Staff Picks
Read All About It: Indigenous & Native People in Picture & Board Books
- Saturday, October 03, 2020
Collection
Understand and celebrate the stories, culture, traditions and history of indigenous and native people of the Americas in these beautifully illustrated picture and board books.
Looking for even more good books? Check out our personalized recommendations or call us at 803-799-9084. Find more resources on race, equity, and inclusion, here.
Una Huna
What is This?
Published in 2018
Ukpik loves living in her camp in the North with her family. When a captain from the south arrives to trade with Ukpik's father, Ukpik is excited to learn how to use the forks, knives, and spoons he brings with him. At first, Ukpik enjoys teaching the other children how to use thses new tools. But soon, she starts to wonder if they'll need to use the new tools all the time, and if that means that everything in camp will change.
Thunder Boy Jr
Published in 2016
"Thunder Boy Jr. wants a normal name ... one that's all his own. Dad is known as Big Thunder, but Little Thunder doesn't want to share a name"-- Provided by publisher.
Thunder Boy Jr
Published in 2016
Thunder Boy Jr. is named after his dad, but he wants a name that's all his own. Just because people call his dad Big Thunder doesn't mean he wants to be Little Thunder. He wants a name that celebrates something cool he's done, like Touch the Clouds, Not Afraid of Ten Thousand Teeth, or Full of Wonder. But just when Thunder Boy Jr. thinks all hope is lost, he and his dad pick the perfect name...a name that is sure to light up the sky. National Book Award-winner Sherman Alexie's lyrical text and Caldecott Honor-winner Yuyi Morales's striking and beautiful illustrations celebrate the special relationship between father and son.
Tierra, Tierrita = Earth, Little Earth
Tal, Talchin
Published in 2023
"My name is Earth / but people call me Little Earth." In the fourth installment of their award-winning Madre Tierra / Mother Earth series of trilingual picture books about the natural world, Jorge Argueta and Felipe Ugalde Alcántara collaborate again to introduce Mother Earth, who is "full of all the colors / and all the flavors." She is the mother of water, fire, wind and earth. Some call her planet, others nature or creation. "I am Mother Earth / a globe spinning around the sun, / creating sunrises, sunsets and nights." She is the song of all the plants and animals, she is "dew, snow, heat," she is life. A Junior Library Guild selection, this book about Mother Earth reflects Argueta's indigenous roots and his appreciation for the natural world. Felipe Ugalde Alcántara's stunning illustrations depict streams, mountains and wildlife in their habitat. Containing the English and Spanish text on each page, the entire poem appears at the end in Nahuat, the language of Argueta's Pipil-Nahua ancestors. This is an excellent choice to encourage children to write their own poems about nature and to begin conversations about the interconnected web of life.
Shi-shi-etko
Published in 2005
Before leaving for a residential school, Shi-shi-etko spends her last days at home appreciating nature's beauty, and her mother, father, and grandmother each share valuable teachings that they want her to remember.
Shi-shi-etko
Published in 2016
Finalist for the TD Canadian Children's Literature Award, the Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award and the Ruth Schwartz Award! In just four days young Shi-shi-etko will have to leave her family and all that she knows to attend residential school .She spends her last days at home treasuring the beauty of her world -- the dancing sunlight, the tall grass, each shiny rock, the tadpoles in the creek, her grandfather's paddle song. Her mother, father and grandmother, each in turn, share valuable teachings that they want her to remember. And so Shi-shi-etko carefully gathers her memories for safekeeping. Richly hued illustrations complement this gently moving and poetic account of a child who finds solace all around her, even though she is on the verge of great loss -- a loss that native people have endured for generations because of the residential schools system.
Stand Like a Cedar
Published in 2021
"Children go for a walk in the woods with their elders and discover the animals of British Columbia, their names in the Nłe7kepmxcín or Halq'emeylem languages, and the teachings they have for us."-- Provided by publisher.
Bowwow Powwow
Bagosenjige-niimi'idim
Published in 2018
"When Uncle and Windy Girl attend a powwow, Windy watches the dancers and listens to the singers. She eats tasty food and joins family and friends around the campfire. Later, Windy falls asleep under the stars. Uncle's stories inspire visions in her head: a bowwow powwow, where all the dancers are dogs. In these magical scenes, Windy sees veterans in a Grand Entry, and a visiting drum group, and traditional dancers, grass dancers, and jingle-dress dancers--all with telltale ears and paws and tails. All celebrating in song and dance. All attesting to the wonder of the powwow."--Provided by publisher.
