Non-Fiction
Synopsis:
Animals Illustrated mixes fun-filled animal facts suitable for the youngest of readers with intricately detailed illustrations to create a unique and beautiful introduction to Arctic animals for young readers. This collection of material from the Animals Illustrated series gives readers a focused understanding of how land mammals survive in the Arctic, what they have in common that helps them withstand the icy cold temperatures, and how their unique behaviours and adaptations help them succeed in this habitat.
Presented in the form of an illustrated children’s encyclopedia, this book provides introductory information about mammals, predator and prey relationships, and how animals adapt to live in the Arctic, before providing detailed spreads with facts about each of the following animals: polar bears, Arctic wolves, Arctic foxes, muskoxen, caribou, wolverines, lemmings, and Arctic hares.
Educator & Series Information
Recommended Ages: 6-8
This book is part of the non-fiction Animals Illustrated series, which mixes fun-filled animal facts suitable for the youngest of readers with intricately detailed illustrations to create a unique and beautiful collection of children’s non-fiction books on Arctic animals. Each volume contains firsthand accounts from authors who live in the Arctic, along with interesting facts on the behaviours and biology of each animal.
Reading Levels
Fountas & Pinnell Text Level Gradient: P
Guided Reading Level: P
Additional Information
48 pages | 8.00" x 11.00" | Hardcover
Synopsis:
The Sixties Scoop is a dark part of Canada's history. Learn more about this time from someone who lived it. Jacqueline tells us more about her time as a child in the Sixties Scoop.
Educator Information
Juvenile Nonfiction
Additional Information
24 pages | Paperback
Synopsis:
A lyrical, scientific exploration of what’s below our feet, this gorgeously illustrated informational picture book digs into geological discoveries—and embraces the mysteries science has yet to solve. Join “science poet” Kate Allen Fox on a journey to the center of the Earth in this fascinating, wonder-filled investigation of Earth’s layers. Illustrated cross-sections and additional nonfiction back matter about the scientific method make this narrative nonfiction a comprehensive and satisfying experience for young scientists.
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 7 to 10.
Reading Level: Grades 2 to 4.
Additional Information
32 pages | 8.00" x 10.00" | Hardcover
Synopsis:
A lyrical informational picture book about how open-net pen fish farms impact wild salmon and their ecosystems
Salmon are central to their ecosystem and the lives of many Indigenous Nations, but the rapid rise of open net-pen fish farming has threatened these longstanding connections. Salmon have followed the same migration routes for thousands of years, but the fish farming industry has had a deadly impact on their annual journey. Open-net pen farms release harmful waste into the ocean that is lethal to the wild salmon forced to swim through it. Now, the salmon must battle against the human-made destruction of their habitat, and many Nations are advocating for change and creating calls of action to protect salmon for future generations.
As the young salmon journey from their gravel nests to the open ocean, readers learn about the life cycle of wild salmon, the effects of open-net pen fish farms, and the role of salmon as a keystone species.
Boldly illustrated with gorgeous Northwest Coast formline art, rhythmic poetry combines with supportive nonfiction content to illuminate the struggles faced by wild salmon populations.
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 5 to 8.
Fountas & Pinnell Text Level Gradient: J
Lexile measure: 980L
Additional Information
40 pages | 10.00" x 8.50" | Hardcover
Synopsis:
In this new and updated edition, award-winning author Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve introduces young readers to the Navajo peoples.
Did you know that Navajo children were given their own lambs to signal their transition into adulthood? Learn about the Navajo’s creation story, resistance and resilience against Spanish colonizers, forked-stick hogan homes, sand paintings, and more.
Expertly reviewed by a member of the Navajo tribe, this updated edition provides the most up to date and accurate information on the Navajo people of the past and present. Historical information is accompanied by a section on modern life and contemporary photos
Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 7 to 10.
This book is part of the First Americans series.
Additional Information
32 pages | 10.50" x 9.50" | Paperback
Synopsis:
From small sapling to towering giant, follow the long life of a cedar tree in this illustrated book for young scientists.
Step outside to explore the hidden mysteries of the cedar tree life cycle in this beautifully illustrated, engaging non-fiction book for young scientists ages 9 to 12.
Meet Nox Sim Gan, the cedar mother, whose life cycle spans centuries and whose roots anchor the landscape. The cedar mother plays a vital role in the ecosystem: offering shelter for birds in her strong limbs, providing refuge for small creatures beneath her bark, and healing the Gitxsan with a medicinal tea made from her soft, green leaves. She also creates the very oxygen that all land-dwelling creatures need to breathe.
Delve into the remarkable story of the western red cedar as you learn how she nourishes herself through an unexpected connection to salmon, the secret web of life that thrives beneath the ground, and how, at the end of her life, she leaves a final gift for the Gitxsan. This book invites young readers to discover the life of a tree that is much more than meets the eye, offering lessons in interconnectedness, and in wisdom passed down through generations.
Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 9 to 12.
Lexile measure: 1050L
This book is part of the Mother of Xsan series, which uses striking illustration and lyrical language to bring the poetry of the Xsan ecosystem to life. It is the eighth book in the series.
Additional Information
32 pages | 6.50" x 10.00" | Hardcover
Synopsis:
A grandfather teaches his grandson how we are all related to plants, insects, birds and animals—and that each of us has a place in the sacred web of life.
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 7 to 12.
Additional Information
38 Pages
Synopsis:
How many footsteps have walked your street in the past? My Street Remembers peels back the history of one city street in North America to reveal the greater story of the land on which we live.
