Browse Books for Kids

Tsunaxen sets off on a relaxing canoe ride and has an adventure instead!

In a Coast Salish village, beautifully described with bright illustrations, lives young Tsunaxen who knows to practice his cultural teachings by giving thanks and trusting in the Creator, no matter what he encounters.

Educator Information
Recommended for Grades 3 and under.

Dual-Language: English and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Sníchim (Squamish)

Additional Information
32 pages | 7.90" x 9.80"

Learn about a heroic Dene girl named TthaNárëltth’ër who turned hardship into helping her people and others. We honour TthaNárëltth’ër every year on February 5th by dressing in the colour of her red jacket.

Educator Information
Includes information for educators on the legacy of TthaNárëltth’ër and honours TthaNárëltth’ër has received.

Bio of TthaNárëltth’ër for early years.

Additional Information
36 Pages | 21 × 0.3 × 20.5 cm | Paperback

This is one Creation Story of how some of Our Relatives, The Swimmers and The Winged-Ones helped Creator make Land for The Two-Legged, The Four-Legged, and The Crawlers on Turtle Island.

Additional Information
27 Pages | Hardcover 

This companion to Twelve Days of Winter is another book to read or sing along with children. In this reimagined version of “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” wildlife is observed during summer. The animals enjoy warmer weather, blooming flowers, and sunny days. Summer is also a busy time for animal parents who are wrangling their little ones. “On the first day of summer we looked around to see a black bear in an oak tree.”

Can you find a curious chipmunk watching other animals enjoying the summer?

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 8.

This book is part of the Twelve Days Series.

Additional Information
32 pages | 8.30" x 10.30" | Hardcover 

One day, Ullak forgets her grandma's warning about playing on the ice pans and is suddenly kidnapped by a sea monster.

Ullak is brought to Sanna, the ruler of the seas and all the mammals in it, at the bottom of the sea. Together they visit different Arctic sea animals and learn all about them. Ullak is having a lot of fun exploring underwater, but it's getting late. Will she be able to convince Sanna to help her find her way home?

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 8 to 10.

F&P Level: R

Ullak and the Creatures of the Sea features Sanna, a prominent figure in Inuit traditional stories.

Additional Information
48 pages | 6.00" x 9.00" | Paperback

This bestselling, innovative picture book introduces readers to the concept of Etuaptmumk—or Two-Eyed Seeing, the gift of multiple perspectives in the Mi’kmaw language—as we follow a group of young children connecting to nature as their teacher.

A poetic, joyful celebration of the Lands and Waters as spring unfolds: we watch for Robin's return, listen for Frog's croaking, and wonder at maple tree's gift of sap. Grounded in Etuaptmumk, also known as Two-Eyed Seeing—which braids together the strengths of Indigenous and non-Indigenous ways of knowing—and the Mi’kmaq concept of Netukulimk—meaning to protect Mother Earth for the ancestors, present, and future generations—Walking Together nurtures respectful, reciprocal, responsible relationships with the Land and Water, plant-life, animals and other-than-human beings for the benefit of all.

Reviews
"Walking Together is a poetic celebration grounded in Etuaptmumk (Two-Eyed Seeing) that weaves together the strengths of Indigenous and non-Indigenous ways of knowing. The story explores respectful, reciprocal, responsible relationships between the land, water, plants, animals, and humans." - The Dalai Lama Center

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 7.

Introduces the concept of Two-Eyed Seeing (the gift of multiple perspectives) to young readers.

This book is available in a bilingual format: Walking Together / Menaqaj Pemwije’tulti’k

Additional Information
36 pages | 8.90" x 8.90" | Paperback

Kudlu's children will not go to sleep until he tells them a story of long ago. Before they will shut their eyes, they want to hear about a time long before Kudlu was born, a time when the world was magic. Before they can sleep, they want to hear about giants, animals disguised as humans, little people the size of lemmings, and all of the other wonderful things that existed way back then.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

Bilingual: English and Inuktitut 

Reviews
“A bilingual sampler—cold of setting but warm of spirit.” — ★ Kirkus

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

The beloved book about playtime from award-winning Cree-Métis author and artist Julie Flett. Now available as a board book, We All Play is the perfect gift for a new baby or toddler!

Baby animals and kids love to play! This wonderful book celebrates playtime and the connection between children and the natural world. Julie Flett’s iconic illustrations celebrate birds who chase and chirp, bears who wiggle and wobble, and owls who peek and peep. A group of kids love to do the same thing, shouting, “We play too! kimêtawânaw mîna.”

