Picture Books

Noodin had their perfect day planned - until surprise babysitting interrupts their plans and sends them on an urban adventure!

When Noodin's perfect day is interrupted, they decide to strike out for adventure instead - spending the day with their human, animal, and tree cousins in the city. But will Noodin ever get the pancakes they're craving? Come along and find out!

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.

Noodin is a nonbinary urban Indigenous kid.

Themes: Urban Indigenous, Modern Family, Cousins, Babysitting, Adventure, Divorced Parents

Additional Information
28 pages | 10.75" x 8.25" | Paperback

What would you do if your mum brought home a new puppy? Jump for joy? Squeal with delight? Hold that puppy oh so tight?

Find out how NuhQuim, the Little Red Puppy, stirs things up for three young Indigenous children! Set on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada, follow NuhQuims true story of how he touches three siblings with his fur, fangs, and flare!

Educator Information
The publisher recommends this title for ages 12 and under.

Includes an Author's Note and Glossary.

Additional Information
34 Pages | 8.5 " x 8.5" | Paperback 

The world is a really big place for little kids.

When Olivia starts to feel overwhelmed by her big feelings, she sprouts vines. They are thorny and twisty and make it impossible for Olivia to do the things she loves to do, like ride her bike or play with her friends. Plus, no one wants to come near a giant ball of thorns. Luckily, Olivia has a very special teacher. Someone who sees past the prickly and the pokey to the upset little girl and helps Olivia learn to manage the vines.

This quirky picture book is the perfect introduction to the idea of anxiety and those big feelings that seem impossible to manage. Olivia’s teacher provides some tricks to help manage the feelings, and a special message at the end of the story encourages young readers to think productively about their own anxieties.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5

A free, downloadable activity sheet is available: Activity Sheet - Olivia Wrapped in Vines

Additional Information
32 pages | 8.75" x 10.75" | Hardcover

Oolichan Moon is a beautifully illustrated children’s book about passing down traditional knowledge from Nisga'a Elders and the sacredness of traditional foods, particularly the oolichan fish.

Together, author Samantha Beynon and illustrator Lucy Trimble have created a children’s book rich with cultural knowledge and tradition that relates to their Nisga'a ancestry surrounding the oolichan fish.

With playful text and vibrant illustrations, young readers can learn alongside the two Nisga'a sisters as they are gifted with sacred knowledge from their Elders, passed down for many generations in the oral tradition.

A gorgeous celebration of Nisga'a language, history and culture, Oolichan Moon also includes historical and cultural information about the oolichan fish and related Nisga'a vocabulary.

Awards

• 2023 Indigenous Voices Awards Winner: Published Graphic Novels, Comics and Illustrated Books

Reviews
"Oolichan Moon is a wonderful story with such simple teachings for all of us. The oolichan were so important for many people of the rivers. The long winter is over, and Spring is here and so too the oolichans return to feed and provide for the people. Today, we still fish for the Oolichan but like most fish of the river their numbers are low. This story teaches all of us that we must only take what is needed and that we should always give something back. This is survival. This is the teaching." — Joseph Dandurand, storyteller and author of A Magical Sturgeon and The Sasquatch, the Fire

"Samantha Beynon and Lucy Trimble have created a beautiful, heart-warming story featuring a nutritious and iconic little fish of the Northwest Coast. Since time immemorial, oulachens have served as a food and esteemed condiment for the Nisga’a Peoples of the Nass Valley and for many other coastal First Nations from Alaska to the Columbia River. Through the delightful teachings of wise and kind grandparents, the granddaughters—and we, as readers—are able to learn about oulachens and their immense cultural value. We learn how and when they are caught, and how they are prepared, and especially how they are rendered into a nutrient-rich and highly valued oil. At the same time, we experience “history, laughter, and love,” and gain insights into the deep and lasting relationships that Indigenous Peoples have developed with the fish and other species of their homelands and how children and youth are taught about these profound connections. The illustrations are stunning." — Nancy Turner, Professor Emeritus, University of Victoria, and author of Plants of Haida Gwaii

“I had a little tear welling up in my eye as I thought how cool it will be for kids to be reading about part of their culture. This kind of story is long overdue and badly needed. I hope it is the first of many.” — Edward Desson, fisheries manager, Nisga’a Fisheries and Wildlife, Nisga’a Lisims Government

"Packed with traditional knowledge, family values and deep wisdom, this story instantly transports you to a timeless place! Like visiting with family, you can feel strength and warmth beaming from each page." — Lucky Budd, author of Peace Dancer and One Eagle Soaring

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 6.

This is the first book in the Sisters Learn Foods of the Elders series.

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

A powerful story about the importance of family acceptance.

