ABCs and 123s

1234 First Nations Explore

There are so many wonderful and interesting facts about First Nations Culture. The 1234 book gives children a chance to count while they learn about Aboriginal Peoples from all over "Turtle Island".

Kim is a Lakota artist, teacher in Vancouver, BC and children's TV show writer.

These watercolour paintings are part of a collection that teaches about First Nation's culture. The paintings were featured in “Wakanheja“ in counting time with Terry Turtle.

A fun and lyrical celebration of the caribou.

Once common in the northern United States, caribou are more closely identified with the Canadian arctic – and with Lapland, where their domesticated relatives, reindeer, are essential to the lives of the indigenous people. Through art and rhyme, this book celebrates the strength and beauty of one of nature's great survivors.

Reviews
“..an unusually attractive and, ultimately, informative book, certain to engage young readers and instill in them a feeling of respect for these lovely creatures and their environment” -Marcia Hupp, From School Library Journal

Educator Information
Nature and letters come together in this enchanting classic about the mighty caribou, one of the great symbols of the arctic wilderness. It's a counting book too--follow the number of hoof prints through the letters of the alphabet.

Also included are a compendium of caribou facts and a new afterword about caribou in the twenty-first century. Journey into the magical world of the caribou, North America's own reindeer.

Both an alphabet book and a child's nature book.

Additional Information
32 pages | 9.00" x 10.00"

A for Adventure was written to empower children (in a fun way) to move, to get physical, to hike, bike and explore the natural world. The high energy A-Z rhyming verse format takes children through a wide range of activities from biking, canoeing and dancing to hiking, jumping, kayaking, riding and surfing – to ziplining! In addition to these activities are wider adventure concepts eg “E is for Exploring, you need not go far/because you’ll be exploring wherever you are…” and “Q is for quest, to bring out your best/often adventure can be quite a test…” (All verses are six line stanzas).

The main themes centre around three tenants: curiosity, creativity and resiliency which the authors believe are inherent in engaging in adventurous play. The book encourages discussion of topics that include facing your fears, protecting the planet and self-confidence to name a few.

The authors have partnered with Parks Canada to travel across Canada promoting parks facilities and family activities. They will also be doing school readings and speaking engagements. CBC will be lending support with local and regional publicity/media. Other partners include MEC, Helly Hansen and Chevy Canada. Social media on-going.

Shirley Martin is evolving as a writer and photographer. A longtime resident of Ucluelet B.C., she is inspired by the rugged west coast environment.
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Her self-published book A is for Amphitrite is an alphabet book for all ages, showcasing the spectacular beauty of Ucluelet’s Wild Pacific Trail.

A Review by Laurie Carter, author of Emily Carr’s B.C.

“At first glance the format and dedication of A is for Amphitrite: A Walk on Ucluelet’s Wild Pacific Trail suggest something for children, but this is one of those wonderful books that effortlessly cross the generation gap. While young readers may be most fascinated with “B” for banana slugs and “T” for tidal pools, adults are bound to be interested in “O” for Oyster Jim and “K” for krummholz. Everyone will stop to savour Shirley Martin’s captivating photographs. A is for Amphitrite is a wonderful invitation to explore the natural world of the Wild Pacific Trail and a memorable keepsake if you’ve already made the journey.”

Each year Canada hosts 35 million foreign tourists who spend over $16 billion. A Moose in a Maple Tree is a natural overseas gift and souvenir for children, tourists, Canadians living abroad, and anyone who is looking forward to a white Christmas in this wonderful country with its use of iconic Canadianisms: skiers, sled dogs, salmon, Mounties, lobsters, beavers, whales, hockey sticks, totem poles, snowmen, polar bears, and of course, the moose, all ultimately gathered together in a Canadian maple tree.  

This beautifully illustrated, durable, glossy picture book has been entirely printed and produced in Canada, and has been nominated for the Lieutenant Governor Generals Award for Children's illustrations. 

A Moose in a Maple Tree will capture the imagination of young readers with its quirky twist on the original Christmas song while providing lively, colourful images created by Toronto graphic designer and illustrator, Jennifer Harrington. The book can be sung or read aloud and is designed as a learning tool that will instigate discussion about all things Canadian. The book is also a great tool for your readers learning to count.

