Picture Books

Aqi and Uka decide to watch a movie after school. But when Sissi joins them, Aqi feels nervous. Aqi is sometimes shy around new people. Uka keeps asking Aqi if she is okay, which starts to make her upset. Uka supports Aqi to make her feel more comfortable. Aqi helps Uka understand that she is shy sometimes, and that's okay.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

This book is part of the Nunavummi Reading Series, a Nunavut-developed series that supports literacy learning while teaching readers about the people, traditions, and environment of the Canadian Arctic. This is a Level 11 book in the series.

Nunavummi Reading Series books have also been officially levelled using the Fountas & Pinnell Text Level Gradient™ Levelling System. This book's F&P Level is K.

This book is also about the Social-Emotional Literacy series and its subseries Tundra Friends. The Tundra Friends are a delightful cast of anthropomorphic animal characters that each personify a different emotion. Intended for children aged 4 to 8, these books lay the groundwork for good mental health with thoughtful, engaging stories that teach children to identify and regulate their emotions in healthy ways.

Sometimes I Feel Shy helps children understand each other’s differences.

Additional Information
36 pages | 9.00" x 8.00" | Paperback

Spencer can't wait to go outside and play with his friends. He wants to play basketball and practise for the tryouts at school. But Gary the Snow Goose doesn't want to play basketball with him. Gary wants to play street hockey. The two friends can't come to an agreement. When Spencer sees that there is a reason why Gary doesn't want to play basketball, he remembers what his grandmother taught him about showing respect.

Educator & Series Information
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 incorporates the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ) principle of Inuuqatigiitsiarniq: respecting others, relationships, and caring for people. IQ principles are a set of communal laws that focus on the ways one is expected to behave.

Recommended ages: 6 to 8.

Additional Information
32 pages | 8.00" x 8.00" | Colour Illustrations | Paperback 

Spencer the siksik is excited for the first day of school! When he gets to class, the teacher introduces a new student: Gary the snow goose. Spencer doesn't want to let Gary play with him and his friends. He thinks Gary will just confuse things because he is new. But when Spencer sees that Gary is upset, he remembers what his grandmother taught him about being welcoming.

Educator & Series Information
This book is the first in 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 Tunnganarniq: Being Welcoming.

Recommended ages: 6 to 8.

Additional Information
32 pages | 8.00" x 8.00" | Colour Illustrations | Paperback 

When you go for a walk in nature, who do you see? What do you hear?

Award-winning storyteller Nicola I. Campbell shows what it means “to stand like a cedar” on this beautiful journey of discovery through the wilderness. Learn the names of animals in the Nłe7kepmxcín or Halq’emeylem languages as well as the teachings they have for us. Experience a celebration of sustainability and connection to the land through lyrical storytelling and Carrielynn Victor’s breathtaking art in this children’s illustrated book.

Discover new sights and sounds with every read.

Reviews
"Stand Like a Cedar is a work of grace and dignity, a celebration of land, family, and knowing who you are and where you come from and being so grateful for everything you’ve been given. Bravo, Nicola Campbell and Carrielynn Victor for creating this treasure. I love it."—Richard Van Camp, author of Little You and A Blanket of Butterflies

"Campbell’s rhythmic writing is wonderful, conveying important messages about the environment and family. Victor’s vibrant renderings accompany the engaging text nicely. Bold illustrations portray elements such as weather, nature, and animals alongside evocative details like glowing skylines. An Indigenous girl shares vivid lessons in this lovely, thoughtful environmental tale." —Kirkus Reviews

"Stand Like a Cedar is a story that connects the journey of building connections through a journey in the wilderness. Through the blended use of the Nłeʔkepmxcín and Halq'emeylem languages, readers are exposed to the healing that takes place in nature. The lyrical storytelling celebrates the healing and strength that comes from building one’s connections to their own journey." - The Dalai Lama Center

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 9.

Learn the names of animals in the Nłe7kepmxcín or Halq’emeylem languages as well as the teachings they have for us.

Includes a glossary of phrases and a translation guide.

Includes a page of back matter on Coastal and Interior Salish Languages.

This book is available in French: Debout comme un grand cedre

Additional Information
40 pages | 8.12" x 7.75"

“Anaana, why do you have these lines on your chin?”

Arnaaleq wants to be just like her anaana, but she has a lot to learn before taking on the traditional responsibilities of a woman. Follow Arnaaleq as she grows up and works hard to master the skills to earn her own talloqut. Learn about West Greenlandic traditions in this story by tattoo artist Paninnguaq Lind Jensen.

