Picture Books

From Dene artist and bioethicist Lisa Boivin comes this healing story of hope, dreams, and the special bond between grandfather and granddaughter.

When a little girl dreams about a bear, her grandfather explains how we connect with the knowledge of our ancestors through dreams. Bear, Hawk, Caribou, and Wolf all have teachings to share to help us live a good life. But when Grampa gets sick and falls into a coma, the little girl must lean on his teachings as she learns to say goodbye.

Masterful prose and stunning collage weave a gentle story about life and death that will touch the hearts of children and adults alike.

Awards

• 2022 Co-winner of the First Nation Communities READ PMC Indigenous Literature Award, Children’s Category winner

Reviews
"How we deal with loss, and the personal, cultural, and community ways we do that, is an urgent issue. Lisa Boivin's work is as soulful and compelling as it is beautiful!— Dr. Allison Crawford

"In We Dream Medicine Dreams, Lisa Boivin uses her powerful words and pictures to show us natural laws and teachings. These teachings about the medicine power of dreams, family, loss, and connection resonate with Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. In sharing these teachings with us, Lisa has given all those that read her book a great gift that allows the ancestors to speak with our children. This little book full of stories and teachings, which are the core of who we are, will bring us back to our ancestral selves. I encourage everyone, young and old, to spend an evening with this charming masterpiece – you will not regret it." — The Honourable Yvonne Boyer, J.D., L.L.M., L.L.D.

“I highly recommend this book. Not only did I love the incredible illustrations, which would definitely appeal to children, I also loved how this gentle story would be a great starting point when talking to children in a classroom about family loss, death and grief.” — ETFO Voice

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 5 - 8.

Author Lisa Biovin’s background as a bioethicist makes her ideally placed to discuss the subject in a way that’s sensitive and also provide both healing and hope.

The bright colours and textured feel will appeal to children.

Additional Information
48 pages | 9.00" x 9.00"

Follow Ari through their neighborhood as they try to find their words in this sweet, accessible introduction to gender-inclusive pronouns that is perfect for readers of all ages.

A beautiful fable about the nature of love, from beloved, award-winning picture book creators Mac Barnett and Carson Ellis.

"What is love?" a young boy asks. "I can't answer that," his grandmother says, and so the boy goes out into the world to find out. But while each person he meets—the fisherman, the actor, and others—has an answer to his question, not one seems quite right. Could love really be a fish, or applause, or the night? Or could it actually be something much closer to home? This tender, funny tale is an original take on the "I love you" story, a picture book treasure for all ages to read and cherish.

Reviews
"Lovely and lyrical . . . Flat gouache paintings provide the perfect ethereal setting for the fairy tale–like story. . . . The words and images work together to create layers of thought and understanding, making [What Is Love?] rewarding to a wide range of readers."— Booklist, starred review

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.

A classic love story: A wonderful narrative voice and spectacular pictures give this book the feel of a modern classic.

Many books about the love between parents and children are told from an adult's point of view. This book begins from the child's perspective, and it's funny and unexpected in ways that children can relate to, while being thoughtful in ways that adults will appreciate. Like all great children's books, this book can be understood on many levels.

A book about finding yourself: The boy's journey takes him to many different people, whose descriptions of what love means to them is very much about how they see themselves and their lives.

A great read-aloud: The engaging text is full of surprises and the distinctive voice of the narrator invites audiences to respond.

Additional Information
44 pages | 9.00" x 11.00" | Hardcover

When Willy's friend Sid comes to visit, he brings Willy a surprise—a new pup! Willy's new pup is strong and fast, but he needs a lot of training before he can become the new lead dog. When Willy finally decides his new pup is ready for his first hunting trip, something happens that puts the dog's strength and bravery to the test. Based on true events, this story from Labrador shows the powerful bond between a dog team driver and his lead dog.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 7 to 9.

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. Willy's New Pup is a Level 13 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 O.

Curriculum Connections: Diversity and Indigenous Perspectives. Willy's New Pup exposes children to Inuit traditions and ways of life.

This story is based on true events that occurred to the author's father.

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

Rendered with reassuring words and pastoral scenes, this soothing lullaby of a story is sure to settle even the most restless of cubs.

Mouse is rushing to her nest.
In soft, dry grasses she will rest.