Additional Information
32 pages | 10.00" x 9.50"

Beautifully-illustrated alphabet book depicting the people, animals, and way of people living in the North.

A beautiful new counting book by an award-winning author! 

There is so much to count at the seashore - one lighthouse, two freighters, three eagles - and on and on, until you get to ten. Then a pod of orcas explodes out of the sea - so many, you can't begin to add them up. But wait. At the end of the day, you can count from ten all the way down again, as ten sailboats, nine fishboats, eight beach umbrellas - and on and on - gradually settle for the evening or pack up and drift away. 

A gentle and poetic counting book by the award-winning author of Waiting for the Whales and Jessie's Island, Sheryl McFarlane's A Pod of Orcas is just the right bedtime read for eager little counters. Artist Kirsti Wakelin makes her picture book debut with exquisite watercolor paintings that glow with dreamy light and warmth.

Parents and educators will appreciate the simple, yet effective design. Each number appears spelled out and in numerical form. And small pictorial "clues" will lead pre-readers to every counting subject.

Additional Information
10.00" x 9.00"

Come along on an aviation journey with Alis! This spunky female guide will take you through an ABC of planes featuring gorgeous cut-paper art.

An A to Z of planes past and present, this book has stunning cut-paper art and a cute-as-a-button guide named Alis. Named for Dr. Alis Kennedy, likely one of the first Indigenous women to obtain a commercial pilot license in Canada, Alis will take you on an aviation tour from the Avro Arrow to the Zeppelin and everything in between. 

Meticulously researched and uniquely crafted, this is a one-of-a-kind book that will delight aviation fans big and little.

Educator Information
This resource contains limited Indigenous content and is a supplemental resource for learning the alphabet and exploring cut-paper art imagery. There is some information included that provides more details about Dr. Alis Kennedy, which is why this resource has been listed as containing Indigenous text.  It is up to readers to determine if this work will be useful for their purposes.

Recommended for ages 3 to 7.

Additional Information
40 pages | 9.00" x 9.00"

It's never too early to start teaching children their First Nations language, and Anishinaabe ABC Mazina'igan is a great tool to assist with learning.

This book is the second in a series by Language Facilitator, Wanda Barker. It is a great tool to assist with learning the Ojibwe language. Anishinaabe ABC Mazina’igan is filled with beautiful illustrations, Anishinaabemowin/Ojibwe sentences and their English translations. The images can serve as a starting point for discussion of the cultural relevancy of the sentences associated with each letter.

This book can be used by students, parents and teachers, young and old.  It is written in the double vowel writing system and is intended to show the sequence of the Ojibwe alphabet.  The images can serve as a starting point for discussion of the cultural relevancy of the sentences associated with each letter.

Educator Information
This book is written in the Ojibwe language with a glossary at the back in Ojibwe and English. It is useful for anyone wanting to learn the Ojibwe language. 

It’s never too early to start teaching children their First Nations language, and Anishinaabemowin Alphabet is the perfect place to begin. This book is filled with beautifully shaded illustrations, Anishinaabemowin/Ojibwe words and their English translations, and it can be used by students, parents and teachers young and old. It is written in the double vowel writing system and is intended to show the sequence of the Ojibwe alphabet. The images can serve as a starting point for discussion of the cultural relevancy of the word associated with each letter.

Educator Information
This book is written in the Ojibwe language.  An English translation for each word is provided at the back of the book.

This is the official book of the 2011 All Native Basketball Tournament. These games have been held in Prince Rupert, British Columbia for over 50 years. Since its inception, the Tournament has become an important cultural gathering.

B is For Basketball was created in collaboration with the students and teachers of School District No. 50 on Haida Gwaii. It is a tribute, and it is a labour of love.

Finally, this is also an alphabet book that includes a Foreword by Governor General Award-Winning Artist Robert Davidson, and is filled with captivating illustrations, which is sure to be enjoyed by all!

B is For Basketball was recently featured on the CBC's North By Northwest! Congrats to the Students and Teachers of School District #50 (Haida Gwaii), and to Judy!

