Browse Books for Kids

Tu as plus de pouvoir que tu le crois.

Ce livre aux illustrations lyriques parle aux jeunes de leurs racines culturelles, de la sagesse de leurs ancêtres et de leur propre potentiel. Chaque page propose une affirmation sur l’identité, le respect, l’amour et la vérité, encourageant tous les enfants à accepter leurs dons et leur pouvoir uniques. En abordant la résilience qui coule dans leurs veines et les savoirs inscrits dans le ciel, N’oublie pas qui tu es inspire les enfants à se considérer comme des membres à part entière de leur communauté, comme des personnes capables à la fois d’un grand leadership et d’une grande gentillesse.

Parfait pour la lecture à l’heure du coucher et les discussions en classe, l’album favorise un profond sentiment d’appartenance et de fierté en célébrant l’héritage autochtone et en rappelant aux jeunes lecteurs qui ils sont vraiment. Également disponible sous le titre Remember Who You Are en anglais.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.

This book is available in English: Remember Who You Are.

This book is available in a dual-language format: Remember Who You Are / kiskisi awîna kiya.

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

A 55-card deck (3.9" × 5.9") grounded in neurodivergent, Indigenous, and somatic wisdom to support nervous system regulation, embodiment, and self-trust. Made for every body and every brain, because healing isn’t one-size-fits-all. With gratitude and respect, tobacco down.

Kukwstsétselp Elder Caroline Buckshot (Algonquin), Elder Larry Grant (Musqueam), Elder Phillip Gladue (Métis-Cree), and Elder Ken Pruden (Métis) for the gift of their Teachings. They continue to shape the journey of Sacred Intel and the Core Truths included in this deck are shared with their permission and love.

Inside you’ll find:

• 55 unique cards, including Opening and Closing Cards, and Elder's Teachings, structured by the Seven Chakras and the Seven Sacred Teachings, and grounded in Cḱuĺtn, Secwepemc Teachings for whole-being balance.
• 44 somatic practice cards offering gentle, breath and body-based exercises for nervous system regulation, grounding, and relief from stress and anxiety.

Created from lived experience and sensory-friendly knowledge by a neurodivergent Indigenous educator, this deck is a decolonial alternative to mainstream wellness, a living reminder of our innate wholeness, our belonging, and our connection to all our relations.

Use this deck for daily somatic practice, in therapeutic settings, or during moments of overwhelm. Each card is a gentle companion to help you reconnect with your body, your breath- your Sacred Intelligence.

Ideal for neurodivergent people, therapists, caregivers, educators, and anyone seeking embodied, inclusive, culturally grounded self-care.

Locally made in Langley, BC. Printed on durable, matte-finish card stock. Comes in a sturdy box for safe storage, transport, and ease of use. Beautiful, vibrant packaging makes this card deck a thoughtful gift.

A medicine bundle for practical self-care. Pull a card. Breathe your truth.

Additional Information
5.9 inches x 3.9 inches | 55 Cards

Nibi is determined to bring clean water to her community.

Nibi is the Anishinabemowin word for water. In Nibi’s Water Song, Nibi is an Indigenous girl on the search for clean water to drink. Though she is faced with repeated obstacles, Nibi’s joyful and determined energy becomes a catalyst for change and action as her community rallies around her to make clean drinking water available for all.

First published in 2020, Nibi’s Water Song was shortlisted for both the IODE Jean Throop Award and longlisted for the First Nations Communities READ Award. This dual-language edition presents the text in both English and Anishinabemowin.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4-8.

Dual-language: English and Anishinabemowin

Translated by Tina Nottaway. Tina is an Algonquin Anicinabe Ikwe artist and translator from Rapid Lake, Quebec. She is fluent in her language, Anicinabemowin. Tina is also a crafter and facilitates workshops on moccasin making, birchbark basket making and other cultural activities.

This resource is available in English: Nibi's Water Song

This resource is also available in French: Nibi a soif, très soif

Additional Information
32 pages | 9.51" x 9.51" | Paperback

Lights. Cameras. Hockey!

The school year is finally over and Eloise and Leon are back in Matimekush for the summer. But this school break will not be like any other, thanks to a hockey movie being filmed in the community! Is it possible that Leon will be in the movie? Will Eloise, who is interested in directing, participate in the project? Summer will be busy with twists and turns of all kinds for Leon, Eloise and their friends. It's the summer of possibilities!