At the end of the book, the baby animals and kids gently fall asleep after a fun day of playing outside, making this book a great bedtime story. Featuring a glossary of Cree animal names used, We All Play is a beautiful ode to the creatures we share our world with, and belongs on every bookshelf.

Awards

• 2021 Bull-Bransom Illustration Award winner

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 2 and under. 

This book is available in a hardcover format: We All Play (HC)

Additional Information
34 pages | 7.00" x 7.00" | Board Book

Miikwan and Dez are in their final year of high school. Poised at the edge of the rest of their lives, they have a lot to decide on. Miikwan and her boyfriend, Riel, are preparing for university, but Dez isn’t sure if that’s what they want for their future.

Grief and anger take precedence over their plans after the remains of 215 children are found at a former residential school in British Columbia. The teens struggle with feelings of helplessness in the face of injustice. Can they find the strength to channel their frustration into action towards a more hopeful future?

We Are the Medicine is the moving final volume of the best-selling Surviving the City series.

Reviews
"Tasha's graphic novel gives us an unflinching view of youth sovereignty and the reclamation of Indigenous philosophy and sacred spaces in Winnipeg's core. Guided by an Elder, the friends at the centre of the story confront uncomfortable truths that have sustained our colonial past, riding on the edge of emotions and activism to uphold the integrity of their ancestors. A must-read for all youth who want to build an equitable, just society." — Elder Albert McLeod, author of Between the Pipes

“A fantastic read for teens to learn about Indigenous issues through a clear and accurate representation.” — Youth Services Book Review

"Set against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic and the news of 215 children’s remains at the Kamloops Residential School, this graphic novel delves into the profound impact of residential schools on Indigenous communities. The story explores the friends’ reflections on these traumatic truths, their emotional responses, and their struggle to process their personal histories. While potentially triggering, when used in a supportive educational setting, this novel offers a powerful, personal, and engaging way for students to grasp the lasting impact of residential schools and the ongoing reality of racism faced by Indigenous Peoples. Additionally, the book is a narrative of healing, acknowledging the challenges that come with this process for all Canadians. Though part of a series, it can also be used as a stand-alone resource." - Jackie L., Educator & Indigenous Voice Consultant, Indigenous Books for Schools

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 12 to 18.

This is the third volume in the Surviving the City graphic novel series, which is also part of the Debwe Series. 

Surviving the City is a contemporary graphic novel series about young Indigenous women navigating their way in an urban environment. It includes:

Surviving the City
From the Roots Up
We Are the Medicine 

A Teacher Guide is available: Surviving the City Teacher Guide: Exploring Identity, Allyship, and Social Action for Meaningful Change in Grades 7-12 

This book is included in the Indigenous Books for Schools database from the Association of Book Publishers of BC. It is recommended for Grades 8 to 12 for English Language Arts and Social Studies. 

Caution: This work's topics include residential schools, death, violence, police brutality, and racism.

Themes: Coming of Age, Community, Connection to Culture, Healing, Residential Schools.

Additional Information
64 pages | 6.50" x 10.00" | Paperback

A thoughtful and heartfelt middle grade novel by American Indian Youth Literature Honor–winning author Christine Day (Upper Skagit), about a girl whose hopeful plans for Indigenous Peoples’ Day (and plans to ask her crush to the school dance) go all wrong—until she finds herself surrounded by the love of her Indigenous family and community at an intertribal powwow.

Wesley is proud of the poem she wrote for Indigenous Peoples’ Day—but the reaction from a teacher makes her wonder if expressing herself is important enough. And due to the specific tribal laws of her family’s Nation, Wesley is unable to enroll in the Upper Skagit tribe and is left feeling “not Native enough.” Through the course of the novel, with the help of her family and friends, she comes to embrace her own place within the Native community.

Christine Day's debut, I Can Make This Promise, was an American Indian Library Association Youth Literature Award Honor Book, was named a Best Book of the Year by Kirkus, School Library Journal, the Chicago Public Library, and NPR, and was also picked as a Charlotte Huck Honor Book. Her sophomore novel, The Sea in Winter, was an American Indian Library Association Youth Literature Award Honor Book, as well as named a Best Book of the Year by Kirkus and School Library Journal.

We Still Belong is an accessible, enjoyable, and important novel from an author who always delivers.