Educator & Series Information
This book exposes children to Inuit traditions and ways of life.

This book is part of the Nunavummi Reading Series, a Nunavut-developed series that supports literacy learning while teaching readers about the people, traditions, and environment of the Canadian Arctic. This book is a level 13 book in the Nunavummi Reading Series. Nunavummi Reading Series books have also been officially levelled using the Fountas & Pinnell Text Level Gradient™ Levelling System. This book's F&P level is O.

Recommended for ages 7 to 9.

Additional Information
52 pages | 8.00" x 9.00" | Hardcover

When the narrator of this fun and silly book is startled by the buzzing of a bee, she sets off on an adventure that sees her running from community to community, trying to lose her buzzing companion. When she has run clear across Nunavut, she finally realizes that perhaps this little bee isn’t such a fearsome foe after all!

Reviews
"Should delight little ones with rhythmic and repetitive words and actions." —Kirkus

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 5 to 7.

Themes: Nunavut, Indigenous, Qaariaq, Arctic, fear of bees.

Includes an Inuktitut pronunciation guide.

The Bee is based on the author's award-winning song "Qaariaq".

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

Thomas loves to tell stories. Big stories. Stories about how skilled he is on the land. But when one of his friends grows tired of his tall tales, Thomas has to prove how skilled he really is. Taking the challenge to spend a night alone in the forest, Thomas heads into the wilderness. The trees, who have heard his stories, watch him tear off their bark and litter as he goes. And so, while Thomas sleeps, they dance a dance that will leave Thomas with a very different kind of story to tell—if he can find his way home…

In this book, Masiana Kelly draws on the beauty of the Northwest Territories and the wisdom of Elders to illustrate the importance of treating the land around us with respect.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 5 to 7.

Themes: Indigenous, Nature Conservation, Litter, Teaching Honesty, Values and Virtues

Additional Information
32 pages | 8.00" x 9.50" | Hardcover 

In this Own Voices Native American picture book, a modern Wabanaki girl is excited to accompany her grandmother for the first time to harvest sweetgrass for basket making. She must overcome her impatience while learning to distinguish sweetgrass from other salt marsh grasses, but slowly the spirit and peace of her surroundings speak to her, and she gathers sweetgrass as her ancestors have done for centuries, leaving the first blade she sees to grow for future generations. This sweet, authentic story from a Maliseet mother and her Passamaquoddy husband includes backmatter about traditional basket making and a Wabanaki glossary.

Reviews
"Quiet text shows how careful observation and the respect of nature can provide unexpected gifts." - Kirkus Reviews

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 5 to 9.

Additional Information
32 pages | 9.00" x 10.00" | Hardcover

A story of hope and friendship, in which resilience trumps tragedy in the wake of a forest fire.

After moving from the city, one boy discovers his new home in the woods isn't so bad—there is friendship in the midst of the forest. But when he spots a fire on the horizon that soon engulfs everything he's come to know—the bugs, the plants, the fox who keeps him company—he is forced to flee. When his newfound comfort goes up in smoke, how can he ever feel at home again?

In a forest fire, so much can change in an instant. But both fox and boy learn that there are some things fire cannot burn. With time, the forest will regrow, the animals will return to their home, and so will the boy and his mom.

As we all search for tools for understanding the destruction of forest fires, this touching story shows that hope, friendship, and resilience shine the brightest.

Reviews
"Despite the serious and timely topic (with wildfires becoming increasingly common in the American West due to climate change), Popovici’s lean text and gentle cartoon-style paintings keep the tone suitable for young readers. . . . [T]he child audience will understand that families, both human and fox, can thrive after tragedy."—The Horn Book Magazine

"A sensitively told story of an all-too-common occurrence." — Kirkus Reviews

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 5 to 8.

TIMELY: As fires rage over a wider swath of the United States, Canada, and internationally, and as fire season lengthens year after year, and sets new records year after year, these are themes communities are engaging with daily during fire season.

WRITTEN BY A FIREFIGHTER: The author-illustrator was a volunteer firefighter, giving him a unique perspective on the topic of forest fires.

EMOTIONALLY RESONANT: This moving story ends with rebuilding—both for humans and for nature—and with a truly uplifting message of resilience.

COMMUNITY-BUILDING: A wonderful resource for families and communities experiencing the aftermath of a fire or other natural disasters, as well as anyone looking to empathize with, and better understand, those communities in need.

CLASSROOM RESOURCE: Not only is this the perfect resource for talking about topics like the environment, natural disasters, forest management, and emergency preparedness, this book will also spark important conversations about coping with personal and community tragedies. The author-illustrator reflects on his own experiences with forest fires in the author's note, and backmatter provides additional context.

