Browse Books for Kids

In this enlightening legend shared by Lakota Elder Kevin Locke, Wakhan Thanka (The Great Spirit) created the entire world in seven days; leaving the most precious creation for last. In order to protect this precious creation, Wakhan Thanka needed to hide it where it would always be safe and turned to our animal relatives for help. Together, they found the perfect place. Do you know where they chose?

Awards

• Gold IPPA Book Award Winner (First Nations/Indigenous Communities category)

Reviews
"Fully immersive and thought-provoking, Locke's sage picture book will appeal to visionary younger readers who can grasp the teaching that humans must rediscover their link to the natural world, to "be a good relative, not just to the two-leggeds, but to all of creation" - a timely message." - Publishers Weekly

"...full of vivid color and imagery. A stirring tale of creation that will capture readers' attention. A good purchase for picture book collections." - School Library Journal Reviews (March 2024)

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

A teacher lesson plan is available for this book: The Seventh Direction Teacher Lesson Plan.

This book is available in French: La septième direction: une légende de la création 

Additional Information
44 pages | 8.76" x 11.03" | Hardcover

How did Inuit come to know so much about Arctic animals? Follow a shaman as he is reborn as a polar bear, a ringed seal, and more to learn about what each animal teaches him. Through simplified text and engaging illustrations, young readers are sure to enjoy this adaptation of a traditional story.

This stunningly illustrated bilingual picture book serves as an early-level introduction to the rich, mysterious world of Inuit mythology. Adapted by author and linguist Jaypeetee Arnakak with the intention of teaching Inuktitut as a second language, The Shaman Who Became Many Animals can be enjoyed by Inuktitut language learners and curious young readers alike.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 6.

Dual-language format: English and Inuktitut.

This is a traditional story told in a simple way for young readers.

Additional Information
36 pages | 8.50" x 8.50" | Hardcover

Eli and Morgan embark on a dangerous mission to rescue kidnapped animal beings in this new adventure in the award-winning, Narnia-inspired Indigenous middle-grade fantasy series.

Eli, Morgan and Emily embark on their most dangerous mission yet, to save the kidnapped animal beings of Ministik. But before they can reach the heavily guarded Land of the Sleeping Giant, Eli must rally more help, not just from old friends, but from surprising new allies. And he must rely on a new way to travel: on the back of the leader of the Bird Warriors himself, Pip. Together they will journey across the North Country, on a mission to reconnect the Bird Warriors, as well as confront old enemies. But even as he must fight for his life – and the lives of his friends and new family – Eli must also come to terms with his newfound knowledge: What does it mean that he is only part human?

Reviews
"Robertson's many fans will undoubtedly enjoy the action and excitement this book contains." —The Winnipeg Free Press

"In all 'The Misewa Saga' novels, Eli has been 'an old soul,' and, in this novel, he demonstrates a sense of compassion far beyond his years." —CM: Canadian Review of Materials

"Roberston’s storytelling dramatically builds tension, while showing love, friendship, and community between various characters . . . Like the other volumes in the series, The Sleeping Giant is a wonderful must-read for youth and adults alike." —Anishinabek News

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 10+.

This is the fifth book in the Misewa Saga. Narnia meets traditional Indigenous stories of the sky and constellations in this epic middle-grade fantasy series from award-winning author David Robertson.

The Misewa Saga series reflects stories of the sky and the constellations held within its great canvas. The word “misewa” is Cree for “all that is” — elders say that what is above is mirrored below, and this is the connection we have with misewa.

Additional Information
216 pages | 5.50" x 8.25" | Paperback 

Join Jackie and her garden friends in this charming picture book as they discover the wonders of gardening, soil secrets, and the magic of composting.

Jackie and her garden friends embrace the joys of planting a garden, nurturing and harvesting their own food, and recycling scraps to compost, ensuring that the magical cycle of growth and sustainability continues anew.

Science facts about soil, plants, pollinators, decomposers, and more are included on every spread.

A fantastic book to engage young readers in becoming environmental stewards, learning how to care for a garden, understanding a plant life cycle, discovering the power of pollinators and the importance of composting.

Written in the cumulative style of "The House that Jack Built," this playful celebration of how things grow, return to the earth, and grow again will inspire young readers to try their hands at gardening and composting.

Back matter includes information on the soil cycle and how to make a compost pile.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

Additional Information
32 pages | 11.00" x 8.50" | Hardcover 

This beautifully illustrated picture books tells the story of the spirit of the sea, referred to as Nuliajuq, Sedna, Takannaaluk, and many other Inuktitut names.

Once a young woman who refused to marry, the lies and deceit of a treacherous bird—and her own father's cowardice—lead Nuliajuq to a life of solitude at the bottom of the ocean as the powerful, at times vengeful, spirit of the sea.

