Dawn Quigley (Turtle Mountain Band Ojibwe)

Nanibah Chacon (Navajo)

Using the Ojibwe Seven Grandfather Teachings, this picture book by acclaimed author Dawn Quigley (Ojibwe) and debut Diné (Navajo) artist Nanibah Chacon introduces universal values for living with loving recognition of a child’s own inner goodness. Each of us has an inner light that might not always be seen by others. Aaniin (ah-NEEN) is a greeting in the Ojibwe language for hello and can also be translated as “I see your light.”

Publishers Weekly: “An empowering read that both honors children’s behavioral strengths and offers guidance on orienting around values.”

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School Library Journal: “This radiant picture book is a must-have that reassures little readers (and adults) that they are seen, valued, and have a bright light within.”

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Rochelle Strauss

Madelyn Goodnight (Chickasaw Nation)

A lyrical informational picture book about the water cycle, based on the global bestseller One Well.

Award-winning author Rochelle Strauss’s picture book adaptation of her bestselling book One Well invites readers to notice how water is flowing all around them, in streams and rivers and oceans and even underground. The book shows that water – our most precious resource, needed by everyone and everything on Earth – is finite. Even though that water constantly circles from Earth to the sky and back down again, all the water on Earth is … well, all the water we’ll ever have. So, everyone needs to help protect it!

Part of the CitizenKid collection for younger readers, this book is an engaging primer on water, using accessible text and loads of illustrations. It includes easy-to-understand explanations of where water is found – freshwater and saltwater bodies of all types, rain and dew, ice and snow and even steam – how the water cycle works, who needs water and what it’s used for, as well as today’s global water concerns. With art by bestselling illustrator Madelyn Goodnight that colorfully captures the wonders of nature from a child’s perspective, it’s a perfect read-aloud to spark deeper discussions and inspire budding water conservationists. The content is supported by back matter that includes discussion questions as well as an author’s note and a list of resources for further learning.

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SD Nelson (Standing Rock Sioux Tribe)

Award-winning Lakota author-artist S. D. Nelson shows what wisdom can be learned from animals in this universal, strikingly illustrated picture book about connecting with the natural world. Lakota translation by Dakota Goodhouse.

From our animal brothers and sisters, young readers can learn the Lakota Way, an ancient principle that transmits the virtues and values we should all strive to include in our own lives. If we watch and listen to their teachings, they will prepare us as we make our way through the joys and challenges of our mysterious, wondrous world.

Award-winning author and illustrator S. D. Nelson conveys the concept of the Lakota Way through energetic illustrations and a simple text that names each animal in both English and Lakota, helping children to embrace these Indigenous principles in their daily lives.

Mother Bear watches over her cubs, guiding us to walk with strength and protect those who need protecting. Otter, the playful swimmer, reminds us that games and laughter are good for our hearts.

Kirkus: “A masterful must-read for young readers navigating their world.”

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Publishers Weekly: “Just right for the youngest readers, it’s an enjoyable work that incorporates a range of beings and teachings to ‘prepare us for the joys and challenges in this wondrous and mysterious world.'”

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School Library Journal: “[I]maginative and touching… By inviting children to understand the teachings of animal brothers and sisters, this book works for units on nature, animals, and Indigenous culture, and is a compelling work for all collections.”

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Brenda J. Child (Red Lake Ojibwe)

Jonathan Thunder (Red Lake Ojibwe)

In this follow-up to the bestselling Bowwow Powwow, Windy Girl and her classmates learn to appreciate our bear relatives and the wisdom that comes from observing their actions and antics in various northland scenes.

“Bears are our teachers!” exclaims Mrs. Mukwa at the end of a field trip with Windy Girl’s class. Indeed, beyond an intertwined history that includes a woman “as fierce as a bear” during a long-ago battle and a cub that traveled on the shoulders of an Ojibwe man, these animal relatives have much to teach us. Stop by stop, the students learn about habitats and habits, landscapes and lore—the assorted ways that bears seek out the gifts of their environment. Windy Girl and her classmates marvel as they witness bears digging medicinal herbs, munching on berries, and playing with their families. The ultimate lesson is to respect our bear relatives. Will Windy Girl remember this advice later in the summer as she prepares for a berrying trip with Uncle?

