Picture Books

What if age wasn’t something to fear? What if we just grew better with age? Granny Bari is just that kind of lady. Part of the Awkward+Awesome children’s book series celebrating unlikely heroes and inner weirdos, The Granny That Never Got Old urges us to reconsider what aging and growing old looks like. Sure, her body looks like it’s 95, but her mind never aged a day past 20.

This is a wonderfully playful book that helps children, and adults alike, recreate what it means to grow older. Getting old doesn’t have to mean life is over; instead, it has just begun.

The Granny That Never Got Old will have children looking at their grandparents with a bit more wonder and childlike fun, because aging with style could be for everyone – especially those who are almost one hundred and one.

Bold and bright and sure to entertain this is a story about one Granny that wants to jump from a plane. But that’s not all, she’d do more than just fall. Find out what Granny gets up to in this fun tale that pushes ideas about what getting old looks like.

Have you ever seen a skateboarding granny? That is a story about a granny kicking butt at getting old. A powerful book that helps connect generations, this book helps to show “aging” and “getting old” in a different light. Teaching children that learning and trying new thing shouldn’t be dictated by our age. Age is just a number. 

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for grades K to 4.

Part of the Awkward+Awesome children’s book series.

Based on true events.

Additional Information
32 Pages | 8" x 8"

From one of China’s most beloved, bestselling children’s authors comes this touching story of friendship and empathy, which celebrates the traditional way of life for the Indigenous Ewenki peoples of Mongolia. 

When a Mongolian elder named Gree Shrek hunts a female moose by mistake, her young calf is left behind. Saddened by her loss, Gree Shrek names the calf Xiao Han (“Little Moose”) and the moose and man form an authentic attachment. Xiao Han accompanies Gree Shrek as the hunter-gatherer herds reindeer, sets up camp, forages for food in the forest, and visits his peoples’ village, where many fun adventures happen. But as the little moose grows bigger, Gree Shrek knows he must return his companion to the forest. 

Richly detailed, painterly illustrations by Chinese fine artist Jiu’er bring authenticity and beauty to this thoughtful book, which illuminates the traditional and vanishing way of life for the Ewenki peoples of Inner Mongolia.

Reviews
"A surprising bond between an elder hunter and a moose sheds light on the lives of an Inner Mongolian people.... Plodding, endearing, and humorous—not unlike a baby moose." - Kirkus Reviews

Educator Information
Recommended Ages: 5 to 9.

Recommended Grande Range: K to Grade 4.

Curriculum Connections: Fairy Tales and Folklore, Nature and Environment, People and Places, Global Studies

Additional Information
68 pages | 10.00" x 9.50"

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"

Listen to the beating drum
It tells a hundred stories
Of our people, of our homeland
Some of birds and beasts and sweet grass.
Close your eyes and listen
You might come to hear a story
That no one hears but you alone
A story of your very own.

Renowned Cree painter Allen Sapp's inspired and stunning artwork beautifully complements this sweet story of a young First Nations boy preparing for his first pow-wow. The young boy's Nokum—his beloved grandmother—guides him through the exciting day and watches over him as events unfold. David Bouchard's rhythmic and informative text is based on remembrances from Allen Sapp's childhood.

Winner of the Governor General's Literacy Award, The Song Within My Heart is a beautifully crafted picture book that refects the wonders of life on a reserve, the importance of the pow-wow, and ultimately, the love between grandmother and grandson.

Reviews
"Sapp's illustrations, rendered in thickly textured oil paint, emphasize the bond and love that the boy feels for his grandmother. The sense of emotional connection to a powwow is portrayed through the spare, poetic text. . . A strong offering about powwows, familial love, and finding understanding from within."— School Library Journal

"A heartfelt intergenerational story about knowing and preserving heritage and love between elders and young ones. . . Bouchard's rhythmic text successfully conveys an emotive and sensory approach to the relationship between the two, enriching the story and echoing the hand-lettered onomatopoeic syllables that represent chanting and drumbeats. Sapp's profound paintings bring sincere and reassuring images that support and enhance the tale. A stunning picture book that celebrates life, family relations, and determination to preserve traditions and heritage."— Kirkus Starred Review