Geese are calling, a chilly wind is blowing, and the sky is turning gray. Winter is on its way. For Mama Bear and Small Bear, that means it’s time to tuck into their den for a long sleep. But Mouse is scurrying by, and Chipmunk is still gathering nuts beside the lake. And look at Hare and Skunk, still romping through the leaves! Why can’t Small Bear stay up, too? To each question, Mama Bear responds with the coziest of answers, finally painting a dreamy picture of the brightening colors and new adventures that will greet Small Bear in the spring. But first comes sleep, in this irresistible invitation to drowsy little cubs everywhere.

Reviews
"This soft, reassuring tale is ideal for teaching seasonal changes as well as the need for transitions." —School Library Journal

"Simple, quiet illustrations executed in a soft, elegant, swirling style trace the transition from tawny autumn’s bareness to early winter’s silvery wonderland. . . . Reassuring, inviting bedtime fare."—Kirkus Reviews

"It’s a book to prepare children for bed, but it’s also a guide to enjoying rest while reflecting upon past or future adventures."—WORLD Magazine

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8

Subjects: Animals; Bedtime & Dreams; Science & Nature; Hibernation; Bears

Additional Information
32 pages | 8.94" x 10.56" | Hardcover

Encourage children to show love and support for each other and to consider each other’s well-being in their everyday actions.

Consultant, international speaker and award-winning author Monique Gray Smith wrote You Hold Me Up to prompt a dialogue among young people, their care providers and educators about reconciliation and the importance of the connections children make with others. With vibrant illustrations from celebrated artist Danielle Daniel, this is a foundational book about building relationships, fostering empathy and encouraging respect between peers, starting with our littlest citizens.

This is the dual-language English and Anishinaabemowin edition.

Reviews
"You Hold Me Up is a rhythmic story that reinforces for young readers about reconciliation and the importance of the connections children make with others. The story aims to encourage children to build relationships, foster empathy and encourage respect between peers while considering each other’s well-being in their everyday actions." — The Dalai Lama Center 

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.

This is a dual-language book: English and Anishinaabemowin.

This book is also available in English only: You Hold Me Up

This book is available in a board book format in English for younger audiences: You Hold Me Up (BB)

This book is also available in English and Plains Cree: You Hold Me Up / ê-ohpinitoyahk

This book is also available in French: Tu es là pour moi

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

Included in this bundle are all four titles in the I Am Like a TREE series:

I Am Like a TREE: BARK and KNOTS – A Story of Courage and Struggles
I Am Like a TREE: LEAVES and BRANCHES – A Story of Belonging and Growth
I Am Like a TREE: SEEDS and LEAVES – A Story of Self Care and Belonging
I Am Like a TREE: TRUNK and ROOTS – A Story of Self and Empathy

The TREE in this series is a metaphor for what we are calling your “Present Self”. Our belief, through personal experience, is that we as living beings have several emotional parts that make us a whole, our Present Self. Each of these parts though are not equal in their emotional experience, so at times, different situations for an individual can be strong while at other times not. Some experiences can keep us in a frozen stage of development without knowing this and we then respond to “like type” experiences in the same way as we did in the past.

Our intention with these conversational stories in a reader’s theatre format is to provide a window into what emotional parts a person may use while having a conversation. The side margins tell all as each conversation unfolds indicating what parts of TREE the character is using. Some of these conversations are focused on the older individual trying to find a solution while the younger individual is providing support as best they can, as a solid TREE. Our intent is to imply that emotional learning is lifelong.

We hope that through these stories we will all continue to extend a hand to those who are reaching, listen to those who are speaking, and feel with an open heart to all those heartbeats that surround us. And for ourselves, love who you are, respect your own actions, and know that you deserve kindness, love and safety and that you belong here.

The back cover introduction and content overview inside make the books in the I Am Like a TREE series great for many learning situations. In each book are four discussion questions that focus on comprehension strategies and mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual connections. The books also provide an inquiry theme to explore and include five activity ideas for independent or group use.

Scroll below to learn more about each work included in this bundle.

Additional Information
ISBN: 9781771745826

This bundle includes all four Secwépemc stories from Mike Bowden:

• Four Winds (hardcover)
• Porcupine (paperback)
• Bear and Coyote (paperback)
• Chief Goose (paperback)

Secwépemc Stories are the collaborative work of Secwépemc author Mike Bowden and Secwépemc artist Kelsey Jules. These stories convey Secwépemc teachings and embody Indigenous ways of knowing. Mike, a storyteller and educator, strongly believes in story as a way of learning and understanding the world and our relationships within it. Secwépemc language is integrated into the stories and accompanied by pronunciation guides.