Biindigen!
Amik Says Welcome
Published in 2023
"Today, Amik is expecting her beaver cousins for a special visit, and she can't wait to show them her home. But as the visitors arrive, Amik suddenly realizes that her little sister, Nishiime, has disappeared. Where could she have gone? As Amik shows her cousins some of her favorite haunts, the reader also learns how beavers help all the other animals in the forest: they cut down poplar trees so deer have easier access to the leaves, they create canals in streambeds that fish need to swim in during the winter months, and they build dams that form shallow pools for otters to swim in with their babies. Along the way, each animal shows its gratitude by saying "Meegwetch" (thank you) to Amik. Meanwhile, Nishiime, who can be seen hiding in the illustrations throughout the story, finally appears, explaining that she was feeling scared and shy about meeting other beavers from far away. It doesn't take long until Nishiime is comfortable with her cousins, asking many questions and planning how she will one day visit them."-- Provided by publisher.
Look, Grandma! Ni, Elisi!
Published in 2021
"Bo wants to find the perfect container to show off his traditional marbles for the Cherokee National Holiday in this exploration of volume and capacity"-- Provided by publisher.
I Am Not a Number
Published in 2016
"A picture book based on a true story about a young First Nations girl who was sent to a residential school. When eight-year-old Irene is removed from her First Nations family to live in a residential school she is confused, frightened, and terribly homesick. She tries to remember who she is and where she came from despite the efforts of the nuns to force her to do otherwise. Based on the life of Jenny Kay Dupuis' own grandmother, I Am Not a Number brings a terrible part of Canada's history to light in a way that children can learn from and relate to"-- Provide by publisher.
We All Play = Kimêtawânaw
Published in 2021
"[Presents an illustrated look] that celebrates the interconnectedness of nature and the wonder of play - and includes Cree names for each animal in a glossary"-Jacket flap.
Stolen Words
Published in 2017
A look at the intergenerational impact of Canada's residential school system that separated Indigenous children from their families and the beautiful, healing relationship between a little girl and her grandfather.
Otter Doesn't Know
Published in 2023
Indigenous artist and storyteller Andrea Fritz tells a tale of a salmon and a sea otter who learn it's ok to say "I don't know" and to ask for help. Thuqi' the sockeye salmon knows it's time to spawn, but she is lost in the Salish Sea and doesn't know the way to Sta'lo', the river. When she asks Tumus the sea otter for help, he doesn't exactly know either, and he dismisses her questions. But when Tumus becomes lost in some weeds, Thuqi' shows him that it's okay not to know something-you can still find a way to help a friend in need. In this original story set in Coast Salish Traditional Territory, author and artist Andrea Fritz uses Indigenous storytelling techniques and art to share the culture and language of the Hul'q'umi'num'-speaking Peoples.
Berry Song
Published in 2022
As a young Tlingit girl collects wild berries over the seasons, she sings with her Grandmother as she learns to speak to the land and listen when the land speaks back.
All Around Us
Published in 2017
Finding circles everywhere, a grandfather and his granddaughter meditate on the cycles of life and nature.
Forever Cousins
Published in 2022
Amanda and Kara are cousins and best friends in an intertribal Native American family; but Kara's family leaves the city and moves back to the Rez, making both girls sad--but the summer reunion reminds them that they will always be cousins.
Rock Your Mocs
Published in 2023
"[An] introduction to the annual celebration of 'Rock Your Mocs Day,' because moccasins and Native pride shouldn't be saved just for ceremonies and powwows, but celebrated all year round"--Provided by publisher.
I Hope
Published in 2022
"This beautifully illustrated picture book, written by award-winning Indigenous author Monique Gray Smith, explores all the hopes adults have for the children in their lives."-- Provided by publisher.
My Heart Fills with Happiness
Published in 2016
The sun on your face. The smell of warm bannock baking in the oven. Holding the hand of someone you love. What fills your heart with happiness? This beautiful board book, with illustrations from celebrated artist Julie Flett, serves as a reminder for little ones and adults alike to reflect on and cherish the moments in life that bring us joy. International speaker and award-winning author Monique Gray Smith wrote My Heart Fills with Happiness to support the wellness of Indigenous children and families, and to encourage young children to reflect on what makes them happy.