In Blue Bearies, Brenda J. Child reprises the adventures of Windy Girl and her dog Itchy Boy with a focus on history and ecology, while Jonathan Thunder’s lively illustrations teem with playful humor. Anishinaabe educator Gordon Jourdain retells the story in Ojibwemowin. This much-anticipated sequel to the award-winning Bowwow Powwow celebrates the wonders of a time when, as Mrs. Mukwa shares, “we lived closely with our animal relatives”—to our mutual benefit.

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Deidre Havrelock (Saddle Creek Cree Nation)

William Burns (Rosebud Sioux Tribe)

Imagine millions of buffalo covering the Great Plains. Here is the story of how they almost became extinct and one man who helped saved them.

For thousands of years, North America had its own animals, its own peoples, and its own way of life. For many of these Indigenous Peoples, especially those who lived on or near the Great Plains, that way of life centered on Buffalo.

When respect for Buffalo began to fade with the arrival of Europeans, a young man named Latatitsa (Little Peregrine Falcon Robe) was sent to protect and care for a group of calves. He transported the calves across the Rocky Mountains to the safety of the Flathead Indian Reservation in Montana. His heroic efforts helped save the species from extinction.

Expertly researched and lovingly written by children’s book author Deidre Havrelock, a member of the Saddle Creek Cree Nation and passionate advocate for Buffalo conservation and preservation, Buffalo Ways celebrates Native history and identity for young readers. Havrelock details the history of the Buffalo in North American and Latatitsa’s extraordinary trek, while William Burns’s art captures the true story in epic detail. Back matter includes an author’s note, more about Buffalo, a timeline, bibliography, and more on how we can continue to protect ecosystem engineers like Buffalo.

Books for a Better Earth are designed to inspire children to become active, knowledgeable participants in caring for the planet they live on.

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Karina Iceberg (Aleut-Alutiiq)

Steph Littlebird (Kalapuya/Chinook)

In a treehouse by the sea, a grandfather shares the story of how he kept his dreams alive with thoughts of his future grandchild—who is his most precious dream of all.

Hope takes flight in this tender picture book by author Karina Iceberg (Aleut-Alutiiq), and illustrator Steph Littlebird (Kalapuya/Chinook), who share a story of Native resilience with a conversation between a grandparent and grandchild that soars into a message of love that spans generations—both those past and to come.

Kirkus: “A moving multigenerational story that urges us to look forward with optimism even as we acknowledge the pain of the past.”

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Andrea M. Page (Hunkpapa Lakota from Standing Rock Sioux Tribe)

Alfreda Beartrack Algeo (Lakota from Lower Brule Sioux Tribe)

A warm, intergenerational picture book introducing the Lakota tradition of winter counts and celebrating resilience, remembrance, and connection across distance.

A moving story of love and tradition—perfect for kids discovering their role in their family and the power of remembering.

Gabriel’s parents are leaving to serve, and he will stay with his grandmother, his unci. When Gabriel forgets to give his parents a parting gift, an important tradition in their Lakota family, he is bereft. But then he learns about winter counts from Unci, and slowly but surely he both waits for his parents to return and becomes the keeper of the winter count in their family.

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Karina Iceberg (Aleut-Alutiiq)

Natasha Donovan (Métis)

From these hands, old to new, a tradition of love passes through.

In Alaska, Fall is moose season. When the hunt is over, the community comes together to transform the raw moose hide into something truly special, step by step, with the work of many hands. From stretching and scraping to making brain stew, each part of the process is a celebration!

With humor and heart, debut author Karina Iceberg (Aleut/Alutiiq) and award-winning illustrator Natasha Donovan (Métis) share a resonant message of gratitude, community, and shared knowledge as an intertribal Native Alaskan community works together to tan a moose hide.

Features author’s note and a note from Heartdrum author-curator Cynthia Leitich Smith.