Additional Information
44 pages | 9.35" x 11.35" | Hardcover

The Land of Great Turtles is a Cherokee origin story that introduces the reader to Cherokee beliefs and values.

The Creator gave the Cherokee people a beautiful island with everything they could ever need. It came with only one rule: they must take care of the land and the animals living there. But what happens when the children decide to play with the turtles instead of taking care of their responsibilities?

Written in both Cherokee and English, readers become familiar with the Cherokee syllabary and the Cherokee language.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 7.

Explores themes of disrespect, disobedience, responsibilities, and the consequences of choices.

This is a Cherokee origin story that teaches Cherokee values.

Additional Information
40 pages | 6.00" x 9.00" | Paperback

Inspired by award-winning Inuk director Zacharias Kunuk’s short film of the same name, The Shaman’s Apprentice tells the story of a young shaman in training who must face her first test—a trip to the underground to visit Kannaaluk, The One Below, who holds the answers to why a community member has become ill.

Facing dark spirits and physical challenges, the young shaman must learn to stifle her fear and listen to what Kannaaluk has to tell her.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 9 to 12

Additional Information
32 pages | 10.50" x 7.00"

When the world gets too loud and chaotic, a young boy’s grandfather helps him listen with wonder instead.

Kids laughing, sneakers squeaking, balls bouncing—for Thunder, the sounds of the school day often brew into overwhelming noise storms. But when Thunder’s mosom asks him what he hears on an urban nature walk, Thunder starts to understand how sounds like bird wings flapping and rushing water can help him feel calm and connected. Gentle, inviting illustrations by Joshua Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley emphasize Mosom’s lessons about the healing power of the world around us.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 7

Encourages nature appreciation and mindfulness.

Positive, affirming intergenerational (grandparent-grandchild) relationship that models consent and showcases the transmission of knowledge from elders to the new generation.

Themes: Indigenous Canadian; Environment; Emotions and Feelings; Nature

Additional Information
36 pages | 10.25" x 9.50" | Hardcover 

Sissi and Tuka are good friends, but lately Tuka has noticed some changes in Sissi. She isn't being very nice, and sometimes she hurts Tuka's feelings. How can Tuka find a way to let Sissi know how her behaviour is making him feel?

Educator & Series Information
This book is part of the Nunavummi Reading Series, a Nunavut-developed series that supports literacy learning while teaching readers about the people, traditions, and environment of the Canadian Arctic. This book is a level 9 in the series.

Nunavummi Reading Series books have also been officially levelled using the Fountas & Pinnell Text Level Gradient™ Levelling System. F&P Level of this book: J.

This book is also part of the Social Emotional Learning Series from Nunavummi. These books feature thoughtful, engaging stories that teach school-aged children to identify and regulate their emotions in healthy ways.

Recommended for ages 6 to 8. 

Additional Information
36 pages | 9.00" x 8.00" | Paperback

From Julie Flett, the beloved author and illustrator of Birdsong, comes a joyous new book about playtime for babies, toddlers, and kids up to age 7.

Animals and kids love to play! This wonderful book celebrates diversity and the interconnectedness of nature through an Indigenous perspective, complete with a glossary of Cree words for wild animals at the back of the book, and children repeating a Cree phrase throughout the book. Readers will encounter birds who chase and chirp, bears who wiggle and wobble, whales who swim and squirt, owls who peek and peep, and a diverse group of kids who love to do the same, shouting: We play too! / kimêtawânaw mîna

A beautiful ode to the animals and humans we share our world with, We All Play belongs on every bookshelf.

Awards

• 2021 Bull-Bransom Illustration Award Winner
• 2022 Best Book for Babies

Reviews
“Everyone loves to play! Award-winning author/illustrator Flett shares the joyful antics of young animals as they romp in much the same way as human children…This celebration of nature is sprinkled with words from the Cree language… [and] celebrate[s] our interconnection with the creatures who share our world.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“Cree-Métis artist Flett starts with quiet, elegant portraits of animals….In spare compositions, [she] aptly underlines [the kinship between animals and people] by showing animals and humans embracing play in similar ways.”—Publishers Weekly, starred review

“A beautifully illustrated book that introduces a series of young animals at play, then relates their activities to those of children … affirming our oneness with nature.”—Booklist

Educator Information
Recommended for babies, toddlers and children up to age 7.

This book is available in a board book format: We All Play (BB) 

Additional Information
40 pages | 8.00" x 8.00" | Hardcover