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 10 to 14.

Translated by Kateria Aubin Dubois, a freelance translator and a prolific beadworker. Her beadwork can be found under her Indigenous name, Nisnipawset. Kateri is from the Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk First Nation. She lives with her husband, two children and a fluffy cat in Terrebonne, Quebec.

This is the third book in the Nish series.

Additional Information
240 pages | 5.00" x 7.75" | Paperback

What if you saw Louis Riel's head floating down the street?

Riding her bike one hot summer afternoon, a Red River Métis woman named T-Bird sees Louis Riel’s head floating down the street. T-Bird had seen Riel’s head once before, when she was a little girl, and she ran away. But when she notices Riel’s head this time, T-Bird chases him down to discover that Riel is a living artist! T-Bird’s magical afternoon encounter with Louis Riel changes her life forever; through his vivid paintings and gentle compassion Riel helps her confront the pain and beauty of Red River Métis history and of her own life.

Educator Information
This picture book is recommended for readers ages 12+.

Additional Information
10" x 7" | 30 Pages 

In No Ordinary Camping Trip, Bertha Landrie recounts a tale from her husband, Joe’s, childhood. Many Métis families relied on seasonal employment, working for farmers, clearing fields, picking Seneca root, and other labour jobs to support themselves. In this coming-of-age story, a young Joe works hard picking rocks in order to make money to go to the North Battleford Fair. Will they be able to finish the job in time? Lucille Scott’s evocative illustrations take us back in time while capturing the story’s essence. Michif Old Ones, Irma Klyne and Larry Fayant provide a Southern Michif translation—the language of the Landrie family.

Reviews
"Rich in cultural detail, the story introduces young readers to aspects of Métis culture and values. The book celebrates themes of family, resilience, and identity. Suitable for grades three to five Social Studies and Language Arts, it supports curricular goals related to Indigenous perspectives, cultural diversity, and belonging, while promoting early bilingual literacy through its inclusion of Michif. Narrations in English and Michif are available through a link provided by the publisher, and supplementary information about the Road Allowance period in Métis history is also provided." - Bonny-Lynn D., Elementary School Teacher, Indigenous Books for Schools

Educator Information
Recommended for Grades 3 to 5.

Dual-language format: Michif and English.

Themes: Childhood; Coming of Age; Family; Intergenerational Roles

This title is included in the Indigenous Books for Schools database from the Association of Book Publishers of BC. It's recommended for Grades 3 to 5 for English Language Arts and Social Studies.

Additional Information
37 Pages | 9" x 9" | Paperback 

Written by Gloria Barker, Language Teacher from Hollow Water First Nation, which is located on the east side of Lake Winnipeg, Canada. Hollow Water First Nation is also known as Waanibiigaaw or Wanipigow in Ojibwe. Illustrated by Alice Linski; Alice RL is a member of Ne-biimiskonaan (Skownan) First Nation, Treaty 2 Territory. Alice is a Two-Spirit Anishinaabe artist, illustrator, and art teacher based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Alice draws inspiration from life experiences and cultural teachings. Alice blends these inspirations with a signature palette of bright, playful hues to create stunning emotional juxtapositions of trauma and grief with hope and a touch of whimsy.

Educator Information
The publisher recommends this work for all ages.

This book is delivered in a dual-language format of Anishinaabemowin and English.

This book is also available in English: Smudging Prayer

Additional Information
Paperback

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

Readers are invited to jump into a canoe to learn about residential schools in Canada and the special day for truth and reconciliation. Author Dawn Sii-yaa-ilth-supt Smith is Nuu-chah-nulth and attended Tsartlip Indian Day School in British Columbia. She shares her story and the importance of truth-telling and reconciliation in Canada.

Educator & Series Information
Juvenile Nonfiction

This book is part of the Indigenous Communities in Canada series.

This book is available in French: La Journee nationale de la verite et de la reconciliation 

Additional Information
24 Pages

Help your child power up their reading skills and learn all about the talented Navajo code talkers during World War II with this fun-filled nonfiction reader–carefully leveled to help children progress.

Navajo Code Talkers introduces kids to the Navajo code talkers sending top-secret messages in code based on their native languages during World War II—and is a motivating introduction to using essential nonfiction reading skills, proving ideal for children ready to enter the riveting world of reading.