The story begins 14,000 years ago, when mammoths roamed the icefields, and the First Peoples followed their trail. Historically accurate illustrations show the lives of their descendants over thousands of years as they hunted and gathered food, built homes and celebrated together, until the 1600s, when Europeans arrived with settlers in their wake.
In lyrical text, the street remembers agreements to live in peace, the efforts of the British to take the land with unfair treaties, and the conflict and suffering that followed. The street recalls its naming, paving and the waves of immigrants who called it home. Illustrations of recent times depict Canada's apology to Indigenous Peoples and efforts toward Truth and Reconciliation, including a march with a banner that reads: Every Child Matters.
This rich collaboration between author Karen Krossing, of White settler descent, and Anishinaabe artist Cathie Jamieson ends with a question that readers anywhere can ask-what does your street remember?
Reviews
"A thoughtful overview and reflection on the life and legacy of a busy street." — Booklist
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 6.
This book is part of the Better Path series.
Reading Levels: Lexile NC940L
Key Text Features:
- author's note
- bibliography
- captions
- explanation
- facts
- flags
- further information
- historical context
- historical note
- illustrations
- illustrator's notes
- sources
- timeline
- vignettes
- writing inspiration
Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.3
Describe characters, settings, and major events in a story, using key details.
Additional Information
48 pages | 11.00" x 8.00" | Hardcover
Synopsis:
This bestselling and award-winning introduction to Etuaptmumk—the gift of multiple perspectives also known as Two-Eyed Seeing—is now available in a bilingual edition that celebrates the Mi’kmaw language and our connections to nature.
Elder Albert D. Marshall is a leading environmental voice who has brought forward the concept of Etuaptmumk, honoring and braiding both Indigenous and non-Indigenous knowledges and ways of knowing for the benefit of all. Walking Together is grounded in this, as well as in the concept of Netukulimk, meaning to protect Mother Earth for the ancestors and for present and future generations. The journey in Walking Together nurtures respectful, reciprocal, responsible relationships with the Land and Water, with plant life and animals, and with other-than-human beings.
Translated by Barbara Sylliboy and Arlene Stevens, Eskasoni First Nation, Unama’ki (Cape Breton), Nova Scotia, the dual-language text in Mi’kmaw and English furthers Elder Marshall’s lifelong work preserving cultural beliefs and creating a strong vision for his people and for the future. Elder Marshall and Louise Zimanyi are working together to promote Land-based learning through storytelling, an approach that has global relevance for protecting biodiversity, climate action, and resilience. Emily Kewageshig’s evocative artwork illustrates the beauty of connecting with nature and encourages readers to strengthen their relationships to the world around them.
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 7.
Introduces the concept of Two-Eyed Seeing (the gift of multiple perspectives) to young readers.
Bilingual Edition: Mi’kmaw and English.
This book is available in English: Walking Together
Additional Information
40 pages | 9.00" x 9.00" | Hardcover
Synopsis:
In 1850, 5,000 Ojibwe people were forced to make a dangerous journey across the Midwest to get treaty payments owed to them from the U. S. Government. But the payments never came, and the Ojibwe had to travel back home through treacherous winter conditions and without the money or supplies they had been promised. More than 400 Ojibwe lost their lives in this event that is now known as the Ojibwe Trail of Tears. Compelling narrative and impactful images help to recount the injustices of this forced removal and explain how it happened, what the many consequences were, how the Ojibwe people responded, and why this tragedy is still vitally relevant today. Author Emily Faith Johnson (Sault St. Marie Chippewa member) shares this not-to-be-forgotten story with young readers and educators seeking a closer look at U.S. history.
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 8 to 12.
Additional Information
32 pages | 8.00" x 10.00" | Paperback
Synopsis:
A stunning account of the Sacred Stone Camp's first day, where Indigenous activist LaDonna BraveBull Allard gathered water protectors to protest the Dakota Access Pipeline
The land is sacred to the people. The people are sacred to the land.
As Water Protectors gather to defend the water and protect the land against a black snake that threatens the rivers that millions of people depend on, a young girl looks to her Unci LaDonna and Lala Miles who are leading the way to the camp.
Although she’s nervous about what might happen next, she finds strength from her family and the strangers all coming together to stand up for what’s right.
Written with love by Rae Rose, who shares many memories with LaDonna, this is a deeply moving tribute to LaDonna’s work and impact with stunning watercolor illustrations by Aly McKnight.
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 5 to 9.
Additional Information
40 pages | 11.00" x 8.50" | Hardcover
Synopsis:
Sam has always dreamed about being an orca, while Crystal discovers she hopes to grow up and study orcas as a marine biologist. When the siblings head to the Pacific coast to visit their aunt and uncle, they are in for a treat! Aunt Kate is a marine biologist, and she has all kinds of interesting facts to share about the Resident orca pods.
Sam and Crystal learn about the different populations of orcas and their food sources, attend the Save the Salish Sea Festival with an Indigenous woman, and have their own incredible adventure with an orca pod. They come away with a new understanding about the role they play in protecting our animal friends and what it will take to ensure that the orca pods have their own vibrant, beautiful future.
Join an Orca Family with Sam and Crystal is the fourth book in the Sam and Crystal series. It weaves a wealth of factual information about the orcas of the Pacific Northwest Coast with an entertaining story and beautiful, whimsical, biologically accurate illustrations. Children will learn basic ecology concepts while exploring the Pacific coastline right alongside Sam and Crystal.
Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 11 and under.
This book is part of the Explore with Sam and Crystal Series.