"Based on Cree painter Allen Sapp's childhood memories of life on a reserve in Saskatchewan, The Song Within My Heart tells of a young boy who is getting ready to go to a pow wow. Woven throughout the story is the boy's close relationship with his Nokum (grandmother). Bouchard's lyrical text, with its thoughtfully chosen words, evokes a quiet, introspective mood. Richly textured and infused with an almost radiant light quality, the illustrations reinforce strongly the simplicity of life on a reserve, the significance of the pow wow and, of course, the love between grandmother and grandson. Beautifully crafted. Highly Recommended." — CM Magazine

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 8-12

Bilingual: Cree/English

Additional Information
32 pages | 10.00" x 7.25"

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"

What happens in your day?

This book helps children practise reading simple sentences by following a child on his day.

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.  It is a Level 6 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 C.

Curriculum Connections: Language and literacy; Identity; Roles and responsibilities

Recommended for ages 5-7.

Additional Information 
12 pages | 8.00" x 6.00"

TJ is bored of playing the same old games with his friends. When a new girl named Sapa moves to his community, he finally has a friend who shares his interests!

TJ and Sapa spend all summer playing out and exploring their community. When school starts in the fall, TJ’s classmates tease Sapa for being different. Will TJ stand up for his new friend?

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. It is a Level 14 book 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: O.

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.

Curriculum Connections: Language and Literacy; Identity; Self-Image

Recommended for ages 7 to 9.

Additional Information
36 pages | 5.90" x 8.90"

Tuktu is lost! He wandered away from his herd and can’t find his way back. What will he do?

Follow along as Tuktu searches the tundra and meets new friends who all have something to teach him. Will his new friends be able to help him find his herd?

Educator & Series Information
This is an Arvaaq Book. Books in this series are intended for infants and very young children and are designed to help children develop physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and language skills.

This book tells a story about fun animal characters and is meant to be read out loud to young children. Reading out loud to children at an early age can help them develop early language and literacy skills.

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

I have a lot of things!

This book describes items a child in Nunavut might have.

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.  It is a Level 5 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 A.

Curriculum Connections: Language and literacy; Indigenous perspectives; Identity

Recommended for ages 5-7.

Additional Information 
12 pages | 8.00" x 8.00"

Find out what the weather is like in the Arctic.

This book helps children practise describing the weather by showing weather conditions that are common in Nunavut.

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.  It is a Level 4 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 A.

Curriculum Connections: Language and literacy; Environmental awareness

Recommended for ages 3-6.

Additional Information 
12 pages | 6.00" x 8.00"

Miali loves spending time with her anaanatsiaq!

Anaanatsiaq has lots of stories to share about her past. Miali loves listening to Anaanatsiaq’s stories and learning about what life was like long ago.

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. It is a Level 12 book 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: O.

Curriculum Connections: Language and Literacy; Diversity; Indigenous Perspectives; History and Heritage.

Recommended for ages 7 to 9.

Additional Information
24 pages | 7.00" x 9.00"

What do you do in your community?

This book describes different activities children do in an Arctic community.

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.  It is a Level 7 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 C.

Curriculum Connections: Language and literacy; Indigenous perspectives; Community engagement; Roles and responsibilities

Recommended for ages 5-7.

Additional Information 
16 pages | 8.00" x 8.00"

Utak is from Nunavut. Peace is from Ghana, West Africa. They may be from different parts of the world, but many of the things they like to do are the same!

This book features common activities children might like to do, along with beautiful photographs of Nunavut and Ghana.

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. The Nunavummi Reading Series is now offering books that explore a global perspective. This is one of those books, focusing on a child in Africa and another in Nunavut.

This book is a level 7 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: C.

Curriculum Connections: Language and Literacy; Diversity; Identity; Indigenous Perspectives.

Recommended for ages 5-7.

Additional Information
16 pages | 7.80" x 7.80"

There is a lot to see in Nunavut!

This book explores different parts of the Arctic landscape, such as a river and a shoreline.

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.  It is a Level 5 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 A.

Curriculum Connections: Language and literacy; Diversity; Indigenous perspectives; Environmental awareness

Recommended for ages 5-7.

Additional Information 
12 pages | 8.00" x 8.00"