These stories connect to the BC First Peoples principles of learning and provide opportunities for those reading to reflect, explore, connect and learn on a personal interpretative level.

Additional Information
Books are 8.5" x 11" | 24 Pages | ISBN 9781771746632

Scroll below to learn more about each book included.

Like A Walk on the Tundra, A Walk on the Shoreline introduces young readers to unique plants and animals found in the Arctic, as well as the traditional Inuit uses for the various species.

Young Nukappia can’t wait to get out to his family campsite on the shoreline. After spending all year in the south with his adoptive parents, Nukappia always looks forward to his summer visits with his birth family. After spending one night in town, Nukappia and his uncle Angu begin the long walk down the shore to the family summer campsite, where all of Nukappia’s cousins and aunts and uncles are waiting for him. Along the way, Nukappia learns that the shoreline is not just ice and rocks and water. There is an entire ecosystem of plants and animals that call the shoreline home. From seaweed to clams to char to shore grasses, there is far more to see along the shoreline than Nukappia ever imagined.

Reviews
“A Walk on the Shoreline also has a full-colour glossary of the plants and animals that Nukappia encounters along the way, including photographs, quick facts and traditional uses of the plant or animal. A Walk on the Shoreline is a well-researched, informative and engaging guide to the northern shoreline. The information is well-placed and woven through the text in an engaging manner. The reader gets to learn along with the protagonist, focusing more on the flora and fauna along the way than the rest of the northern setting. This focus on one detail of living in Nunavut works well; it doesn’t try and add too many details, but it provides a thread along the way.” — CM Magazine

“This reunion story features detailed character and scene-setting sketches by Qin Leng that help readers see how traditional Inuit communities live.” — Hakai Magazine

Educator Information
Recommended Ages: 5-7.

Additional Information
40 pages | 8.50" x 8.50"

Kenkéknem (Bear) and Sek̓lép (Coyote) are both busy preparing for the long winter months ahead. Kenkéknem eats berries while Sek̓lép dries salmon and bakes Bannock. They have always done this separately and do not want to share with each other. However, this year Kenkéknem is curious about what Sek̓lép is doing, and he is also very hungry. Kenkéknem curiosity and hunger soon get them both in trouble. This forces them to work and learn together to find out how to solve their problem. In the process, they learn through shared experiences and reflect together. They then discover that they have many new stories to share and new ways to prepare food together.

They gather their relations to share their stories in a wider circle of community in order to share this way of learning through connectedness and relationships.

Bear and Coyote tells the creation story of traditional foods and shows the possibilities that arise when we work together. This book makes for a great bedtime story or read-aloud in the classroom.

The back of the book includes recipes for Bannock (Sp̓ íxle7cw) and Saskatoon Berry Jam (Speqpeq7úw̓l).

Bear and Coyote complements other works by Mike Bowden and Kelsey Jules, including Chief Goose and Porcupine, and includes a familiar character from Four Winds.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for grades 3 to 7.

This book is part of the Secwépemc Stories series.

This story is a great resource to introduce Indigenous languages to young readers. Secwepemctsín is one of 30 distinct Indigenous languages in British Columbia and is in the process of being revitalized after governments and religions developed policies to eliminate the rich language and culture of Indigenous peoples. The book integrates Secwépemc words into the text and includes a pronunciation guide on every page.

This story connects to the BC First Principles of Learning: learning is holistic, reflexive, experiential, and relational; learning involves the consequences of one’s actions; learning is embedded in story; and learning involves patience and time. Learning from Indigenous stories can be different and personal every time a story is read or told, depending on context. This book provides opportunity for those reading to reflect, explore, connect, and learn on a personal interpretative level.

Curriculum links:

• Social emotional learning: cooperation, working together, reciprocal relationships
• Reading and language skills
• Numeracy: includes recipes and encourages young learners to measure and count ingredients
• Food: gathering, preparing, and cooking traditional foods
• Indigenous knowledge and traditions

Additional Information
24 Pages | Colour illustrations | 22 x 28 cm | ISBN: 9781771745703 | Paperback

Kúkwpi7 K̓wsucw (Chief Goose) is the leader of the k̓wsucw (geese). As a leader, he relies on doing things the way his people have always done and does not want to change anything. But his people are not prepared for the long winter and Kúkwpi7 K̓wsucw realizes it is time for him to be a true leader. Following ancient protocols, he first consults the great spirit for guidance and wisdom. Then he begins the journey to lead his people in search for a better place to live during the long winter season. Through trial and error, he learns that listening to others and allowing his people to help him lead is the path to the well-being of the k̓wsucw.