Kirkus: “Simple yet utterly joyous—a testament to Indigenous identity that exudes gratitude.”

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Publishers Weekly: “Just right for the youngest readers, it’s an enjoyable work that incorporates a range of beings and teachings to ‘prepare us for the joys and challenges in this wondrous and mysterious world.'”

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Publishers Weekly: “An Indigenous community works together to tan a large hide by hand in this captivating portrait of joyful collaboration. Making her picture book debut, Aleut-Alutiiq author Iceberg employs animated, sometimes humorous language, enlivening a step-by-step set of instructions into a jubilant account that starts with giving thanks and ends with using the final material.”

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Cynthia Leitich Smith (Muscogee Nation)

Aphelandra (Oneida Nation of Wisconsin descendant)

Joyful and warmhearted, this delightful book honors the blessings of every auntie in a child’s life, by distinguished author Cynthia Leitich Smith (Muscogee) and illustrator Aphelandra (Oneida).

“Hesci! Here come the aunties!” Aunts by kinship as well as family friends, neighbors, and community members all step up to fill the important role of “auntie.” They are there for life’s joys, sorrows, and celebrations, bringing their own special love.

A wonderful gift from or for a treasured auntie!

Kirkus: “A rapturous reflection on community worth holding close to one’s heart.”

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Publishers Weekly: “A wealth of aunties contribute to an Indigenous child’s day- to-day in this lovingly communal picture book portrait.”

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School Library Journal: “A raucous and rousing profile of aunties, this is a story to be enjoyed across cultures and grade ranges.”

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Cynthia Leitich Smith (Muscogee Nation)

Aphelandra (Oneida Nation of Wisconsin descendant)

This heartwarming and exuberant book honors the blessings of every grandmother in a child’s life, by distinguished author Cynthia Leitich Smith (Muscogee) and illustrator Aphelandra (Oneida).

Whether a grandma is mom’s mom or dad’s mom, a great-grandma, a foster grandma, or an honorary grandma, grandmothers bring a special kind of love wherever they go. Grandmas tell stories, teach skills, and make memories, and no community is complete without their helpful hands, loving presence, and good humor.

A wonderful gift from or for a treasured grandma!

Kirkus: “A sweet, sincere celebration of intergenerational influence.”

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Daniel W. Vandever (Navajo); Abhishek RoyChowdhury Ph.D.; Perry R. James Ed.D.; Sean Kinney Ph.D.; Paul E. Olsen Ph.D.

Corey Begay (Navajo)

A Navajo grandmother provides her restless grandsons a map to a treasure hidden deep in the high desert – a treasure only few can see. On their journey, the boys traverse the high desert landscape, collecting traditional plants for their grandmother along the way. The boys are guided by natural landmarks that hold place-based knowledge, including petrified wood, a boulder with pictographs, and fossilized footprints. It’s in the land that the brothers discover the beauty of the high desert and a deeper appreciation for life and family.

High Desert Treasure is commissioned by Navajo Technical University under NASA’s Minority University and Research Education Project for American Indian and Alaskan Native STEM Engagement (MAIANSE) program. The story introduces geology concepts to K-8 students and includes back matter that details the rock cycle, geological time, and the interconnectedness of Earth’s environment. Back matter also emphasizes the importance of language as it relates to place-based knowledge and the interaction of life and land.

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Traci Sorell (Cherokee)

Natasha Donovan (Métis)

From an award-winning author-illustrator team, Indigenous from A to Z offers a bold, beautiful, authentic view of Indigenous peoples’ history, culture, values, and future—essential for Native American Heritage Month and all year round.

Welcome to Indigenous from A to Z, a stunning alphabetical introduction to the rich history of Native peoples across the USA. Letter by letter, award-winning author Traci Sorell (Cherokee) offers terms that speak to both the vast diversity among Native Nations and the many connections they share, building an essential foundation of understanding for young readers. From the past shown in B is for Before 1492 and C is for Colonialism, to the vibrant culture revealed in J is for Joking and M is for Music, to the dynamic future promised by O is for Organize and R is for Reclaim, this powerful book captures the legacy and living history of Indigenous peoples today.