Additional Information
64 pages | 8.50" x 11.00" | Hardcover
Synopsis:
An evocative autobiographical picture book about Cree activist Na'kuset's life as a young girl taken from her home along with thousands of other indigenous children during the 1960s, and the journey of discovery that leads her to reclaim her life and culture.
I have come from somewhere else, where
I am Cree and I have a big sister
and another name.
One night, a very young girl was removed from her home during Canada’s Sixties Scoop, which tore children from their Indigenous communities. She woke in a new home, with a new family and a new name—her former life fading to a ghost of a memory. The only place she ever felt like she fit in was with her grandmother—her Bubbie—who listened to her and made her chicken soup and wrapped her in her loving arms. Until one day…the girl discovered the truth. And her beloved Bubbie helped her on her journey to claim her identity, her voice—and her name.
Together, Na'kuset and Judith Henderson tell the powerful story of the Indigenous experience for a child during the Sixities Scoop. Cree illustrator Onedove shared how inspired they are by Na'kuset's story and activism, and that is made evident in the tender and vivid illustrations that bring Na'kuset's story to life.
Educator Information
Recommendations for ages 6 to 9.
Lexile measure: 450L
Fountas & Pinnell Text Level Gradient: O
Additional Information
40 pages | 9.50" x 9.50" | Hardcover
Synopsis:
Discover the history of the endangered Ojibwe horse and the daring intervention of the Lac La Croix First Nation in this celebration of community, tradition, courage, and hope.
It’s a cold, snowy night at Lac La Croix First Nation, and two siblings are too excited to fall asleep. The horses are coming tonight! Amid the buzz of aunties and uncles and cousins, Nookomis tells a story that began many years ago, when their people shared the land with herds of wild ponies. In a symbiotic relationship, the people provided the horses with food and shelter, while the horses helped them run traplines and travel. But after many years had passed, and the herd had dwindled to four, the government threatened to shoot them. It was time to move the remaining horses to safety—but getting them there would be harder than they thought! Follow the true story of a “heist across the ice” from Ontario to Minnesota and learn how a small herd of hardy, indigenous horses returned years later to their native land. Rich illustrations honor the life of the Ojibwe people over time, as well as the land and living things that have survived under their stewardship.
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 7.
Additional Information
32 pages | 9.62" x 10.62" | Hardcover
Synopsis:
In 1921, Inupait seamstress Ada Blackjack joined a a group of four white men who wanted to establish a trading post on Wrangel Island in the freezing Arctic Ocean. The explorers were stranded on the island when their return ship was forced to turn back due to ice. Facing harsh conditions and dwindling food supplies, the men died one by one, but Ada remained. Find out how she alone managed to survive the disastrous expedition.
Reviews
"The lesser-known 1921 Wrangel Island Expedition is chronicled in this graphic novel.... The book begins by introducing its two key players: Ada Blackjack (a young Inuit single mother from Nome, Alaska) and Vilhjalmur Steffansson (an aging white explorer of Icelandic heritage). Steffansson was determined to establish a European colony on Wrangel Island, off the coast of Siberia. He assembled a five-man team of explorers, and Blackjack, desperate for money, joined them. While the writing is a bit stilted, the artwork makes the tale quite lively, especially once the expedition reaches the uninhabited island. Readers will become engrossed in the team’s efforts to survive and be impressed with how Blackjack proves herself the most capable person there; indeed, she’s the sole survivor. A map and additional information conclude."— Julia Smith, Booklist
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 8 to 11.
Additional Information
32 pages | 7.00" x 9.00" | Paperback
Synopsis:
Discusses the life and accomplishments of Mary Simon, the first Indigenous person to hold office. She has served as the 30th governor general of Canada since July 26, 2021.
Educator Information
Juvenile Nonfiction.
Indigenous consultant: Dennis McPherson
Additional Information
24 Pages
Synopsis:
How a young boy is raised by his grandfather on the Tohono O'odham Indian Reservation. The book denotes various aspects of O'odham himdag (culture) and begins with a simple question that the boy asks his Hu'ul Ke:li (Grandfather) with a culturally relevant answer as to why they do the things they do during the day. Various activities include waking up early in the morning and asking why they do so - to daily chores and activities such as tending horses, working in the garden, hauling water, and gathering food/medicine in the desert.
Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5 by the publisher, but this book contains a lot of text and may be more suitable for older children.
This book includes many O'odham words, but it is not a dual-language book. A glossary is included.
This book is part of the Tohono O'odham series.
Subjects / Themes: Family, Daily Life, Health, Home, Culture
Additional Information
48 pages | 11.00" x 9.00" | colour illustrations | Hardcover
Synopsis:
Grandmother, Why do we do the things we do?
How a young girl is raised by her grandmother on the Tohono O'odham Indian Reservation. The book denotes various aspects of O'odham himdag (culture) and begins with waking up in the morning and then preparing for the day and engaging in several different responsibilities. Various daily chores and activities such as preparation of different food, basket weaving, pottery making, household chores and cultural undertakings are highlighted.
Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5 by the publisher, but this book contains a lot of text and may be more suitable for older children.
This book includes many O'odham words, but it is not a dual-language book. A glossary is included. O'odham is a Native American language spoken by several tribes in the American Southwest and Northern Sonoran Mexico.
This book is part of the Tohono O'odham series.
Subjects / Themes: Daily Life, Home, Family, Community, Culture
Additional Information
48 pages | 11.00" x 9.00" | colour illustrations | Hardcover
Synopsis:
A clear explanation of what racism is and how to recognize it when you see it.
As tough as it is to imagine, this book really does explore racism. But it does so in a way that’s accessible to kids. Inside, you’ll find a clear description of what racism is, how it makes people feel when they experience it, and how to spot it when it happens.