My Heart Fills with Happiness
Published in 2016
The sun on your face. The smell of warm bannock baking in the oven. Holding the hand of someone you love. What fills your heart with happiness? This beautiful board book, with illustrations from celebrated artist Julie Flett, serves as a reminder for little ones and adults alike to reflect on and cherish the moments in life that bring us joy.
When We Are Kind
Published in 2020
"This beautiful picture book looks at how the simple act of being kind, to others and oneself, affects all aspects of a child's life."-- Provided by publisher.
Keepunumuk
Weeâchumun's Thanksgiving Story
Published in 2022
Wampanoag children listen as their grandmother tells them the story about how Weeâchumun (the wise Corn) asked local Native Americans to show the Pilgrims how to grow food to yield a good harvest--Keepunumuk--in 1621.
The First Blade of Sweetgrass
A Native American Story
Published in 2021
"In this Own Voices Native American picture book story, a modern Wabanaki girl is excited to accompany her grandmother for the first time to harvest sweetgrass for basket making"-- Provided by publisher.
The Good Luck Cat
Published in 2000
Because her good luck cat Woogie has already used up eight of his nine lives in narrow escapes from disaster, a Native American girl worries when he disappears.
Remember
Published in 2023
"Picture book adaptation of US Poet Laureate Joy Harjo's iconic poem, Remember"-- Provided by publisher.
Dragonfly Kites
Published in 2016
Cree brothers Cody and Joe, their parents, and their dog Ootsie spend the summers on the shores of a lake in Manitoba, where the boys play with the objects they find, make pets of the animals, and fly the dragonflies like kites.
The Dancing Trees
Published in 2021
"Thomas loves to tell stories. Big stories. Stories about how skilled he is on the land. But when one of his friends grows tired of his tall tales, Thomas has to prove how skilled he really is. Taking the challenge to spend a night alone in the forest, Thomas heads into the wilderness. The trees, who have heard his stories, watch him tear off their bark and litter as he goes. And so, while Thomas sleeps, they dance a dance that will leave Thomas with a very different kind of story to tell--if he can find his way home ..."--Back cover.
Storyteller Skye
Teachings from My Ojibway Grandfather
Published in 2023
"Have you ever wondered why Rabbit has such long ears? Or why Raccoon is wearing a mask? In this collection of funny and unique short stories, young Skye enlightens us in a number of Indigenous teachings, passed down to her from her Ojibway grandfather. Through her natural gift of storytelling, Skye encourages other children to embrace the art and become storytellers, too!"--Back cover.
Josie Dances
Published in 2021
As she prepares for her first powwow, an Ojibwa girl practices her dance steps, gets help from her family, and is inspired by the soaring flight of Migizi, the eagle.
We Are Water Protectors
Published in 2020
Inspired by the many Indigenous-led movements across North America, We Are Water Protectors issues an urgent rallying cry to safeguard the Earth's water from harm and corruption--a bold and lyrical picture book written by Carole Lindstrom and vibrantly illustrated by Michaela Goade. Water is the first medicine. It affects and connects us all. When a black snake threatens to destroy the Earth and poison her people's water, one young water protector takes a stand to defend Earth's most sacred resource. -- Publisher.
Encounter
Published in 2019
Awakened gently by Sun, Sailor sets off to explore new lands where he meets Fisher, and although they speak and dress differently, they find they have much in common. Includes author's note about the first encounter between a European explorer and a Native North American.
Fry Bread
A Native American Family Story
Published in 2019
Using illustrations that show the diversity in Native America and spare poetic text that emphasizes fry bread in terms of provenance, this volume tells the story of a post-colonial food that is a shared tradition for Native American families all across the North American continent. Includes a recipe and an extensive author note that delves into the social ways, foodways, and politics of America's 573 recognized tribes.
Zonia's Rain Forest
Published in 2021
Enjoying days spent with animal friends near her home in the Amazon, young Zonia wonders what to do on a day when the rainforest calls out to her for help, in a lushly illustrated story that is complemented by back matter about the Asháninka community.
Johnny's Pheasant
Published in 2019
Johnny spies a pheasant which he believes is sleeping and his Grandma fears is dead, but they learn they were both wrong when the pheasant departs, leaving behind a gift.
Be a Good Ancestor
Published in 2022
"In this beautifully illustrated picture book, a repeated call to action reminds young readers that everything in our world is connected"-- Provided by publisher.
On the Trapline
Published in 2021
A picture book celebrating Indigenous culture and traditions. The Governor General Award-winning team behind When We Were Alone shares a story that honors our connections to our past and our grandfathers and fathers. 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.--Amazon.