The sweeping illustrations by artist Natasha Donovan (Métis) encompass both the vastness of the changes Indigenous people have experienced and the specificity of individual artists, scientists, and other significant figures. Rich backmatter explains the visual and textual references.

The book concludes with a Z to A listing of twenty-six Native Nations, coming full circle to say: We’re surviving, striving towards thriving, and Indigenous to this land—always.

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Evan Larson & Nisogaabokwe Melonee Montano (Red Cliff Ojibwe)

Moira (Miri) Villiard (Fond du Lac Ojibwe direct descendant)

Igniting connection with the forests of the Great Lakes region through Indigenous teachings.

When an invitation arrives from the forest, what will you hear? What will you learn? How will you respond? Ishkode: A Story of Fire brings readers into a beautiful stand of ancient red pines where Aanikoobijigan, a grandmother red pine, guides a young woman, Animikiimiikanikwe, toward healing and renewal through fire. Embracing the power of memory, storytelling, and restoration, this lyrical narrative is a celebration of hope, healing, and the lessons we can learn from the land.

Including an Ojibwe pronunciation guide and glossary, this book weaves Anishinaabe teachings with the science of tree rings to reveal the deep, enduring relationships between people, fire, pines, and the wider web of ecosystems in the Great Lakes region. Ishkode highlights the role of fire in the environment, bringing to light the connections between ecological restoration, cultural revival, and reciprocal stewardship.

Foreword by Robin Wall Kimmerer (Citizen Band Potawatomi).

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Monique Gray Smith (Cree)

Karlene Harvey (Tŝilhqot’in and Syilx)

When Charlie’s Kohkom asks him what the best part of his school day was, he knows right away: Indigenous drum circle!

Kohkom tells him that not very long ago she was gifted her very first drum at a ceremony for children who never returned home from residential schools. But Charlie doesn’t understand. How could she only have gotten her first drum so recently?

Kohkom explains that she was taken from her family when she was very little because of something called the Sixties Scoop. She was raised by an adoptive white family and only later learned what being Cree meant. It’s taken her a long time to feel like she belongs. Kohkom’s story gives Charlie the idea to teach her a song so they can play their drums together.

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Ginger Reno (Cherokee Nation)

Johnson Yazzie (Navajo)

A lyrical picture book reminding two children that no matter what they do, they are both Native—and who they are is enough.

Celebrate Native identity and diversity in this bedtime story for ages 4 to 7, inspiring children to feel proud of themselves and the many ways they shine.

A winged messenger visits two Native children in their sleep and shows them how other Native children have grown up, each with different interests, dreams, and appearances. The message: Native people are many. Native people are still here. And it’s what is inside, not outside, that unites Native people.

A moving celebration of identity, belonging, and the truth that who we are is always enough.

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Patricia Morris Buckley (Mohawk Nation)

Sol Salinas

Leap into the remarkable life of Maria Tallchief—America’s first prima ballerina and a proud member of the Osage Nation—with this collectible Little Golden Book biography with gorgeous illustrations.

Maria Tallchief started dancing as a young girl growing up on the Osage Reservation and went on to become the world’s first Native American prima ballerina. Her roles in Swan Lake and the Nutcracker have inspired generations of dancers. This uplifting biography celebrates Maria’s enduring legacy as a cultural icon and trailblazer.

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Marcie R. Rendon (White Earth Nation)

Sam Zimmerman (Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa descendant)

Award-winning Ojibwe author and poet Marcie R. Rendon tells a tale based on a true story about a wild bison known as Napesni. A beautiful picture book set in the Plains and perfect for 3-to-7-year-olds who love animals and are looking for stories with a theme of home.

Napesni likes to stamp his hooves and sniff and snort in the dry dust of Cheyenne River Reservation. That all changes, though, when ranchers capture him and bring him to Minnesota instead. Sad, lonely, and homesick, Napesni searches for his family and home in this adventurous story. Once safely located and protected, Napesni finds a new home through the Red Lake Reservation Buffalo Herd, an organization with the ultimate goal of restoring bison to their previous numbers.