Chief Goose tells the story of why geese fly south for the winter and is the perfect bedtime story or read-aloud for classrooms.

This book complements other works by Mike Bowden and Kelsey Jules, including Four Winds, Porcupine, and Bear and Coyote.

Educator Information
Recommended for grades 3 to 7.

This book is part of the Secwépemc Stories series.

This story is a great resource to introduce Indigenous languages to young readers. Secwepemctsín is one of 30 distinct Indigenous languages in British Columbia and is in the process of being revitalized after governments and religions developed policies to eliminate the rich language and culture of Indigenous peoples. The book integrates Secwépemc words into the text and includes a pronunciation guide on every page.

This story connects to the BC First Peoples’ Principles of Learning: learning is holistic, reflexive, experiential, and relational; learning involves the consequences of one’s actions; learning is embedded in story; and learning involves patience and time. Learning from Indigenous stories can be different and personal every time a story is read or told, depending on context. This book provides an opportunity for those reading to reflect, explore, connect, and learn on a personal interpretative level.

Curriculum links:

• Social emotional learning: leadership, listening, social awareness, learning from mistakes and trying again
• Reading and language skills
• Indigenous knowledge and traditions

Additional Information 
24 Pages | Colour illustrations | 22 x 28 cm | ISBN: 9781771745697 | Paperback 

Do giants get homesick? What happens when the world’s largest gnome moves from home? A story about being the new kid and for anyone who has moved from home. 

Educator & Series Information
Howard – A story about Vancouver Island’s giant gnome that moved from home. How to talk to kids about moving and trying new things? This is a good start. Written in a fun rhyming meter to help develop a child’s reading skills and vocabulary and also keeping their attention as they will want to guess what happens to Howard next.

Part of the Awkward+Awesome children’s book series celebrating unlikely heroes and inner weirdos.

Based on true events.

Suitable for children ages 4-9 and for anyone who experiences change and likes to read.

Additional Information
36 Pages | Paperback 

meʔiƛqac ʔis i ʔukłamaḥ t`uc`up

Join t`uc`up and his grandmother as they count nature from one to ten.

This book is written in Nuu-chah-nulth. But, its simple illustrations make the text easy to follow for any reader.

Educator & Series Information
Language: Nuu-Chah-Nulth

Simple illustrations make the text easy to follow for any reader.

This book is part of the T'uc'up Series.

The Port Alberni Friendship Center offers sincere gratitude to the Elders and Knowledge Keepers who contributed their Traditional Knowledge, Language Translation, and Stories so generously in the creation of the book, including the following:

yaʔałat – Kathy Robinson

wiic̓aʔin – Erma Robinson

kʷiʔiil – Katherine Robinson

yaasuisʔaks – Jessica Sault

Additional Information
21 × 21 × 0.5 cm

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for Grades 4+ 

The back cover introduction and content overview inside make the books in the I Am Like a TREE series great for many learning situations. In each book are four discussion questions that focus on comprehension strategies and mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual connections. The books also provide an inquiry theme to explore and include five activity ideas for independent or group use.

This book is part of the social-emotional learning (SEL) series, I Am Like a TREE. I Am Like a TREE series consists of four titles:

Additional Information
24 Pages | 8" x 8" | ISBN: 9781771745642 | Paperback

Conversations are important for everyone. Some conversations can only occur when we feel understood. By talking with others, we can learn new ways to be respectful, kind, and empathetic. As we deepen our learning, we become more aware of our own actions. By discovering, growing, and learning about the many emotional parts of ourselves and others, we can find our Present Self.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for Grades 4+ 

The back cover introduction and content overview inside make the books in the I Am Like a TREE series great for many learning situations. In each book are four discussion questions that focus on comprehension strategies and mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual connections. The books also provide an inquiry theme to explore and include five activity ideas for independent or group use.

This book is part of the social-emotional learning (SEL) series, I Am Like a TREE. I Am Like a TREE series consists of four titles:

Additional Information
24 Pages | 8" x 8" | ISBN: 9781771745628 | Paperback