Educator Information
B is For Basketball was created in collaboration with the students and teachers of School District No. 50 on Haida Gwaii. It is a tribute, and it is a labour of love. 

Additional Information
Foreward by Robert Davidson (Haida)

This award-winning book uses the letters of the alphabet to help young and old see the many, simple ways that they can fill buckets and fill their own buckets in return. When you help children become bucket fillers, you give them the key to happiness...for it is in friendship, love, and goodwill to others that we are truly happy. Yes, bucket filling is the moment by moment choice to be kind and caring. Teaching and encouraging children to be bucket fillers is one of the greatest gifts you can give to them.

Additional Information
32 pages | 8.50" x 10.98"

Bilingual first counting book featuring vivid paintings from celebrated Mi'kmaw artist.

One is Ne'wt, for one bear. Two is Ta'pu, for two women at the sacred fire. Counting from one to ten in English and Mi'kmaw, baby is introduced to both the ancestral language of Mi'kmaki and to Mi'kmaw culture and legend, through beautifully rendered illustrations of important animals, like turtle, bear, and beaver, to concepts integral to the Mi'kmaw world view, like the Four (Ne'w) Directions, and the Seven (L'luiknek) Mi'kmaw teachings. Features bright and detailed illustrations from celebrated Waycobah-based Mi'kmaw illustrator, Loretta Gould.

Educator Information
Recommended ages: 3 and under

Recommended in the "Canadian Indigenous Books for Schools 2019-2020" resource list as being useful for kindergarten students in the areas of English Language Arts, Math, and Social Studies.

There is no pronunciation guide or background information about the Mi'kmaq in this book.

Additional Information
12 pages | 7.00" x 7.00" | Boardbook

Offers young readers a window into the Haida culture and the importance of bears in that world; counting from 1 to 10. This 20-page board book made with recycled paper with soy-based ink and water-based coating. Haida artist Gryn White introduces young readers to the wild bears of Haida culture. Bears are an important part of Haida traditions because the ancestors have honoured and respected bears. To acknowledge this respect the Haida feature images of bears in their regalia and art. Early childhood teachers will find this counting book from 1 to 10 a useful resource because it introduces Northwest Coast culture into arithmetic. Colours are also highlighted in the board book.

This beautifully illustrated book teaches the language of the Tahltan nation. The Tahltan alphabet is featured with the 47 sounds of the Tahltan language. Learners can match vowels, consonants and sounds to English equivalents and symbols. It is a resource for those who can already speak Tahltan, but wish to learn to read and write as well.

From the Preface:
The (Tahltan) Alphabet was developed by linguist Colin Carter in consultation with Tahltan speakers, Elders and language instructors...The (Tahltan) Alphabet...is phonetic, which means that every Tahltan sound is written with consistent symbols. This is different from the English alphabet where sounds can be written with various letters and combinations of them. The Tahltan alphabet is a summation of the 47 sounds of the Tahltan language. Carter and the Tahltan consultants decided to use English letters and represent specialized Tahltan sounds with more than one letter (eg dz, tl, ch) and other markings such as underlining, apostrophe and macron.

Educator Information
Recommended for Grades K-7 English Language Arts and courses in Indigenous language learning.

This book was coordinated by Edosdi Dr. Judy Thompson, developed by language leaders Angela Dennis, Regina Louis and Odelia Dennis, and illustrated by Una-Ann Moyer, Perer Morin and Tsema Igharas. The Telegraph Creek / Dease Lake dialect was contributed by Dah Dzahge Nodeside chair, Hostelma Pauline Hawkins in collaboration with fluent speakers Margery Inkster and Janet Vance from Telegraph Creek, BC. This book is produced with the intention to inspire future generations of Tahltan speakers and aid in Tahltan cultural sustainability.

Dr. Judy Thompson is an Assistant Professor in First Nations Studies at the University of Northern BC. Odelia Dennis teaches Tahltan as a second language to adults through the University of Victoria's Diploma in Indigenous Language Revitalization Program.

Additional Information
108 pages | 9.00" x 8.50" | colour and b&w drawings