Napesni Renegade introduces a story based on true events to young readers in this lyrical and gorgeously illustrated picture book. A stark reminder of the ongoing impact of European settlement in the western United States. Animal populations have been negatively impacted for decades, and these herds continue to be key to the survival of Native populations both spiritually and physically today.

Kirkus: “A solid pick for fans of animal adventures with high engagement opportunities for young environmental stewards.”

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Kevin Maillard (Seminole Nation)

Sibu T. P.

Every year, Aabanya visits her grandfather Big Jimmy at his cottage on Early Mountain. During the day, they gather corn, beans, and squash to make stew. In the evenings, Aabanya listens to her grandfather’s tales of the mountain and of Turtle Island. When they venture into town, Aabanya feels out of place. The Earlies, a family who named Early Mountain generations ago, seem to look at her with questions in their eyes.

Who are you? Where are you from? Why are you here?

Her grandfather tells Aabanya that these are the very same questions her family and their people asked when the Earlies first came. One night, Aabanya wakes to a scratch at her window and discovers… a bear! Fearful, she runs to her grandfather, who helps her remember that the bears… are the ones who came before.

Interwoven with indigenous concepts about land and the natural world, Fry Bread author Kevin Maillard’s thought-provoking story and artist Sibu T. P.’s rich, vibrant illustrations come together in this contemplation of heritage, ancestry, sharing space, and belonging.

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Dawn Quigley (Turtle Mountain Ojibwe)

Chief Lady Bird (Chippewa and Potawatomi from Rama First Nation and Moosedeer Point First Nation)

A laugh-out-loud retelling of Paul Bunyan’s tall tales from a distinctly Native American perspective–from Dawn Quigley, the author of the award-winning JoJo Makoons series, and fine artist Chief Lady Bird.

You’ve heard those tall tales about that giant lumberjack, Paul Bunyan, his big blue ox named Babe, and his girlfriend, Sally Anne Thunder Anne Whirlwind. How he created the Grand Canyon by dragging his axe, scooped out the hole for Lake Superior, and other feats of incredible strength that supposedly created the American landscape. But you haven’t heard the real story, told by the indigenous people who lived in this so-called wilderness. Now you can! Including the true story of how Paul got his last name!

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Jen Loren (Cherokee Nation)

Rebecca Kunz (Cherokee Nation)

From Caldecott Medalist Rebecca Lee Kunz and award-winning filmmaker and TV host Jen Loren comes a sweeping biography of a singular woman at the heart of the movement for Native American civil rights in the 20th century.

The “Indian Problem”―that was the term used by the government in the 19th and 20th centuries. What to do with the hundreds of Native nations and tribes in and around the United States? When the goal wasn’t destruction, it was assimilation. But Native people had their own plans―and one Cherokee woman, Ruth Muskrat Bronson, helped lead that charge. A poet, educator, and activist, Ruth knew that Native Americans could and should fight for their civil rights while still retaining their tribal identities. Speaking in front of the President to gain Native citizenship, penning groundbreaking poems and books, founding and leading the National Congress of American Indians, she left a legacy that still blazes brightly today.

Sisters Rebecca Lee Kunz and Jen Loren―both nieces of Ruth and citizens of the Cherokee Nation―bring that legacy and the wider story of the Native American civil rights movement to richly imagined life.

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Willie Poll (Métis)

Chantelle Trainor-Matties (Nisga’a, Métis, mixed European ancestry)

A lyrical informational picture book about how open-net pen fish farms impact wild salmon and their ecosystems.

Salmon are central to their ecosystem and the lives of many Indigenous Nations, but the rapid rise of open net-pen fish farming has threatened these longstanding connections. Salmon have followed the same migration routes for thousands of years, but the fish farming industry has had a deadly impact on their annual journey. Open-net pen farms release harmful waste into the ocean that is lethal to the wild salmon forced to swim through it. Now, the salmon must battle against the human-made destruction of their habitat, and many Nations are advocating for change and creating calls of action to protect salmon for future generations.