The Spirit of the Sea provides young readers with an authentic retelling of one of the most important, powerful legends in the canon of Inuit traditional stories.

Reviews
"The text, which is appropriate for upper elementary readers and above, is meant to be read aloud and generally has the sound of a traditional storyteller’s voice. The watercolours by Hwei Lim are beautiful and ethereal. The Spirit of the Sea is highly recommended for elementary school libraries, public libraries and libraries specializing in Canadian Indigenous materials."—Deakin Review

"The Spirit of the Sea would be great for reading aloud [and] independent reading."—Canadian Teacher

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

Additional Information
32 pages | 8.75" x 8.75" | Paperback

For the first time, Pauline Johnson’s "The Two Sisters,” a First Nations legend, is accompanied by sumptuous illustrations that showcase the splendour of the Salish Sea. The universal themes of Creation, courage, and peace run through this legend of two little girls who grow up to be courageous young women who help to bring lasting peace to their world. The story is supplemented by a reference section that will enable a reader, parent, teacher, or visitor to the coast to immerse themselves in the rich history of Coast Salish cultures.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 8.

Additional Information
40 Pages | 9" x 10" 

It flows in your blood and echoes in your soul...Listen, my baby, to the sweet song of your home.

As daylight fades to dusk and slips into darkness, this gentle lullaby celebrates the sounds of the Prairies and the Plains on a stormy summer's night.

From the hum of dragonflies to the drumming of thunder, with grasses swirling and the northern lights glimmering, This Land Is a Lullaby shares a song and dance—a gift from the ancestors that soothes children to sleep and reminds them of their deeply rooted connections to the land.

Written as a lullaby for the author's daughter and featuring striking pointillism artwork, this lush lullaby of the land honors the beauty of the Prairies and the Plains and the spiritual connection between Indigenous children, ancestors and their Traditional Territories.

Awards

• Winner of the 2025 Governor General's Literary Award 

Reviews
“The book’s lexical simplicity and visual dynamism will engage even the youngest readers, providing a beautiful glimpse into the unbreakable bond between Indigenous people, their lands, and their ancestors who are still a part of them. Like a stirring song, this tale will move readers with its tranquil, reverent tone.”- Kirkus Reviews

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.

Reading Levels
Fountas & Pinnell Text Level Gradient: M
Lexile measure: AD570L
Guided Reading Level: M

This book is available in a dual-language format (English and Plains Cree): This Land Is a Lullaby / cistomâwasowin ôma askiy 

Additional Information
32 pages | 8.75" x 10.75" | Hardcover

It flows in your blood and echoes in your soul...Listen, my baby, to the sweet song of your home.

As daylight fades to dusk and slips into darkness, this gentle lullaby celebrates the sounds of the Prairies and the Plains on a stormy summer's night.

From the hum of dragonflies to the drumming of thunder, with grasses swirling and the northern lights glimmering, This Land Is a Lullaby shares a song and dance—a gift from the ancestors that soothes children to sleep and reminds them of their deeply rooted connections to the land.

Written as a lullaby for the author's daughter and featuring striking pointillism artwork, this lush lullaby of the land honors the beauty of the Prairies and the Plains and the spiritual connection between Indigenous children, ancestors and their Traditional Territories.

This bilingual book includes full text in both English and Plains Cree.

Reviews
“The book’s lexical simplicity and visual dynamism will engage even the youngest readers, providing a beautiful glimpse into the unbreakable bond between Indigenous people, their lands, and their ancestors who are still a part of them. Like a stirring song, this tale will move readers with its tranquil, reverent tone.”- Kirkus Reviews

"Rooted in a Cree worldview, the story invites young readers to connect with the natural world around them. Through lyrical text and luminous illustrations, the story evokes a stormy summer’s night on the prairie as a gentle meditation on the land and its beings—ideal for read-alouds or quiet reflection. This picture book supports K-3 curriculum connections in English Language Arts (rhythm and rhyme), Science (sound and weather), and Arts Education (visual techniques such as pointillism)." - Bonny-Lynn D., Elementary School Teacher, Indigenous Books for Schools

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.

Dual Language Format: English and Plains Cree.

Reading Levels
Fountas & Pinnell Text Level Gradient: M
Lexile measure: AD570L
Guided Reading Level: M

This book is available in English: This Land Is a Lullaby

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 Art, English Language Arts, Music, and Science. 

Additional Information
32 pages | 8.75" x 10.75" | Hardcover

This land is your land now, but who did it belong to before? This engaging primer about native lands invites kids to trace history and explore their communities.

Before my family lived in this house, a different family did, and before them, another family, and another before them. And before that, the family who that lived here lived not in a house, but a wigwam. Who lived where you are before you got there?

This Land teaches readers that American land, from our backyards to our schools to Disney World, are the traditional homelands of many Indigenous nations. This Land will spark curiosity and encourage readers to explore the history of the places they live and the people who have lived there throughout time and today.