Covering themes of racism, sadness, bravery, and hate. This book is designed to help get the conversation going. Racism is one conversation that’s never too early to start, and this book was written to be an introduction on the topic for kids aged 5-9.
A Kids Book About Racism features:
- A friendly, approachable, and kid-appropriate tone throughout.
- Expressive font design; allowing kids to have the space to reflect and the freedom to imagine themselves in the words on the pages.
- An author who has lived experience on the topic of racism.
Tackling important discourse together!
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 5 to 9.
Additional Information
64 pages | 8.00" x 10.38" | Hardcover
Synopsis:
Indigenous Peoples' Day is about celebrating! The second Monday in October is a day to honor Native American people, their histories, and cultures. People mark the day with food, dancing, and songs. Readers will discover how a shared holiday can have multiple traditions and be celebrated in all sorts of ways.
Awards
- 2022 American Indian Library Association winner
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 5 to 8.
This book is about Indigenous Peoples' Day in the United States.
Additional Information
32 pages | 7.00" x 9.00" | Paperback
Synopsis:
Powwows are about dancing! Indigenous people in America come together at powwows to celebrate their culture and traditions with drumming, singing, and dancing. Together they remember their history and honor their ancestors. Dancers show off their best moves and fancy regalia in dances that tell stories or remember important moments in history. Lively photos and easy-to-read text help readers learn about contemporary powwow dances and traditions and their roots in the past. Readers will discover how Indigenous traditions honor the past and celebrate the present.
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 5 to 8.
Additional Information
32 pages | 7.00" x 9.00" | Paperback
Synopsis:
Award-winning author Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve introduces young readers to the Sioux peoples.
The buffalo was the center of Sioux life. After hunting buffalo on horseback, the Sioux people would use every piece of the animal, making food, beds, clothing, storage boxes, and even sleds from the ribs! Discover how the Sioux people lived on the Great Plains with this accessible introduction. Learn about the Sioux creation story, life in the village as a kid, the importance of their feathered headdresses, and more.
This updated edition provides the most up to date and accurate information on the Sioux people of past and present. The back of the book includes a section on Sioux life today, proper names for all of the Sioux tribes, and an excerpt from the Lakota pipe ceremony.
Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 7 to 10.
This book is part of the First Americans series.
Additional Information
32 pages | 10.55" x 9.47" | Paperback
Synopsis:
Award-winning author Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve introduces young readers to the Nez Perce peoples.
Did you know that the Nez Perce believed that humans had to seek a spirit helper to find their purpose in life through a vision? Learn about the Nez Perce’s creation story, history, belief, daily ways of living, introduction to the horse, and more in this accessible introduction.
Expertly reviewed by a member of the Nez Perce tribe, this updated edition provides the most up to date and accurate information on the Nez Perce people of the past and present. Historical information is accompanied by a letter from a member of the Nez Perce tribe and a section on modern life.
Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 7 to 10.
This book is part of the First Americans series.
Additional Information
32 pages | 10.5" x 9.5" | Paperback
Synopsis:
Award-winning author Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve introduces young readers to the Hopi people.
Did you know that the Hopi people have always lived on three mesas, big flat-topped hills, in Arizona? This accessible nonfiction picture book introduces the Hopis’ creation story, history, beliefs, daily ways of life, and more. Learn about the Hopi secret societies, underground kivas, kachina masks, the snake dance, and more.
Expertly reviewed by members of the Hopi tribe, this updated edition provides the most up to date and accurate information on the Hopi people of the past and present. Historical information is accompanied by a section on modern life.
Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 7 to 10.
This book is part of the First Americans series.
Additional Information
32 pages | 10.50" x 9.50" | Paperback
Synopsis:
Award-winning author Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve introduces young readers to the Seminoles people.
The Seminoles are known as “the people who never surrendered.” As White settlers continued to encroach on their land, the Seminoles moved farther and farther into the Florida Everglades and adapted to their new environment with their hard work and ingenuity. And after defending their land in three Seminole wars, they never signed a formal peace treaty with the United States.
This accessible nonfiction picture book introduces the Seminoles’ early history, daily way of life, ceremonies, and more. Learn how they adapted to the Florida Everglades and their unique cultural practices, like their flat roll hairstyle and the role of an ever-burning fire in the annual Green Corn Dance. This updated edition provides the most up to date and accurate information on the Seminole people of past and present. The back of the book includes a section on Seminole life today.
Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 7 to 10.
This book is part of the First Americans series.
Additional Information
32 pages | 10.55" x 9.47" | Paperback
Synopsis:
Strong kinship, rich stories, and lasting traditions—that’s the Seneca Nation. In this engaging nonfiction book for young readers, discover more about the people, places, and practices that connect Seneca communities across the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. Learn how the Seneca people thrive today by safeguarding their language, maintaining customs, and honoring their heritage through ceremonies and council gatherings. Through interactive activities and engaging features—including maps, timelines, recipes, and stories—Seneca author Dr. Faye Lone offers young readers a window into the past, present, and future of this enduring culture.
Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 8 to 11.
This book is part of the Indigenous Peoples series.
Additional Information
32 pages | 7.00" x 9.00" | Paperback
Synopsis:
Time-honored values, majestic landscapes, and a resilient spirit—that's the Lakota Nation. In this insightful nonfiction book for young readers, discover more about the people, places, and heritage of Lakota communities across the Northern Plains. Explore how the Lakota people continue to thrive by preserving their language, practicing timeless traditions, and celebrating respected ceremonies, like the annual Sun Dance, which brings relatives together in community and prayer. Through interactive activities and engaging features—including maps, timelines, recipes, and crafts—Lakota author Tracy Hauff introduces young learners to the past, present, and future of this vibrant culture.
Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 8 to 11.
This book is part of the Indigenous Peoples series.
Additional Information
32 pages | 7.00" x 9.00" | Paperback
Synopsis:
Spiritual ceremonies, powerful storytelling, and timeless wisdom—that’s the Navajo Nation. In this captivating nonfiction book for young readers, discover more about the people, places, and traditions that unify the Navajo Nation. Learn how the Navajo people continue to thrive in the Southwest by preserving their language, celebrating cultural practices, and participating in meaningful ceremonies, such as the Kinaaldá, a coming-of-age ritual for young women. Through interactive activities and engaging features—including maps, timelines, recipes, and crafts—Navajo author Jennifer R. Denetdale shares valuable insights into the past, present, and future of this resilient culture.
Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 8 to 11.
This book is part of the Indigenous Peoples series.
Additional Information
32 pages | 7.00" x 9.00" | Paperback
Synopsis:
Spirited powwows, close family ties, and a deep connection to the land—that’s the Ojibwe Nation. In this captivating nonfiction book for young readers, discover more about the people, places, and customs that shape Ojibwe life across the Great Lakes region. Uncover how the Ojibwe people continue to thrive by preserving their language, celebrating traditions, and gathering at powwows, where drumming, dancing, and storytelling keep their culture alive. Through interactive activities and engaging features—including maps, timelines, recipes, and crafts—Ojibwe author Kim Sigafus provides young learners with meaningful insights into the past, present, and future of this enduring culture.
Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 8 to 11.
This book is part of the Indigenous Peoples series.
Additional Information
32 pages | 7.00" x 9.00" | Paperback
Synopsis:
Colorful celebrations, ancient histories, and enduring customs—that’s the Inuit people. In this insightful nonfiction book for young readers, discover more about the people, places, and customs that connect Inuit communities across the vast Arctic landscape. Explore how the Inuit people thrive in Earth’s northernmost regions by honoring their language, preserving traditional ways of life, and gathering for celebrations, such as Kivgiq, a joyful festival of music, drumming, and dance. Through interactive activities and engaging features—including maps, timelines, recipes, and stories—Iñupiaq author Tia Tidwell offers young learners valuable insights into the past, present, and future of this remarkable culture.
Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 8 to 11.
This book is part of the Indigenous Peoples series.
Additional Information
32 pages | 7.00" x 9.00" | Paperback
Synopsis:
Vibrant traditions, rich histories, and strong voices—that’s the Cherokee Nation. In this inspiring nonfiction book for young readers, discover more about the people, places, and culture of one of the United States’ largest Indigenous groups. Explore how the Cherokee people still survive—and thrive—by safeguarding their language, reviving customs, and upholding celebrations, like the annual Cherokee National Holiday that honors their heritage. Through interactive activities and engaging features—including maps, timelines, recipes, and crafts—Cherokee author Twila M. Barnes provides young learners with important insights into the past, present, and future of the Cherokee people.
Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 8 to 11.
This book is part of the Indigenous Peoples series.
Additional Information
32 pages | 7.00" x 9.00" | Paperback
Synopsis:
With sturdy, streamlined bodies, outfitted with insulating blubber, flippers, tail flukes and fins, whales -- all known as cetaceans -- are built for life in the water. In Exploring the World of Whales, we meet the baleen whales and the largest members of the toothed whales, including the killer whale, the biggest of the dolphins. These marine mammals range in size from the 108-foot-long (33 m) blue whale to the barely 9-foot-long (2.7 m) dwarf sperm whale while boasting a range of distinctive physical traits, including the sperm whale's gigantic head, the humpback's barnacle-covered body and outsized flippers, and the narwhal's eight-foot-long tusk.
Young readers will learn the difference between the baleen and toothed whales and how these differences affect habitat, diet and behaviors. They'll discover how whales communicate with one another across vast stretches of ocean, how some cooperate to raise families and hunt their prey, and how some are capable of remarkable feats of migration and deep diving. A lively, fully illustrated introduction to some of the planet's most intelligent species, this book also addresses the ongoing risks to whale populations.
Reviews
"Crisp photographs accompany interesting text that provides fascinating information about both baleen and toothed whales of many varieties. There's information here about diet, habitat, communication, behavior, and social interactions." — Teresa Bateman, Puget Sound Council for the Review of Children's and Young Adult Literature, August 2018
Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 7 to 12.
The Exploring the World of... nature series was created for young readers who are eager to learn more about the wild creatures of the world. Each title contains beautiful photographs of the animals in their natural habitats and the highly readable text explores their daily lives and physical characteristics, how they make their homes, how they raise their young and what they eat.
Additional Information
24 pages | 8.00" x 8.00" | full color throughout, index | Paperback
Synopsis:
Silently suspended in water, with only their eyes, nostrils and ears breaking the surface, these members of the crocodilian family play a terrifying sit-and-wait game with their prey, striking with lightning speed, chilling accuracy and a deadly bite stronger than any other living creature. Their victims stand little chance once held in their strong jaws. Land-dwelling prey are equally at risk--crocodilians can walk, gallop and leap at high speed, making them among nature's fiercest predators.
The crocodile and alligator families descend from the reptiles that roamed Earth alongside the dinosaurs some 250 million years ago. Today, most of the land-dwelling crocodilians live in tropical lowlands, while the broad-snouted American and Chinese alligators have adapted to cooler temperatures.