Phoenix loves to play with dolls and marvel at pretty fabrics. Most of all, he loves to dance—ballet, Pow Wow dancing, or just swirling and twirling around his house. Sometimes Phoenix gets picked on and he struggles with feeling different, but his mom and brother are proud of him. With their help, Phoenix learns about Two Spirit/Niizh Manidoowag people in Anishinaabe culture and just how special he is.

Based on the childhood experiences of her son, Phoenix, Marty Wilson-Trudeau demonstrates the difference that a loving and supportive family can make.

Reviews
"Phoenix Gets Greater is a timely and necessary addition to our collective Two-Spirit stories! Its collaboration between mother and son, its engrossing color palettes that reflect Anishinaabe acceptance and wholeness, and its charming, swirling protagonist make for a story that should be shared with all of our children. Broaching the vast topic of Two-Spirit identities, Marty Wilson-Trudeau and Phoenix Wilson have made a book I wish I had when I was a kid—the wonders this book will do for our Indigenous and/or queer youth!"—Joshua Whitehead, award-winning author of Jonny Appleseed

"Bright and engaging illustrations shine with the joy of Phoenix and those who love him feel when he is his authentic self. This is a sweet appreciation of a queer child—and how his Anishinaabe culture celebrates him and Niizh Manidoowag, Two Spirit people who have both boy and girl spirits."— Tegan Tigani from Queen Anne Books (Seattle, WA)

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

Subjects: Character Education; Family & Friendship; Self-Esteem; Courage; Prejudice & Tolerance; Reflecting Diversity; LGBTQ; First Nations & Indigenous Peoples.

This book is available in a dual-language format (Ojibwe / English): Phoenix ani’ Gichichi-i’/Phoenix Gets Greater

This book is available in French: Phoenix le merveilleux 

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

This lovely story is based on an Algonquin story. A young blue jay finds himself blown and battered by a terrible storm. Injured and alone, he asks for shelter from the trees but is turned away gruffly by the maple and other trees. Too tired and in danger of being overcome by his injuries, Pineshish finds himself falling, falling, falling...only to fall into the welcoming arms of the fir tree - with unexpected consequences to the other trees. Originally published in French, this is the first English edition.

Reviews

“When Pineshish, a blue jay, is injured in a storm, only the generous fir tree offers him shelter and comfort. The birch tree and maple tree both refused him and in payment for their lack of compassion, the hardwoods lose their leaves that fall. Mother Nature punished deciduous trees for being selfish and heartless, so the story goes.” - Canadian Children’s Books Centre Spring Best Books Spring 2024 starred review

Educator Information
An Algonquin story about how deciduous trees came to lose their leaves.

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

In this story from West Greenland, one young girl tries to teach her mischievous little sister a lesson by telling her the Inuit traditional story of Takannaaluk.

Pivik is the laziest little sister! She is always complaining about helping Anaana and stealing the best food for herself. Fed up, her big sister, Ukaleq, seizes the chance to teach Pivik a lesson. Ukaleq tells Pivik the story of how Takannaaluk became the Mother of Sea Mammals. Ukaleq warns Pivik not to anger Takannaaluk by being greedy, or their community will starve. Pivik is so scared she can’t sleep! Will Ukaleq’s lesson finally teach Pivik to put others before herself?

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 7 to 9.

Additional Information
44 pages | 10.00" x 10.50" | Hardcover 

This delightful story teaches children that many bugs are helpful insects and enables the reader to develop a positive and protective attitude towards them. Willie the Worm introduces his insect friends and inspires the young reader to discover a fresh interest in bugs and to realize many of them are indeed their friends too. Included are a series of questions and recommended activities to help parents and teachers engage children to learn even more about these little helpers.

Educator Information
Recommended for grades 2 and under.

Included are a series of questions and recommended activities to help parents and teachers engage children to learn even more about these little helpers.

Includes these insects: worm, bee, butterfly, caterpillar, firefly, ant, ladybug, spider, daddy long legs, moth, dragonfly, hornet, snail, grasshopper, cricket.

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

In this uplifting, contemporary Native American story, River is recovering from illness and can't dance at the powwow this year. Will she ever dance again?

River wants so badly to dance at powwow day as she does every year. In this uplifting and contemporary picture book perfect for beginning readers, follow River's journey from feeling isolated after an illness to learning the healing power of community.

Additional information explains the history and functions of powwows, which are commonplace across the United States and Canada and are open to both Native Americans and non-Native visitors.

Awards

• 2023 Wyoming Buckaroo Award

Reviews
"A heartwarming picture book about the roles of courage, culture, and community in the journey of personal healing." —Kirkus Reviews

"A resonant, hopeful tale about the healing power of community and tradition" —Publishers Weekly

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Additional Information
32 pages | 9.44" x 9.31" | Hardcover

Every summer, a Haida girl and her family travel up the Yakoun River on Haida Gwaii, following the salmon. While their father fishes, the girl and her brother spend their time on the land playing and learning from Tsinii (Grandfather).