Reviews
 "This work aptly communicates the issue of land acknowledgments . . . A memorable message." —Publishers Weekly, starred review

"A stirring tale that fosters respect for Native peoples." —Kirkus Reviews

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Fountas & Pinnell Text Level Gradient: M 

Additional Information
40 pages | 11.37" x 9.37" | Hardcover

A fresh and fearless collection of short fiction, poetry and graphic fiction for today’s middle-grade readers.

In this timely, thought-provoking, funny and heartbreaking collection, ten acclaimed BIPOC authors from across Canada explore the theme and concept of home.

From awkward family dinners, to life on the rez, to moving to a new town, each of these stories provides a unique perspective on the theme of belonging through characters tasked with navigating and finding their place in this world.

Brought together by curator (and story contributor), Jael Richardson, Today I Am will make readers laugh and cry while opening their hearts and minds to the world around them, validating how it feels to be young and alive today.

Today I Am includes stories by Jael Richardson, Marty Chan, Rosena Fung, Michael Hutchinson, Chad Lucas, Angela Misri, Mahtab Narsimhan, Danny Ramadan, Liselle Sambury and Brandon Wint.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 10 to 14.

The majority of authors on this work are not Indigenous.  This work includes a contribution from Michael Hutchinson, a citizen of the Misipawistik Cree Nation.  Readers will need to determine if this text will work for their purposes.

Additional Information
240 pages | 5.49" x 8.25" | Paperback 

Today, we gather together Today, we listen Today, we learn Today, we open our hearts

A first conversation about the importance of Orange Shirt Day - Every Child Matters and what little ones can expect to see and do on Orange Shirt Day - The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

An authentic, age-appropriate touch-and-feel board book designed for ages 0-3, written by the founder of the Orange Shirt Day movement and author of award-winning picture book Every Child Matters.

Orange Shirt Day is a day recognized annually on September 30th to honour Residential School Survivors, their families, and the children who did not come home.

Awards

• Silver IPPA Book Award Winner (First Nations/Indigenous Communities category)

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 0 to 3.

This book is available in French: La Journée du chandail orange, c'est aujourd'hui (BB)

Additional Information
24 pages | 7.00" x 7.00" | Board book

A little boy wants a chance to shine on his own but discovers that being apart from his large and lively Native family isn’t necessarily better in this heartwarming and humorous picture book.

When Russell gets a part in the school play, he lights up like a shining star—and he can’t wait to tell his big, boisterous Native family the exciting news. But catching their attention when they all get together feels impossible; no matter where they go, they seem to be too noisy, too many, and just too much!

Russell decides to keep his big debut to himself and fly solo for once…but being alone may not be the answer. After all, there’s no such thing as too much love, and when he needs them most, his great big family knows how to be just enough.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Additional Information
40 pages | 10.00" x 10.00" | Hardcover 

"Inuit games have been played all over the Arctic for a very long time. They are played for fun, to practise survival skills, and as exercise."

Discover everything about Inuit games in Arviat, Nunavut! Practice skipping stones, building iglus, and challenge your friends to a race. Test your skills in the blindfold and jumping games and learn to play Inuit baseball.

Written by the late Inuit Elder Donald Uluadluak Sr. and accompanied by the author's original illustrations, this book is a fun introduction to Inuit games.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

Additional Information
32 pages | 6.00" x 8.00"| Paperback

Imagine awaking these 14 creatures through colour! Some are strange, some familiar, all await your unique imagination. Enchanting line art is accompanied by brief descriptions to allure creativity. Colouring pages are single-sided so each one can continue to captivate outside the book.

• 28 pages
• Descriptions accompany art
• Perforated pages for easy display

Educator Information
The publisher recommends this work for ages 6 to 17.

Additional Information
32 pages | 8.50" x 11.00" | Paperback 

Depuis la disparition de sa mère, Luisa, une Inuk de neuf ans, a perdu la voix. Un soir, après avoir suivi son père, elle s’égare dans la toundra et, parvenue au pied d’un inukshuk, elle est transportée dans un monde magique. Elle y fait la rencontre d’étranges créatures qui lui permettront de retrouver sa voix et sa maison.

Reviews
« L’auteure a transformé la perception traditionnelle de Mahaha, Qallupiluk et Sedna, en leur donnant une profondeur et une complexité nouvelles. En les présentant sous un angle bienveillant, elle renverse les stéréotypes. Cela permet de s’interroger sur la manière dont nous avons historiquement perçu et jugé ce qui est différent ou inconnu. Cette interprétation est audacieuse et empathique! […] Ce roman se positionne ainsi comme une œuvre porteuse de sens, à la croisée de la tradition et de la modernité. »– Amélie André, revue Lurelu

Educator Information
Juvenile Fiction

Bilingual: French and Inuktitut

Additional Information
Paperback