In Exploring the World of Alligators and Crocodiles, young readers will learn about the crocodilians' life history, physical characteristics, courtship displays, communication strategies and family life. They'll also find out how these semiaquatic reptiles rely on their senses and speed to survive--and why humans should keep their distance.
Reviews
"There's plenty of nonfiction for elementary grades, but finding attractive nonfiction for secondary can be more of a challenge. The "Exploring the World of..." series answers that need. Crisp close-up photographs augment the clear, well-written text... Younger students would find much to enjoy in the photographs. Reader will learn about hummingbird history, anatomy, diet, and flight ability. Mating, nesting, and life cycle are briefly covered. A wide variety of hummingbirds are highlighted. The text is aflutter with interesting facts. An index is included... This is an eye-catching book suitable for secondary library shelves." — Teresa Bateman, Puget Sound Council for the Review of Children's and Young Adult Literature, August 2018
"The photography contained in Exploring the World of Alligators and Crocodiles is exquisite. The anatomical structure is detailed and diagrammed. Sensory data is displayed and courtship pictures and inset with young hatching. A crocodilian gallery features the variety of this order, from the Saltwater Crocodile and Cuvier's Dwarf Caiman to the American Alligator and Mugger Crocodile. The photographers portray a species that is dangerous, yet protected as its numbers decrease." — Judy Kraus, National Science Teachers Association, September 2017
Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 7 to 12.
The Exploring the World of... nature series was created for young readers who are eager to learn more about the wild creatures of the world. Each title contains beautiful photographs of the animals in their natural habitats and the highly readable text explores their daily lives and physical characteristics, how they make their homes, how they raise their young and what they eat.
Additional Information
24 pages | 8.00" x 8.00" | full color throughout, index | Paperback
Synopsis:
A glimpse inside the daily life of nature's masked bandits.
Children find the bandit-masked face and button nose of a raccoon irresistibly cute, and catching a glimpse of one in a neighborhood tree never fails to excite. Raccoons describes the natural history of these cousins of the panda bear and explains how that heritage helps them thrive in cities as well as in fields and woodlands. Color photographs of adults and kits in urban and natural settings give readers the chance to look more closely at these elusive creatures, and children will enjoy the amusing descriptions of the raccoon's antics and mischief. But Raccoons also shows youngsters why they shouldn't feed these brazen visitors and that, even though they share our cities and towns, raccoons will always be wild animals.
Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 7 to 12.
The Exploring the World of... nature series was created for young readers who are eager to learn more about the wild creatures of the world. Each title contains beautiful photographs of the animals in their natural habitats and the highly readable text explores their daily lives and physical characteristics, how they make their homes, how they raise their young and what they eat.
Additional Information
24 pages | 8.00" x 8.00" | Full-colour photographs throughout, index | Paperback
Synopsis:
There's no greater thrill than spotting one of these tiny birds in the garden, and young readers will be fascinated by how this avian machine works. Hummingbirds are the smallest birds in the world, but they exploit every advantage that comes with their modest size. Exploring the World of Hummingbirds is a fully illustrated introduction to the hummingbird's high-performance lifestyle.
Built for efficiency and fueled with high-energy nectar, this bird runs at a high temperature during the daytime, its heart beating 650 beats a minute, and its dense feathers keep it warm at night as it rests. Most impressive, however, are its skills as an aerial acrobat. Like a helicopter, it can move forward, backward and sideways. When feeding from a blossom, it can hover in midair and then turn and whir away at full speed -- all in two-tenths of a second.
Readers will find out how hummingbirds and flowers have evolved for their mutual success. They'll also discover intriguing facts about hummingbird biology, flight, mating and nesting behaviors, family life, migration, and just how a hummingbird achieves and maintains its dazzling, shimmering colors.
Reviews
"There's plenty of nonfiction for elementary grades, but finding attractive nonfiction for secondary can be more of a challenge. The "Exploring the World of..." series answers that need. Crisp close-up photographs augment the clear, well-written text... Younger students would find much to enjoy in the photographs. Reader will learn about hummingbird history, anatomy, diet, and flight ability. Mating, nesting, and life cycle are briefly covered. A wide variety of hummingbirds are highlighted. The text is aflutter with interesting facts. An index is included... This is an eye-catching book suitable for secondary library shelves." — Teresa Bateman, Puget Sound Council for the Review of Children's and Young Adult Literature, August 2018
"Provides a detailed description of these tiny birds ranging from 3 to 21 cm and weighing a mere 11 grams or less... The photography contained in Exploring the World of Hummingbirds is exquisite. The hummingbird appears in mid-flight on the cover, resplendent in all its colors. A gallery of hummingbirds illustrates the wide variety of pigmentation, from non-iridescent colors produced by chemicals to the iridescent ones that are structural. The anatomical structure is magnified and diagrammed. The search for nectar is even captured on the page." — Judy Kraus, Science Scope Magazine, December 2017
"An educational book written especially for young people ages 8-12. Eye-catching, full-color photographs of these beautiful, tiny, and energetic birds in flight, feeding, or raising their young fill this captivating browse... An index rounds out this choice pick for school and public library middle grade collections. Also highly recommended are the other titles in the "Exploring the World" series." — Midwest Book Review, November 2017
"This series has a different approach than typical animal books and goes beyond a basic introduction. The books provide the reader with another perspective and focus on different forms of survival tactics. Diagrams of the animals are presented describing different body parts and their functions. Another chapter discusses the natural talents of the animal... An extensive index is included. Recommended."--Library Media Connection, of the previous books in the series
Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 7 to 12.