Educator Information
This book is a Level 4 DK Super Reader. These books take children on a journey through the wonderful world of nonfiction: traveling back to the time of dinosaurs, learning more about animals, exploring natural wonders and more, all while developing vital nonfiction reading skills and progressing from first words to reading confidently.

The DK Super Readers series can help your child practice reading by:

- Covering engaging, motivating, curriculum-aligned topics.
- Building knowledge while progressing core Grade 4 and 5 reading skills.
- Developing subject vocabulary on topics such as inventions, inventors, and history.
- Boosting understanding and retention through comprehension quizzes.

Each title, which has been leveled using MetaMetrics®: The Lexile Framework for Reading, integrates science, geography, history, and nature topics so there’s something for all children’s interests. The books and online content perfectly supplement core literacy programs and are mapped to the Common Core Standards. Children will love powering up their nonfiction reading skills and becoming reading heroes.

Additional Information
64 pages | 5.94" x 9.00"

A Little Plains Cree Book for Children—Teaching Guide contains lesson plans, student assignments, and other helpful information for teaching the Plains Cree language—a companion to nēhiyawēwin awāsimasinahikanis: A Little Plains Cree Book for Children: A Reference for Teaching the Plains Cree Language, the content of which focuses on terms familiar to the First Nations Cree people of Saskatchewan and follows curriculum for Kindergarten to Grade 12.

Reviews
"Suitable for elementary school-aged children, typically from kindergarten through early elementary grades (K to 5), the book aligns well with language arts and social studies curricula that emphasize multicultural perspectives and language revitalization efforts. Educators can integrate it to enhance students' language skills, deepen their understanding of Indigenous cultures, and promote cultural sensitivity in the classroom. By using this resource, educators not only support language revitalization goals but also empower students to appreciate and respect diverse cultural heritages, fostering a more inclusive educational environment that values Indigenous Knowledge and Traditions." - David D., Indigenous Educator & Administrator, Indigenous Books for Schools

Educator Information
Find the companion resource here: A Little Plains Cree Book for Children: A Reference for Teaching the Plains Cree Language

A colouring book companion is here: A Little Plains Cree Colouring Book: Plains Cree People

This resource is included in the Indigenous Books for Schools database from the Association of Book Publishers of BC. It is recommended for use with K to 5 classrooms for English Language Arts and Social Studies. 

Additional Information
128 pages | 8.50" x 11.00" | Spiral Bound

Nichemis est encore tout petit, mais sa grande sœur se fait un devoir de lui faire découvrir les splendeurs et richesses de leur culture. Au cœur de cette histoire, les liens forts tissés entre la famille et les membres de la communauté s’épanouissent, créant un récit riche en découvertes et en amour fraternel. Nichemis, petit frère est un album tendre qui allie la ferveur de la transmission à la fierté de l’identité abénakise.

Educator Information
Juvenile Fiction 

In this warm and joyful picture book highly recommended by Debbie Reese, children learn Cree from Nimoshom, their school bus driver.

Based on the author’s memories of her grandfather, Nimoshom is not your average bus driver. He loves to drive the school bus, tell silly stories, and share his language with the kids who ride his bus.

Nimoshom and His Bus introduces readers to common Cree words and phrases alongside the common childhood experience of riding the school bus. A Cree word list is included in the back of the book.

Reviews
"Through accessible language and engaging visual resources, readers are introduced to basic Cree as Nimoshom responds in this language to the children who ride his bus.... The illustrator’s varying the visuals between full double spreads and single page illustrations keeps the pacing lively. Amidst a rural fall setting, with woodland animals, children, and the school bus, Nimoshom’s humorous nature shines through these gentle illustrations. At the end of this story, you just want to give Nimoshom a great big hug!"— Anita Miettunen, CM: Canadian Review of Materials

"In this bilingual book, readers follow a bus driver picking up kids and dropping them off before and after school. Like the students on the bus, readers quickly learn that the driver's native language is Cree, and he often speaks to them in his native language. Readers learn that "Nimoshom" means "my grandfather" and that "Ekosani" means thank you" as the author (of Cree descent herself) weaves Cree words into the text, and each new spread almost feels like a gentle wave: yes, we're subtly learning new words, but it never feels strenuous or forced, rather it's calm and poetic."— Let's Talk Picture Books