Awards

• 2024 American Indian Youth Literature Award winner for best Middle Grade Book
• Chicago Public Library Best of the Best
• School Library Journal Best Book
• Kirkus Reviews Best Books
• Cooperative Children’s Book Center Choice

Reviews
“Christine Day has told a story that doesn’t shy away from hard truths of the past and the present. But with a keen ear for the voice of an Indigenous girl finding her way, with compassion and love and poetry, this is a celebration of community, family, and identity. It will stay with you for a long time, in the best possible way.”  — David A. Robertson, author of the Misewa Saga series

“Wesley Wilder is big-hearted, thoughtful and kind. She’s figuring out who she is in the context of a wonderful family while bravely becoming her unique, starry self--and she holds space for readers to do the same. I can’t wait for them to meet her." — Natalie Lloyd, author of A Snicker of Magic and Hummingbird

"Told over the course of one day, this cozy and warm story captured my heart. Readers will root for Wesley as she follows her heart and finds her voice. An important story of belonging and identity." — Jasmine Warga, author of Other Words for Home

“Christine Day writes books I want to crawl inside of. Here she brings us a cast of beautifully-drawn characters and creates a heartfelt story about young crushes, blooming friendships, and finding--and claiming--belonging.” — Tae Keller, Newbery Medal winning author of When You Trap a Tiger

"This story, which weaves diversity into the supporting cast, incorporates layers of Native identity throughout, as Wesley connects with a new friend who is a young Native activist, learning more about Christopher Columbus. A rich, captivating story that will resonate with readers." — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"This is a story of quiet determination and triumph, with well-defined characters who push each other and are there for each other, and which culminates in sweet heart-to-heart conversations at a powwow in a high-school gym." — Horn Book Magazine

"Via Wesley’s self-aware and astoundingly perceptive first-person voice, Day highlights everyday tween conflicts about fitting in alongside experiential concerns surrounding identifying with one’s heritage in this warmhearted approach to searching for—and finding—community and inclusion." — Publishers Weekly (starred review)

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 8 to 12.

Additional Information
256 pages | 5.12" x 7.62" | Paperback

A whimsical and lyrical celebration of imagination and exploration if we simply asked, “What if . . .”

Follow two siblings through their day as they let their imaginations run wild in this joyful story about all the possibilities a simple “what if” can conjure up: What if the monsters in your closet wanted to be your friend? What if all of the dinosaurs were shrunk to be teeny-tiny when the comet hit the earth? And what if bedtime didn’t exist and we could imagine anything we wanted?

What If Bedtime Didn’t Exist? places an Urban Indigenous family at the heart of a fun and fantastical celebration of daydreaming, adventure, and play while living in the city. The tenderness and care in this intergenerational home is seen through relationships with all members in the family.

Mathias Ball’s vibrant illustrations bring each page of acclaimed author Francine Cunningham’s debut picture book to life. What If Bedtime Didn’t Exist? opens up new spaces for creativity and endless possibilities into our everyday world.

Reviews
“A tenderly written, beautifully illustrated story that taps into our creative selves. I can already hear the oohs and awes and giggles, and see little fingers circling around the drawings discovering each “what if” and imagining the imaginings. A wonderful story that’s going to kick off so many conversations between readers about all of the “what ifs!”. So much fun!” — Julie Flett, author of We All Play and Birdsong

“What if the imagination of kids created the world? Then every day would be filled with the rollicking, bright and sparkling, fantastical, astronomical adventures Francine Cunningham and Mathias Ball give us here. Sign me up!” — Caroline Adderson, author of more than twenty books for children including It Happened on Sweet Street and Norman, Speak!

“What if Bedtime Didn’t Exist? is a day dream that sings and celebrates the innocence of imagination. Every page is pure cozy magic! I want to live in this book! I love it!” — Richard Van Camp, author of What’s the Most Beautiful Thing You Know About Horses?

“Francine Cunningham has gifted us a story for readers in search of adventure in the everyday. What if Bedtime Didn’t Exist showcases Cunningham’s writing as expansive as riding with dragons and as intimate as confiding hard feels with ladybugs. For the adventurous and sensitive kid alike, What If Bedtime Didn’t Exist is guided by two Indigenous siblings with boundless curiosity, who remind us that the true source of our magic is embedded in our own imaginations.” — Whitney French, editor of Black Writers Matter

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 7.

Recommended in the Indigenous Books for Schools catalogue as a valuable resource for English Language Arts for k to 3.

Themes: Childhood, Family.