The Exploring the World of... nature series was created for young readers who are eager to learn more about the wild creatures of the world. Each title contains beautiful photographs of the animals in their natural habitats and the highly readable text explores their daily lives and physical characteristics, how they make their homes, how they raise their young and what they eat.
Additional Information
24 pages | 8.00" x 8.00" | Paperback
Synopsis:
Being an ally is about learning and action. It's a constant, ongoing willingness to engage in the hard, confronting work of standing alongside those who don't have the same privileges.
As a young person, it can be difficult to take a stand for others when the need to fit in is so strong. But everyone can be an ally. Learn to acknowledge the privileges you have based on your identity, the difference between allyship and being a performative ally and how to address mistakes when we make them. In this book, young readers will work through realistic scenarios that show allyship in action and develop tools to become the best allies they can be.
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 9 to 12.
Includes some Indigenous content.
Additional Information
48 pages | 6.50" x 8.50" | 39 Colour Illustrations, 1 Index, 1 Bibliography; Hardcover
Synopsis:
Based on an ancient Inuit traditional story, this beautifully illustrated picture book tells of the appearance of the first humans on earth, and how from them all the peoples of the earth emerged. From a mound of simple dirt, through magic and intention, the world we know today slowly takes shape across the page.
Retold with loving care by Inuit author and actress Maika Harper, The First Peoples is both mythical and magical, an ancient tale brought to life for new generations.
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.
Additional Information
24 pages | 8.50" x 9.50" | Hardcover
Synopsis:
A joyful, proud and groundbreaking collection of letters and art for young people, You Were Made for This World brings together celebrated Indigenous voices from across Turtle Island.
Every young person deserves the chance to feel like they belong, that they are recognized, that they matter. In the spirit of A Velocity of Being: Letters to a Young Reader, You Were Made for This World brings together forty Indigenous writers, artists, activists, athletes, scholars and thinkers with a joint purpose: to celebrate the potential of young people, to share a sense of joy and pride in language, traditional and personal stories and teachings, and shared experiences, and to honor young people for who they are and what they dream of.
Including contributions from activist Autumn Peltier, singer/songwriter Tanya Tagaq, hockey player Ethan Bear, Governor General's Award–winning author David A. Robertson, artists Chief Lady Bird and Christi Belcourt, illustrator Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley, and dozens of others, this beautifully collaborative collection urges readers to think about who they are, where they come from and where they're going, with a warm familiarity that will inspire you to see yourself and your community with proud eyes.
Also includes a ribbon bookmark.
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 8 to 12.
Additional Information
120 pages | 7.50" x 10.00" | Hardcover
Synopsis:
Learn about the life and legacy of the first woman to serve as principal chief of the Cherokee Nation! Wilma Mankiller's struggle for political change throughout her life will be sure to inspire readers in this addition to the #1 New York Times bestselling series.
Wilma Mankiller grew up immersed in the Cherokee community and culture of Oklahoma. When her family moved to San Francisco as part of the Indian Relocation Program, she had to quickly adjust to city life. Along the way, Wilma never lost her dedication to her people and their centuries-old traditions. She grew up to become a major political activist. From aiding the Occupation of Alcatraz in 1969 to making history as the first woman principal chief of the Cherokee Nation in 1985, Wilma never wavered in her support for her community. She spent her life fighting for the rights of Native Americans and inspires political activism to this day.
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 8 to 12.
Additional Information
112 pages | 5.31" x 7.62" | Paperback
Synopsis:
Prepare to embark on a journey rich with the wisdom of our ancestors and the secrets shared by Mother Earth.
In this children’s book, you will follow a path once tread by those before us, where the songs of the trees, the dance of the rivers, and our stories are carried by the wind. These teachings are invaluable treasures passed down through generations.
You’ll discover the language of animals, the lessons of plants, and the wisdom of the land. If you listen closely, you will hear the “Whispers of the Earth,” guiding you on this incredible adventure.
Educator Information
Recommended for kindergarten to grade 7.
Carl Sam advised on the language, and is “Ha7li” of the Bear Clan from Skookumchuck, part of St’at’icmulh Nation, sometimes referred to as the Interior Salish. Through this book, he shares elements of the Ucwalmícwts language.
Includes some words in Ucwalmícwts.
Additional Information
60 pages | 20 × 20 × 1 cm | Paperback | Printed locally on 100% post-consumer recycled paper.
Synopsis:
A middle-grade-friendly introduction to flora of the Great Lakes Region, with outdoor activities, games and quizzes that make learning about nature fun! Great for families and educators.
Get dirty digging up roots. Crouch down to look closely at a carnivorous sundew dissolving a dragonfly. Make an elderberry concoction. Test your plant ID skills with a winter twig quiz. Make a soothing plantain salve to treat an itch. Learn which berries you can eat and which to avoid.
Time spent outdoors encourages children’s self-confidence and independence, increases attention span and physical well-being, and fosters care for the environment. With the increasing intrusion of technology into daily life, and the challenges of climate chaos, it has never been more essential for parents and educators to encourage kids to engage with the natural environment. Plants are everywhere, even in urban areas where parks, empty lots and backyards offer the opportunity to learn from and connect to nature.
Drawing on their years of experience as outdoor educators, co-authors Philippa Joly and Danielle Gehl Hagel feature fifty richly illustrated plant profiles, including information on identification and ecology, cultural uses, and fun activities—all in a way that is accessible and interesting to readers of all ages.
Educator Information
Juvenile Nonfiction.
Additional Information
224 pages | 8.50" x 8.50" | Paperback
Synopsis:
A high-quality colouring book for adults and children alike, featuring forty iconic West Coast scenes and motifs based on the works of Tsimshian artist Roy Henry Vickers.