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

This book is part of the Sk'ad'a Stories series.

Additional Information
40 pages | 8.12" x 9.00" | Hardcover 

“Elders say they were always here. The horses were small, but strong.”
“Like me?”
“Like you.”

As they await the birth of a new foal, a man teaches his grandchild about the Ojibwe Horses that used to roam the forests of northwestern Ontario. The horses once ran wild and free, but when Grandfather was a boy, they almost disappeared. Now he is the caretaker of his own small herd, keeping the breed alive for future generations and teaching his grandchild about the loving bond between human and animals.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

This book is available in a dual-language format: Wiijibibamatoon Anangoonan/Runs with the Stars

Subjects: Character Education; Family & Friendship; History & Social Studies; Canadian History; First Nations & Indigenous Peoples; Science; Environmentalism; Conservation and stewardship; Reflecting Diversity

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

Following the huge success of Sometimes I Feel Like a Fox, this companion book is a lyrical celebration of our relationship to the natural world.

In each of twelve short poems, a child tells us how or why they feel like the sun, a river, a mountain, a cloud, the rain, a forest and more. Their deeply felt connections and identification with these wonders point to how much we are all part of the natural world. Each poem comes to life through vivid, playful illustrations that show the children immersed in their surroundings. The book serves as a gentle call to action — to notice, appreciate, preserve and protect our environment, while delighting in all its beauty.

A mindfulness activity — A Mindful Walk or Roll — invites young readers to use their senses to experience their surroundings to the fullest. Includes a brief author’s note that highlights our connections to the natural world.

Educator & Series Information Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 6 

This book is part of the Sometimes I Feel Like series.

Key Text Features
- author’s note
- illustrations
- poems
- procedural text

Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K.5
Recognize common types of texts (e.g., storybooks, poems).

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.2
Retell stories, including key details, and demonstrate understanding of their central message or lesson.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.4
Identify words and phrases in stories or poems that suggest feelings or appeal to the senses.

Additional Information
32 pages | 8.25" x 10.00" | Hardcover 

Spencer the Siksik can’t wait for the first snowfall. He is going to build a snow fort with Gary the Snow Goose!

When Spencer’s mom tells him he must first shovel his grandma’s steps, he doesn’t understand why she has to ruin his fun. He just wants to play outside! But when Spencer sees that his grandma and her neighbours can’t leave their houses, he remembers what his mom taught him about taking care of Elders in his community.

Follow along as Spencer learns the importance of one of the eight guiding Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit principles: serving others. Explore more books in the Spencer the Siksik series to see how Spencer and his friend Gary learn about the other principles!

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

This book is part of a series that teaches children about Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit principles, or "IQ" principles, which are a set of communal laws that focus on the ways one is expected to behave. Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit literally translates to "that which Inuit have always known to be true." This book teaches the IQ principle of serving others.

Additional Information
40 pages | 9.50" x 10.50" | Paperback

Spencer is stuck inside on a boring rainy day. As he plays on his tablet, he becomes frustrated trying to hold it upright. He asks his parents for a tablet holder, but they explain that it is not something Spencer needs. He understands, but he still has to find a way to hold the tablet without being uncomfortable. Then, Spencer remembers what his grandmother told him about being innovative and resourceful. What will Spencer create to solve his problem?

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

This book is part of a series that teaches children Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit principles, or "IQ" principles, which are a set of communal laws that focus on the ways one is expected to behave. Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit literally translates to "that which Inuit have always known to be true." This book teaches children about the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit principle of qanuqtuurniq, being innovative and resourceful. 

This title encourages creativity and using what you have to solve problems.

Additional Information
32 pages | 9.50" x 10.50" | Paperback 

A beautifully illustrated hardcover storybook introducing kids to the characters of Netflix’s preschool show Spirit Rangers!

It’s opening day at Xus National Park in Southern California, and Kodi, Summer, and Eddy Skycedar’s first day as Junior Park Rangers! But when a mysterious storm threatens to close the park, the siblings must put their heads together to save the day.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 7.

Kids ages 3 to 7 will love this hardcover storybook full of beautiful illustrations featuring the amazing characters from Netflix’s newest preschool show Spirit Rangers!

Created by Samala Chumash descendent, Karissa Valencia, Spirit Rangers is a fantasy-adventure preschool series following Native American sibling trio Kodiak, Summer and Eddy Skycedar, who have a shared secret—they’re Spirit Rangers! Spirit Rangers protect every crook, cranny and critter of Spirit Park. With the blessing of the Chumash and Cowlitz tribes, we’ll join the Skycedar kids on their amazing adventures with spirits inspired by Indigenous stories.

Additional Information
32 pages | 10.30" x 10.30" | Hardcover