When We Were Alone
Published in 2016
"When a young girl helps tend to her grandmother's garden, she begins to notice things that make her curious. Why does her grandmother have long, braided hair and beautifully colored 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 all of these things were taken away. When We Were Alone is a story about a difficult time in history, and, ultimately, one of empowerment and strength."-- Provided by publisher.
Still This Love Goes on
Published in 2022
"A love letter to Indigenous communities everywhere, this picture book gorgeously illustrated by Julie Flett celebrates seasons, nature, and community. Based on Academy Award-winning Cree icon Buffy Sainte-Marie's song of the same name, Still This Love Goes On is a stunning celebration of Indigenous experience. Breathtaking illustrations from celebrated Cree-Métis artist Julie Flett combine with Sainte-Marie's vivid lyrics to craft a remarkable piece of art. Destined to be read and sung for generations, this gem of a picture book is accompanied by: Sheet music so that readers can play along A note from Sainte-Marie about her much-admired song Sat beside a beaver dam and watched the winter grow Ice was hard with little tracks appearing in the snow Fog is in the valley now and all the geese are gone Cross the moon I saw them go and Still this love goes on and on."-- Provided by publisher.
Cradle Me
Published in 2012
This book is filled with photos of Native American babies with their different styles of cradle boards.
Jingle Dancer
Published in 2000
Jenna, a member of the Muscogee, or Creek, Nation, borrows jingles from the dresses of several friends and relatives so that she can perform the jingle dance at the powwow. Includes a note about the jingle dance tradition and its regalia.
At the Mountain's Base
Published in 2019
In a cabin at the mountain's base, a Cherokee family waits for their loved one, a pilot, to return home.
Powwow Day
Published in 2022
Because she has been very ill and weak, River cannot join in the dancing at this year's tribal powwow, she can only watch from the sidelines as her sisters and cousins dance the celebration--but as the drum beats she finds the faith to believe that she will recover and dance again.
I Sang You Down from the Stars
Published in 2021
A Native American woman describes how she loved her child before it was born and, throughout her pregnancy, gathered a bundle of gifts to welcome the newborn.
Mi'kmaw Daily Drum
Mi'kmaw Culture for Every Day of the Week
Published in 2020
"In the style of the wildly popular Mi'kmaw Animals baby board book, shortlisted for the Lillian Shepherd Memorial Award for Excellence in Illustration, comes Mi'kmaw Daily Drum. From celebrated artist Alan Syliboy, this vital book for the youngest readers showcases seven of Syliboy's popular Daily Drum artworks, each paired with a different day of the week. From Spirit Woman to Caribou to Round Dance, Mi'kmaw culture and teachings are offered up to newborns and toddlers in a vibrant and accessible book."-- Provided by publisher.
Nibi's Water Song
Published in 2021
"Nibi, a Native American girl, cannot get clean water from her tap or the river, so she goes on a journey to connect with fellow water protectors and get clean water for all"-- Provided by publisher.
Nimoshom and His Bus
Published in 2017
"Nimoshom drives the kids in the community to school every morning. On the way, he always has something to say to them. Nimoshom and His Bus introduces basic Cree words."-- Provided by publisher.
Swift Fox All Along
Published in 2020
"What does it mean to be Mi'kmaq? And if Swift Fox can't find the answer, will she ever feel like part of her family? 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. Based on the author's own experience, with striking illustrations by Maya McKibbin, A Long Way to a New Place is a poignant story about identity and belonging that is at once personal and universally resonant."-- Provided by publisher.
Crossing Bok Chitto
A Choctaw Tale of Friendship & Freedom
Published in 2006
In the 1800s, a Choctaw girl becomes friends with a slave boy from a plantation across the great river, and when she learns that his family is in trouble, she helps them cross to freedom.
Kiss by Kiss
A Counting Book for Families = Ocêtôwina
Published in 2018
"Count your kisses with baby in this delightful dual-language rhyming board book, written in English and Plains Cree."-- Provided by publisher.
May We Have Enough to Share
Published in 2019
"A beautiful board book about gratitude by celebrated Indigenous author Richard Van Camp, complemented by photos from tea&bannock, a collective blog by Indigenous women photographers."-- Provided by publisher.
Kapaemahu
Published in 2022
Four individuals of dual male and female spirit bring their healing arts from Tahiti to Hawaii, where they are beloved for their gentle ways and miraculous cures and where they imbue four giant boulders with their powers.