Indigenous writing for kids!

"Chi's momma is soon to have a baby, but Chi' is having a hard time being happy about it. Chi' misses her Temma (Grandma), who has passed away. (Ages 6-11)" - Publisher

"Nokum Is My Teacher is the poetic story of a young aboriginal boy, posing questions to his grandmother, his "Nokum", about the wider world beyond the familiarity of their home and community. Through a series of questions, Nokum guides her grandson towards an understanding of his need to fit into and learn more about this large world beyond the reserve. Nokum offers her grandson a vision of a world he can enter through imagination and reading, while retaining respect for the ways of his people. By the conclusion of the book, the young grandson has learned many new ideas from his grandmother and discovered his own wisdom in dealing with the changes in his life. (Ages 4-8)" - Publisher

"The art, including close-ups and panoramic scenes of Cree life through seasons and generations, shows the heartfelt bond between the boy and his beloved mentor as well as the richness of Cree life, past and present." Booklist

"This is the sweet story of a young First Nations boy preparing for his first pow-wow. The young boy's Nokum—his beloved grandmother—guides him through the exciting day and watches over him as events unfold.(Ages 8-11)" - Publisher

"A strong offering about powwows, familial love, and finding understanding from with-in." - School Library Journal

"The entire family goes out for a romp in the woods picking mushrooms and herbs. Grandmother passes down her knowledge of plant life." - Publisher

"Award-winning storyteller Nicola I. Campbell shows what it means "to stand like a cedar" on this beautiful journey of discovery through the wilderness." - Publisher

"A young girl delights in a visit to her grandpa's farm. She and her cousins run through the fields, explore the root cellar where the smoked salmon and jars of fruit are stored, swing on a rope out the barn loft window, visit the appaloosa in the corral and tease the neighbor's pig. The visit is also an opportunity for this child to ask Grandpa what her grandmother, Yahyah, was like, and explore the "secret room," with its old wooden box of ribbons, medals and photos of Grandpa in uniform. There is a wonderful blend of fun and family history in this visit to a grandparent, but also the realization that there can be some things about the people we know and love that will always remain a mystery." - Publisher

"Inspired by the expression “once in a blue moon,” Danielle Daniel has created a book of short poems, each one describing a rare or special experience that turns an ordinary day into a memorable one. (Ages 4-7)" - Publisher

"This look at nature at its most spellbinding moments will soothe and delight pre- and early readers alike." - School Library Journal

"Emma wants to participate in her community's annual 'King's Day' celebration that is held every year on January 6th. She loves to see the gifts that are given and hear the stories people tell when they visit. Her mother, however, feels that Emma is too young. When Emma's grandmother hurts herself, Emma reluctantly agrees to help. In helping her grandmother prepare and serve her King's Day meal, Emma discovers the meaning behind this special day. 'King's Day' is about celebrating Christ's birth and the Three Wise Kings who visited the baby Jesus bearing gifts on this holy day. Emma learns that 'King's Day' is not only about exchanging gifts, it's also about helping family and friends by giving one's time. (Ages 7-10)" - Publisher

"With their darkly-outlined figures and uncluttered backgrounds, Odjick's illustrations owe a lot to comic book and film art. The people are full of life, if sometimes a touch awkward or exaggerated." - Canadian Review of Materials

"The Moccasins is about an Indigenous boy who is given a gift from his adoptive mother. This simple story is built on themes of acceptance, self-esteem and love to depict a positive foster care experience. (Ages 4-8)" - Publisher

"Joy is ten years old, living in Apex, Nunavut-a small town outside of Iqaluit-and loving life. Her little sister Allashua may be annoying, but all in all Joy loves living at the top of the world in Apex, or Niaqunngun as it's called in Inuktitut. She's doing well in school and even has a crush on a boy. But Joy begins to notice her parents fighting a lot more than usual. Her mom is staying with her sisters in Iqaluit more than she is home. And Joy's perfect life soon becomes a lot more complicated. As Joy navigates her parents'' separation and its affect on her family, she learns some valuable lessons about how to cope when life gets tough. Told in the wry, funny voice of a smart and savvy ten-year-old girl, this book will appeal to young readers everywhere who have ever wished that things would just stay the way they are. (Ages 9-11)" - Publisher

"The story of a little boy from the city who is trying to fit in with his cousins who have always lived on the Kamloops Indian Reserve and his feelings of being left out. During the summer, Jimmy works with a colt, overcoming initial fears and eventually becomes a famous horse breaker." - Publisher

"Dragonfly Kites refers to "kites" made by tying a string around the middles of dragonflies. Two Cree brothers in northern Manitoba fly these kites during the day, but at night fly themselves in their dreams. (Ages 4-6)" - Publisher

"Like the dragonfly kites that the boys follow, the plot simply glides along until the boys wake up from their dream. This is appropriate due to the significance the illustrations play in this picture book, as well as the age of the intended audience. Readers are not overwhelmed by the storyline and are free to appreciate the accompanying illustrations." - Canadian Review of Materials