"While Penny M. Thomas' story is not a plot-driven allegory or a message-based lesson, Nimoshom and His Bus is a sweet introduction to some simple Cree words in the context of a common-place activity for many children.... Karen Hibbard who uses watercolours and pastels to create a gentle background for Nimoshom's day on his bus gives the story a grassroots mood, highly appropriate for a routine day of activity and interaction for this bus driver and his charges. It's very relatable."— Helen Kubiw, CanLit for Little Canadians

"If you're a regular reader of AICL, you know that we're always delighted by books by Native writers--especially ones set in the present. Books like Nimoshom and His Bus provide Native children with mirrors that non-Native children find in abundance.... I highly recommend Nimoshom and His Bus! It'd be a simple thing to use other Native words in addition to--or instead of--the Cree words in the book."— Debbie Reese, American Indians in Children's Literature

"In a busy world where many children and adults miss out on time spent together sharing lived experiences, Penny M. Thomas reminds her readers of the healthy relationships that can develop when adults and children interact meaningfully. Through Nimoshom and His Bus, she showcases the importance of these interactions and the positive impact they can have on both children and adults." - Debra H., Elementary School Teacher, Indigenous Books for Schools

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.

This book is included in the Indigenous Books for Schools database from the Association of Book Publishers of BC. It is recommended for K to 3 classrooms for Career Education, English Language Arts, and Social Studies. 

Additional Information
24 pages | 9.50" x 7.50" | Paperback

The third book in the Nôhkom series, in Cree and English, tells a story about gathering leaves for Labrador tea, while listening in different ways.

A child, her family and her friend have arrived at their favorite picnic spot by the lake, but before they eat lunch Nôhkom suggests they pick leaves for Labrador tea. Once among the trees, Nôhkom pauses for a moment to listen, and the others do too. Nôhkom prays, the girls take their turn, then Nôhkom shows them where to find the leaves. Nôhkom and Mom rest after harvesting, but the girls opt for a swim in the lake ... though they're quite happy to warm up afterwards with freshly brewed Labrador tea. And when it's time for the picnic, the girls take another turn at listening.

Beautifully rendered paintings in acrylic on canvas show the family outing. Includes a recipe for Labrador tea as well as a salve made from Labrador Tea leaves.

Educator Information
Recommended Ages: 3 to 7.

Written in short sentences in Cree and English (with Cree text appearing in standard roman orthography and syllabics), the book is a good choice for beginning readers and/or language learners.

This book is the third book in the Nôhkom series.

The story features different forms of listening — in the bush, to teachings from Nôhkom, to the conversation of family and friends (when listening can be especially fun!).

Key Text Features
illustrations
recipe
informational note

Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.2
Retell stories, including key details, and demonstrate understanding of their central message or lesson.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.7
Use illustrations and details in a story to describe its characters, setting, or events.

Authenticity Note: Translator Leona Morin-Neilson is the inspiration for the stories and art in the Nôhkom series, which highlights her traditional knowledge of the uses of wild plants. She collaborated with the author to create this work and translated it into Cree.

Because of the collaboration between Leona and the author, and Leona's Cree translation, this book has been labelled as containing Authentic Indigenous Text.  It is up to readers to determine if this work is authentic for their purposes.

Additional Information
24 pages | 8.50" x 12.25" | Hardcover 

The second book in Isabelle Picard’s bestselling coming-of-age series about Innu twins, Leon and Eloise.

Leon and Eloise are 13-year-old twins from Matimekush, an Innu community in Northern Quebec.

The entire Mckenzie family has moved to Wendake, near Quebec City. Leaving Matimekush, nature, their friends and their school is quite a challenge for Eloise and Leon. Between the adapting to a different world, their desire to make new friends and the need to keep their bond with the old ones, everything goes too fast.

At school, a student bullies Eloise, and she has to deal with this difficult situation. As for Leon, he starts doubting his hockey skills: Is he really talented or was he the best in Matimekush only because the competition simply wasn’t as strong? In the midst of this storm, Leon and Eloise can always count on each other as well as their family and friends.

The Mystery unfolds on every page as we get to see the twins in a different light. What if, ultimately, life in the South isn’t that different from life in the North?

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 10 to 14.

Translated by Kateri Aubin Dubois, a freelance translator and a prolific beadworker. Her beadwork can be found under her Indigenous name, Nisnipawset. Kateri is from the Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk First Nation. She lives with her husband, two children and a fluffy cat in Terrebonne, Quebec.

This is the second book in the Nish series.

Additional Information
296 pages | 5.00" x 7.75"  | Paperback