National Indigenous History Month - Children's Books
Ancestor approved : intertribal stories for kids
2021
A collection of intersecting stories by both new and veteran Native writers bursts with hope, joy, resilience, the strength of community, and Native pride.
Awâsis and the world-famous bannock
Hunt, Dallas, 1987- author
2018
As young Awâsis searches for the ingredients to make Kohkum's world-famous bannock recipe, they run into a variety of other-than-human relatives that help them along in their journey. Includes a pronunciation guide and Kohkum's world-famous bannock recipe at the back of the book.
Birdsong
Flett, Julie, author, illustrator
2020
When a young girl moves from the country to a small town, she feels lonely and out of place. But soon she meets an elderly woman next door, who shares her love of arts and crafts. Can the girl navigate the changing seasons and failing health of her new friend? Acclaimed author and artist Julie Flett's textured images of birds, flowers, art, and landscapes bring vibrancy and warmth to this powerful story, which highlights the fulfillment of intergenerational relationships and shared passions.
Ga's = the train
Callaghan, Jodie, 1984- author.
2021
Ashley meets her great-uncle by the old train tracks near their community in Nova Scotia. Ashley sees his sadness, and Uncle tells her of the day years ago when he and the other children from their community were told to board the train before being taken to residential school where their lives were changed forever. They weren't allowed to speak Mi'gmaq and were punished if they did. There was no one to give them love and hugs and comfort. Uncle also tells Ashley how happy she and her sister make him. They are what give him hope. Ashley promises to wait with her uncle by the train tracks, in remembrance of what was lost. A dual-language edition in English and Mi'gmaq.
The great bear
Robertson, David, 1977- author
2021
Back at home after their first adventure in the Barren Grounds, Eli and Morgan each struggle with personal issues: Eli is being bullied at school, and tries to hide it from Morgan, while Morgan has to make an important decision about her birth mother. They turn to the place where they know they can learn the most, and return to Misewa. But they discover that the village is once again in peril, and they must dig deep within themselves to find the strength to protect their beloved friends. Can they carry this strength back home to face their own challenges?
Ispík kákí péyakoyak = When we were alone
Robertson, David, 1977- author
2020
"When a young girl helps tend to her grandmother’s garden, she begins to notice things about her grandmother that make her curious. Why does her grandmother have long braided hair and wear beautifully coloured clothing? Why does she speak another language and spend so much time with her family? As she asks her grandmother about these things, she is told about life in a residential school a long time ago, where everything was taken away. When We Were Alone is a story about a difficult time in history and, ultimately, a story of empowerment and strength."-- Provided by publisher.
The little hummingbird
Yahgulanaas, Michael Nicoll
2010
Based on a South American indigenous story about a courageous hummingbird who defies fear and expectations in her attempt to save the forest from fire.
Little you = Gidagaashiinh
Van Camp, Richard, author
2021
This dual-language, poetic book for babies and toddlers celebrates every child and the joy babies bring into the world.
My heart fills with happiness = Ni sâkaskineh mîyawâten niteh ohcih
Gray Smith, Monique, 1968- author
2018
On the trapline
Robertson, David, 1977- author
2021
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.
We all play = kimêtawânaw
Flett, Julie, author, illustrator.
2021
Join celebrated artist Julie Flett on a joyful romp with animals. From chasing, chirping birds, to swimming, squirting whales, this book for young readers reminds them how animals play just like them. This picture book, with gorgeous images and sweet simple text, is a marvelous celebration of the interconnectedness of all creatures, and includes some Cree phrases. It is based on the Cree teaching of wahkohtowin, interconnectedness and play, and includes as well the English and Cree names of the animals in the book, all of whom are from 'Turtle Island' (North America).
When we are kind = Nihaa'ádahwiinít'ı̨́́įgo
Gray Smith, Monique, 1968- author
2020
"This dual-language beautiful picture book looks at how the simple act of being kind, to others and oneself, affects all aspects of a child's life. In English and Diné."-- Provided by publisher.
You hold me up = Gimanaadenim
Gray Smith, Monique, 1968- author.
2021
"This vibrant picture book, beautifully illustrated by celebrated artist Danielle Daniel, encourages children to show love and support for each other and to consider each other's well-being in their every-day actions. Consultant, international speaker and award-winning author 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. Orca Book Publishers is proud to offer this picture book as a dual-language (English and Anishinaabemowin) edition."--Provided by publisher.