Additional Information
36 pages | 10.00" x 8.50" | Hardcover

We all know animals are affected by the climate crisis. But did you know the climate crisis is also affected by animals?

From whales to dung beetles, What Poo Can Do explores how animals big and small are helping the planet every time they do a number two. Come on a journey to different parts of the world to see how animals are fertilizing plants, storing carbon, preventing fires, reducing methane and even creating color-coded maps—all through their feces! Readers will discover how animal defecation makes a difference when it comes to the climate crisis. It's time to embrace the power of poo!

Reviews
“Well-organized and sustains the reader’s interest…Highly recommended.”— CM: Canadian Review of Materials

“While most environmental titles for children focus on how humans can protect and care for the planet, this book focuses on animals who are already assisting the cause—with poop!”— Booklist

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 9 to 12.

This book is part of the Orca Footprint series.

Reading Levels:
Fountas & Pinnell Text Level Gradient: X
Lexile measure: 1090L
Guided Reading Level: X

Big Ideas & Themes: Environmental Awareness, Climate Change, Environmental Conservation & Protection, Green Issues, Sustainability, Wildlife

Additional Information
48 pages | 8.00" x 9.50" | Includes 41 colour photographs, 1 diagram, 1 index, 1 bibliography | Hardcover 

Tessa loves how her grandmother always smells of campfire stories. Mom says it’s because Kohkom spends her days sewing beautiful beads onto smoked hides. Inspired, Tessa asks Kohkom to teach her beading, but first she must listen and learn about the many stories held in a bead.

A celebration of Cree craftsmanship, language, and learning. The loving exchange of knowledge between Tessa and her Kohkom will be familiar to many children. Readers will learn that different Indigenous communities have different beadwork techniques, and that this traditional art form is alive and thriving today.

Reviews
"The story is a beautiful look into the importance of beading in our communities and the ways that this art practice ties us together as families and communities." — Nancy Cooper, First Nations Consultant for the Southern Ontario Library Services and coordinator for First Nation Communities Read

"Borgford demonstrates within this book the way Story is a very useful and meaningful method of passing on and sharing Indigenous Knowledge. Interwoven within the story are Cree words. The illustrator uses bright pictures that add additional cultural meaning and bring to life the smells and tactile learnings within the story." - Meredith R., Elementary School Teacher, Indigenous Books for Schools

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

A dual-language version in Ininîmowin (Cree, N-dialect) and English is available: kekwan etakwak mîkisîhk / What’s in a Bead?

This book is available in French: Le pouvoir d'une perle.

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, and Social Studies. 

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

"There are many things I would like to do and see with my friend in Qikiqtarjuaq."

Monica wants to visit her friend Mary in Qikiqtarjuaq, Nunavut. Monica likes to imagine all the fun they will have together there. Monica and Mary will go camping, fish for delicious Arctic char, and see the big icebergs around the community. There will be lots to do when Monica visits Qikiqtarjuaq in this bilingual picture book!

Reviews
"The book touches on Qikiqtarjuaq’s history while highlighting the natural features and landforms that define the region, known as the “iceberg capital” of Nunavut. Through simple, descriptive language and vivid illustrations, it offers a warm, culturally rich introduction to Arctic life, Inuit clothing and Traditions, and the northern landscape. Ideal for early primary classrooms, this story invites students to explore place-based experiences, family, belonging, and a deep connection to community and land." - Shannon D., Elementary & 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.

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 2 classrooms for English Language Arts, Science, Social Studies. 

Additional Information
19 pages | 8.00" x 9.00" | Paperback

When We Are Kind celebrates simple acts of everyday kindness and encourages children to explore how they feel when they initiate and receive acts of kindness in their lives. Celebrated author Monique Gray Smith has written many books on the topics of resilience and reconciliation, and she communicates an important message here for readers of all ages through her carefully chosen words. Beautifully illustrated by artist Nicole Neidhardt, this book encourages children to be kind to others and to themselves.

Reviews
“Notably centering Indigenous families and characters of color in personal and communal activities—and encouraging readers to evaluate their actions toward others.” —Publishers Weekly

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 2 and under.

Themes: Teaching Compassion, Being Kind, Family, Friendship, Gratitude

This book is also available in hardcover format: When We Are Kind

This book is also available in a dual-language hardcover format: When We Are Kind / Nihá’ádaahwiinít’íįgo

This book is also available in French: Nous sommes gentils

Additional Information
32 pages | 9.00" x 9.00" | Board Book