"This beautiful bedtime poem, written by acclaimed Inuit throat singer Celina Kalluk, describes the gifts given to a newborn baby by all the animals of the Arctic. Lyrically and tenderly told by a mother speaking to her own little "Kulu," an Inuktitut term of endearment often bestowed upon babies and young children, this visually stunning book is infused with the traditional Inuit values of love and respect for the land and its animal inhabitants. (Ages 1-3)" - Publisher

"While the language is sophisticated and the text is longer than most found in board books, the lyrical quality will capture children's attention." - School Library Journal

"When Aggataa goes for a cold winter walk with her grandmother, she’s surprised by a sudden CRAH! All the birds have flown south for the winter except one kind—the tulugarguat, the ravens. They’re the ugliest birds that Aggaataa has ever seen. They look like they slept in their coats—coats that don’t even fit! However, as the winter slowly moves towards spring, Aggataa connects with one small raven in particular... (Ages 4-7)" - Publisher

"Inuit storyteller Kusugak offers readers a window into the changing of seasons in a frozen landscape and how the wildlife and the humans change with it." - School Library Journal

"On the great tundra plains of Nunavut, there is a creature that just loves to play hide and seek. The only problem with this creature is, if it helps you hide, no one will ever find you again. Well, Allashua loves to play hide and seek… (Ages 4-7)" - Publisher

"If you are looking for unusual and well-produced multicultural material … this story is an excellent choice.” - The Bloomsbury Review

"Northern Lights" is a beautiful tale that explores the mystical aspects of the northern lights in Inuit culture. Scientists have their own explanations for the phenomenon that occurs when the night sky shimmers with milky white patterns, or displays all the colors of the rainbow. But the Inuit prefer their own explanation: They believe the souls of the dead are engaging in a lively game of soccer, just as they did when they were living. They run all over the sky chasing a walrus head that they use for a soccer ball. This is the story of Kataujaq and the intimate relationship she has with her mother. They do almost everything together; they hug, rub noses and say "Mamaq" which means "You smell so nice." But a great sickness comes and Kataujaq's mother is taken south to the white people's hospital and never comes back. Kataujaq grieves, but is also able to rejoice when she and her grandmother watch the northern lights. This book celebrates family life, intimacy and the glory of nature. (Ages 7-12)" - Publisher

"A young child, her grandmother and mother are going out to pick wild yarrow. As Grandmother gets ready, the child and her mom wait. Grandmother leads the way to the field of blossoms, where they can finally start to pick ... only now they have to wait for Mom The simple story, written in Cree and English and accompanied by rich acrylic illustrations, shows the patience, love and humor involved as three generations accommodate one another on a family outing. (Ages 3-5)" - Publisher

"Although the book ends with pictures of the girl and women with the flowers in the fields, backmatter provides a simple recipe for yarrow tea, often used medicinally, which suggests the reason for their harvest. A quiet, gentle picture book about a contemporary First Nations family and their ties to one another, their heritage, and their homeland." - Kirkus Reviews

"This simple story in Cree and English explores a young child's relationship to his kuhkom, his grandmother, as they go for a walk in the bush to pick rosehips. The young boy follows his grandmother, walking, listening, picking, praying, eating, just as she does. In doing so, he absorbs the rich cultural traditions and values of his Cree heritage. (Ages 3-5)" - Publisher

"This simple Cree-English tale explores a young child's relationship with his grandmother, or kokhom, as they walk in the bush to pick rosehips. In doing so, he absorbs the rich cultural traditions and values of his Cree heritage. Includes instructions on how to prepare rosehip tea." - Best Books for Kids and Teens

"When Tanna’s father brings home an abandoned owl, she is not eager to take care of the needy, ugly little bird. Tanna must wake at 4:00 a.m. to catch food for the owl. She must feed it, clean up after it, all while avoiding its sharp, chomping beak and big, stomping talons. After weeks of following her father’s instructions on how to care for the owl, Tanna must leave home for school. Her owl has grown. It has lost its grey baby feathers and is beginning to sprout a beautiful adult snowy owl coat. As she says good-bye to the owl, she is relieved not to have to care for it anymore, but also a bit sad. This heartwarming story based on the author’s own life experience teaches young readers the value of hard work, helping, and caring—even when the thing you are caring for does not love you back. (Ages 4-8)" - Publisher

"Despite an occasionally awkward turn of phrase, this story gives a well-rounded picture of caring for a wild animal that doesn't diminish the hard or unpleasant aspects of that experience--shown to great effect in Kang's simple yet expressive illustrations." - Booklist

"The heartwarming text is based on Rachel Qitsualik-Tinsley's (Inuit-Cree) own childhood experiences, according to an opening note, including a stint in residential schools that is mentioned only glancingly in the story." - Kirkus Reviews

