trunk Pacific Railroad.

Open the pages to meet Robert Cunningham, an Anglican missionary who would later become the founder of the thriving Port Essington. Here too is a man called Cataline, a packer for whom no settlement was too remote to reach, and the indominable Sarah Glassey, the first woman to pre-empt land in British Columbia. At the heart of these stories is the river, weaving together a narrative of a people and their culture. Pairing the stories with Roy Henry Vicker’s vibrant art creates a unique and captivating portrait of British Columbia that will appeal to art lovers and history readers alike.

Additional Information
112 pages | 11.00" x 8.00" | 40 colour illustrations

This work has received the Authentic Indigenous Text label because of the interviews/contributions with Indigenous people like Vicky Sims and Chief Jeffrey H. Johnson. It is up to readers to determine if this work is authentic for their purposes.

When We Had Sled Dogs: A Story from the Trapline - ācimowin ohci wanihikīskanāhk takes readers young and old on a journey into the past when dog teams were part of the traditional way of life in Northern Saskatchewan. Inspired by Elder Ida Tremblay’s childhood memories, and told in English with Woodland Cree words and phrases, the story follows the seasonal cycle of trapline life.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 5 - 10.

Delivered in English with Woodland Cree words and phrases.

This resource is recommended in the Canadian Indigenous Books for Schools 2020/2021 resource list for grades K to 4 for use in these areas: Social Studies, English Language Arts, and Career Education.

Additional Information

Celebrated Mi'kmaw artist behind The Thundermaker returns with a story about friendship and the importance of traditional knowledge.

From the bestselling creator of The Thundermaker comes another adventure featuring Little Thunder and Wolverine — a trickster, who is strong and fierce and loyal. The two are best of friends, even though Wolverine can sometimes get them into trouble. Their favourite pastime is eel fishing, whether it's cutting through winter ice with a stone axe or catching eels in traditional stone weirs in the summer. But that all changes one night, when they encounter the giant river eel — the eel that is too big to catch. The eel that hunts people!

At once a universal story of friendship and problem-solving, Wolverine and Little Thunder is a contemporary invocation of traditional Mi'kmaw knowledge, reinforcing the importance of the relationship between the Mi'kmaq and eel, a dependable year-round food source traditionally offered to Glooscap, the Creator, for a successful hunt.

Educator Information
Recommended ages: 4-8

Additional Information
40 pages | Paperback