Roy Henry Vickers is celebrated for his vibrant fusion of traditional motifs with contemporary style. His art reflects the stories and spirit of the natural world, from soaring eagles to tranquil rivers and majestic landscapes. Relax, unwind and explore your creative side while enjoying the beauty of the Northwest Coast with Inspired: A Roy Henry Vickers Colouring Book, featuring 40 pages to colour, adapted from the renowned artist’s most iconic works.
With high quality paper and perforated pages, Inspired is perfect as a gift or personal escape—and an engaging way to explore art, culture and creativity.
Additional Information
88 pages | 12.00" x 9.00" | 40 b&w illustrations | Paperback
Synopsis:
Apprenez à compter jusqu’à dix en cri grâce aux images et aux sons d’un pow-wow.
Ce livre de comptage unique initie les enfants aux chiffres d’un à dix en cri des plaines. À chaque page, vous découvrirez des illustrations vibrantes qui reflètent la richesse de la culture et des traditions du peuple cri. Grâce aux rimes, au rythme et aux illustrations représentatives des pow-wow, ce livre fait de l’apprentissage des langues une expérience joyeuse pour les jeunes lecteur·rices.
Recommended for ages 3 to 8.
24 Pages | Paperback
Synopsis:
The Anishinaabek are a rich nation with teachings and practices passed down from generation to generation. Explore more about the people and nations through Anishinaabek author Jennifer Meness.
Educator & Series Information
This book is part of the Indigenous Nations in North America series.
Additional Information
32 Pages | Paperback
Synopsis:
Add your favourite toppings to the bannock, draw some animals that live in the woods and write down a joke that would make cranky Wolverine laugh!
With almost 90 big pages of creative fun based on the bestselling Nutshimit: In the Woods, written by Melissa Mollen Dupuis and illustrated by Elise Gravel, this activity book encourages children to learn and have fun with nature.
Includes colouring pages, word searches, connect-the-dots, picture-prompts, spot-the-differences, DIY comic pages and much more to keep young forest enthusiasts engaged and entertained.
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.
Find the accompanying book here: Nutshimit: In the Woods
This activity book is available in French: Nutshimit: Le cahier d'activités
Additional Information
96 pages | 8.01" x 9.99" | Paperback
Synopsis:
Learn about the southernmost community of Nunavut in this educational picture book.
Did you know that Sanikiluaq, Nunavut is named after a great hunter and leader? Or that it is the most southern community in Nunavut? You can even see wildlife like polar bears, eider ducks, foxes, and more nearby. Discover the many reasons that people in Sanikiluaq love their home in this bilingual picture book.
Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.
Dual-language: English and Inuktitut
This book is part of the Community Connections series.
Additional Information
21 pages | 8.00" x 9.00" | Paperback
Synopsis:
Joanasie loves to live in Kinngait, Nunavut. His community may be small, but it is never boring!
Kinngait is a small community with lots to do throughout the year. Joanasie rides his bike in the summer and has snowball fights under the northern lights in the winter. And don't forget about Kinngait Studios, home of the talented artists that make Kinngait the "Capital of Inuit Art." Join Joanasie as he explains why Kinngait is a great place to live in this bilingual picture book.
Reviews
"Written by Inuit author and actress Maika Harper—best known for her role on the television series Mohawk Girls—the story reflects Inuit identity with warmth and respectful representation. Though Harper was born in Iqaluit and does not write from her lived experience in Kinngait, her cultural connection lends authenticity to the broader Inuit perspective depicted. Recommended for readers interested in northern communities, Indigenous identity, and contemporary Inuit storytelling." - Anika L., Middle School Teacher, Indigenous Books for Schools
Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.
Dual-language: English and Inuktitut
This book is part of the Community Connections series.
I Love to Live in Kinngait teaches readers about the community dubbed the “Capital of Inuit Art.”
Additional Information
21 pages | 8.00" x 9.00" | Paperback
Synopsis:
What will Monica see and learn when she visits a new community?
Monica is visiting her aunt Peesee in Kimmirut, Nunavut. There are many wonderful things to see and do there. Monica is excited to explore and learn about her aunt's community. Join Monica and Peesee as they go clam digging, visit waterfalls, and see the tallest trees on Baffin Island in this bilingual picture book!
Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.
Dual-language: English and Inuktitut
This book is part of the Community Connections series.
Additional Information
23 pages | 8.00" x 9.00" | Paperback
Synopsis:
"Who are you?", whispers the voice in the wind. "You are Métis." What does this strange word mean? A young girl watches her father to understand the unfamiliar label. Through a series of vignettes centred around her dad, the child interacts with her riverlot surroundings and delights in her Métis way of life.
Discover the joy and vibrancy of the Métis culture from a child's perspective. Feel the author's pride in her Métis identity, and her love for her father, as she relives childhood memories.
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 9.
Caution: The word "Indian" is used in this work when the author recounts a memory from her childhood.
Additional Information
32 pages | 10.00" x 8.00" | Hardcover
Synopsis:
A graphic novel for children ages 7 to 10. Sacajawea was a brilliant, multilingual Shoshone girl who was torn from her home at a young age. In 1804, she set out with the Lewis and Clark Expedition, acting as an interpreter and guide across hundreds of miles of unmapped land to reach the Pacific Ocean. Almost 200 years later, she became the first Indigenous woman to appear on a US coin. This is her story.
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 7 to 10.
Additional Information
42 Pages | 6.5o" x 8.10 | Library Binding