"A boy and Moshom, his grandpa, take a trip together to visit a place of great meaning to Moshom. A trapline is where people hunt and live off the land, and it was where Moshom grew up. As they embark on their northern journey, the child repeatedly asks his grandfather, "Is this your trapline?" Along the way, the boy finds himself imagining what life was like two generations ago -- a life that appears to be both different from and similar to his life now. This is a heartfelt story about memory, imagination and intergenerational connection that perfectly captures the experience of a young child's wonder as he is introduced to places and stories that hold meaning for his family." - Publisher

"A board book that celebrates happiness and invites children to reflect on the little things in life that bring them joy. (Ages 2-5)" - Publisher

"The author and illustrator are strongly connected to their Canadian Aboriginal communities, and the sweet family story has universal appeal." -School Library Journal

"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. (Ages 3-5)" - Publisher

"Streamlined digital illustrations by Neidhardt (who has maternal Dine heritage) portray an inclusive cast interacting, notably centering Indigenous families and characters of color in personal and communal activities--and encouraging readers to evaluate their actions toward others." - Publishers Weekly

"Monique Gray Smith wrote You Hold Me Up to prompt a dialogue among young people, their care providers and educators about reconciliation and the importance of the connections children make with their friends, classmates and families. This is a foundational book about building relationships, fostering empathy and encouraging respect between peers, starting with our littlest citizens. (Ages 3-7)" - Publisher

"A strong sense of community runs through the poetic text and illustrations and is encapsulated in the final phrase, 'We hold each other up.'" - School Library Journal

"Drawing from Indigenous creation stories and traditional teachings and illustrated in dazzling watercolors, I Sang You Down from the Stars is a tribute to the bond between mother and child. The narrator gathers gifts for a medicine bundle in anticipation of her baby’s birth; a fluffy white eagle plume, bunches of cedar and sage, a quilted star blanket, and a small stone from the river. When the baby arrives, the mother shares the bundle with her child and reveals the importance of each item inside. But when her family comes to meet the new arrival, she realizes the baby arrived with gifts of its own and that the baby is also a sacred bundle: a baby bundle. (Ages 3-7)" - Publisher

"A tender celebration of parenthood that will resonate with Native and non-Native readers alike." - Publishers Weekly

"When Swift Fox’s father picks her up to go visit her aunties, uncles, and cousins, her belly is already full of butterflies. And when he tells her that today is the day that she’ll learn how to be Mi’kmaq, the butterflies grow even bigger. Though her father reassures her that Mi’kmaq is who she is from her eyes to her toes, Swift Fox doesn’t understand what that means. Her family welcomes her with smiles and hugs, but when it’s time to smudge and everyone else knows how, Swift Fox feels even more like she doesn’t belong. Then she meets her cousin Sully and realizes that she’s not the only one who’s unsure—and she may even be the one to teach him something about what being Mi’kmaq means." - Publisher

"Celebrating the joy babies bring into the world. (Ages 1-3)" - Publisher

"The family feels real and specific, and the message ("You are the birth of everything true") will resonate with all readers." - School Library Journal

"In this sweet and lyrical board book from the creators of the bestselling Little You, gentle rhythmic text captures the wonder new parents feel as they welcome baby into the world. A celebration of the bond between parent and child, this is the perfect song to share with your little ones. (Ages 1-3)" - Publisher

"Babies and toddlers love to be loved, and they will also love to see themselves and their parents reflected in the beautiful pages of this book." - Canadian Children's Book News

"While picking berries with her mother, a little girl wanders too far into the woods. When she realizes she is lost, she begins to panic. A large grey wolf makes a sudden appearance between some distant trees. Using his sense of smell, he determines where she came from and decides to help her. Through a series of questions from the wolf, the little girl realizes she had the knowledge and skill to navigate herself-she just needed to remember that those abilities were there all along. (Ages 3-5)" - Publisher

"It's got a worthy message for any reader to enjoy, and Indigenous and First Nations readers will especially connect with characters who nourish traditional ways of knowing while existing in an active, contemporary present." - Kirkus Reviews

"Two Ojibway sisters set off across the frozen north country to see the SkySpirits' midnight dance. It isn't easy for the younger sister to be silent, but gradually she begins to treasure the stillness and the wonderful experiences it brings. After an exhilarating walk and patient waiting, the girls are rewarded by the arrival of the SkySpirits --- the northern lights --- dancing and shimmering in the night sky. This powerful story, with its stunning illustrations, captures the chill of a northern night, the warmth of the family circle and the radiance of a child's wonder. (Ages 4-7)" - Publisher

"When Akilak must travel a great distance to another camp to gather food, she thinks she will never be able to make it. With a little help from her grandmother's spirit, and her own imagination to keep her entertained, Akilak manages to turn a long journey into an adventure. Even though she at first feels that she will never be able to reach her destination, she keeps her grandmother's assurance that her "destination is not running away; it will be reached eventually" in mind and ends up enjoying the journey that at first seemed so daunting. (Ages 4-7)" - Publisher

"Akilak's story provides a window for outsiders to look into Inuit culture yet is also a mirror reflecting familiar Inuit traditions to insiders. An engaging and recommended read-aloud for all collections." - School Library Journal