As the young salmon journey from their gravel nests to the open ocean, readers learn about the life cycle of wild salmon, the effects of open-net pen fish farms, and the role of salmon as a keystone species.

Boldly illustrated with gorgeous Northwest Coast formline art, rhythmic poetry combines with supportive nonfiction content to illuminate the struggles faced by wild salmon populations.

School Library Journal: “Readers will learn about keystone species and why the health of the salmon is an important indicator of the health of the environment for other species as well as humans. This is the perfect book for budding environmentalists.”

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Kirkus: “An eloquent, richly illustrated cry for attention to a pressing ecological issue.”

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Naja Lund Aparico (Inuk)

Alex Nees (Choctaw descent)

Spend a year experiencing the seasons in Greenland with two Inuit siblings!

Brothers Minik and Nuka have a whole year of adventures ahead in Greenland, including finding ice shards from glaciers in the spring to picking crowberries during the summer when the sun barely sets. The darkness of winter reveals Arsarnerit, or the Aurora Borealis, above as the two whisper about the Inuit myth behind the lights.

Greenlandic Inuk author Naja Lund Aparico combines a sweet sibling story with an exploration of the seasons in the Arctic, featuring stunning illustrations by German and Choctaw illustrator Alex Nees and detailed backmatter.

School Library Journal: “A tender, atmospheric tribute to family, place, and the turning of the year. The prose moves with a gentle rhythm that is lyrical yet grounded in a natural, conversational voice as it guides readers seamlessly from one season to the next… Exquisite illustrations are detailed and slightly magical, perfectly matching the tone of the text. The palette, textures, and attention to details of the natural world bring an authenticity that allows readers to see the special uniqueness of Greenland. The text and art slow the pace and invite families to savor the joys each season brings.”

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Kirkus: “Aparico’s text is a gentle glide through each season’s weather and features. Nees’ soft-hued landscapes showcase everything from the trickle of spring’s flowing water and flower-filled summer meadows to fall’s snow-covered hills and the dazzling glow of the northern lights; even the chilliest winter scenes are imbued with pure warmth… Soaring visuals and a cozy text pair for a wondrous romp through nature.”

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Sandra Samatte (Anishinaabe, member of Ne-biimiskonaan (Skownan) First Nation)

Alice RL (Anishnaabe, member of Ne-biimiskonaan (Skownan) First Nation)

In Shade and Snake, young readers will study the long “a_e” sound as a young boy named Shade helps a snake recover. Each book contains a word list, high-frequency words, long vowel words, and fun activities for extended learning.

Published in collaboration with Indigenous Education Press (IEP), a First Nation-owned publisher passionate about Indigenous Education, the Drumbeat Decodable Book Collection provides the systematic practice children require to become phonics-wise readers. This series focuses on words and sentences with consistent and predictable phonics patterns that allow for an immersive reading experience with optimal decoding and engagement. Author Sandra Samatte has a Bachelor of Education degree and expertise in creating Indigenous books and resources that are respectful, are culturally appropriate, and hold cultural integrity for educators, children, and young people.

The Drumbeat Decodable collection is set in the context of an Anishinaabe perspective using lived experiences, voice, and illustrations of Indigenous Author and Educator, Sandra Samatte, Skownan First Nation, and Lead Designer Julian Grafenauer, Rolling River First Nation. The Drumbeat Decodable collection does not represent all First Nations, Inuit, Métis or Native American perspectives. Indigenous Peoples, of which Anishinaabe or Anishinaabeg are a part, are diverse and live across Turtle Island.

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Laurel Goodluck (Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation – Alaskan Native Citizen of the Tsimshian Tribe)

Nicole Neidhart (Diné (Navajo))

Award-winning Indigenous author Laurel Goodluck weaves an intertribal celebration of traditions and stories that help Indigenous children—and all children—understand who they are as they enter and discover the world in this tender picture book.

When we begin our lives, stories help us understand who we are. Drawing on tribal Nations’ traditions including Mandan-Hidatsa and Navajo/Diné, this lyrical picture book carries us through the milestones of a beloved child’s life, from birth and their first laugh to entering young adulthood and understanding their place in the community and the world.

Each ceremony that marks a special moment comes with a story—and each story reminds us of the beauty and responsibility to the land we call home, the powerful ancestors who came before us, and the amazing people we can grow up to be.

An Indigenous author-illustrator duo, the award-winning Laurel Goodluck and rising star Nicole Neidhardt, have gorgeously captured the rituals and stories that shape our lives.

School Library Journal: “A warm and inclusive look at the power of story to shape and support a child’s identity.”

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Ginger Reno (Cherokee Nation)

Mary Lupton (Cherokee Nation)

An Indigenous child discovers her heritage in this story about the power of our ancestors and the way they guide and shapes us, even when we don’t know it yet.

Willa has always had two shadows. One at her feet and another that’s been quietly beside her since the night of her birth. Always just out of reach. Until Mom and Willa take a trip to Diligwa, a replica of an ancient Cherokee village. And it’s here among wattle and daub houses and brown hands crafting, Willa realizes that Spirit is her ancestors, beckoning her to claim her Cherokee heritage. For Willa to join a Nation over 400,000 strong.

Beautifully told, Spirit Shadow is a powerful tale about reclaiming culture and finding your way home. Lovingly illustrated by debut illustrator Mary Lupton, each spread is a feast for the eyes. Filled with nods to Cherokee beadwork and weaving as well as Cherokee syllabary, Willa’s story is suffused with love and tenderness. The book ends with a moving conclusion for children everywhere to embrace their own ancestors.

Back matter includes a note about Diligwa and the Cherokee Nation.

Kirkus: “Strikingly illustrated and imbued with a relevant message.”

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Booklist: “The richly detailed illustrations support the emotional depth of the story, visually reinforcing the bond between Willa, her spirit shadow, and her ancestors. . . . This thoughtful, affirming book is a solid addition to any library seeking meaningful stories from Indigenous perspectives.”

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Nikki Grimes & Stacy Wells (Choctaw Nation)

E. B. Lewis

Renowned author Nikki Grimes and debut picture book writer Stacy Wells (Choctaw) lend their resonant voices to award-winning artist E. B. Lewis’s (Lenni Lenape) rich watercolors in this story of a Black Choctaw boy who finds strength in the example and history of his ancestors.

When Dante struggles with nightmares, his mother believes learning his family’s history will help him cope. The roots on both sides of his family tree run deep, with stories of survival through events Dante’s mother calls “daymares.” Taking discovering his heritage into his own hands, Dante finds out hard truths—but also a love that shines through generations and, finally, a strength to sleep through the night.

Features author and illustrator notes, historical references, a glossary, and a note from Heartdrum author-curator Cynthia Leitich Smith.

Publishers Weekly: “Dante finds his way toward sound sleep, and the understanding that ‘we come from people stronger than fear’ in this thoughtful picture book.”

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Booklist: “A powerful picture book about a Black Choctaw child discovering who he is.”

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Christine Hartman Derr (Cherokee Nation)

Morgan Thompson (Cherokee Nation)

This lyrical and tender debut picture book celebrates the memory of beloved, departed family members, and the power of language to link memory across time.

Instead of saying goodbye in Cherokee, people say donadagohvi (doh-nah-dah-goh-HUVH-ee)—“until we meet again.”

Though Millie has never met her grandfather, his memory leaves a handprint on her life. In her family’s stories and old pictures, she feels his presence. Her grandfather’s greatest gift of all was words—Tsalagi (Cherokee) words that were kept safe and passed down to her. When Millie speaks these words, she knows he’s listening and feels his love most of all.

From author Christine Hartman Derr (Cherokee) and illustrator Morgan Thompson (Cherokee) comes a life-affirming picture book about our connections to the family that came before us.

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Julie Flett (Cree-Métis)

The follow-up to We All Play! An adorable celebration of all the ways that animals and humans show love—from award-winning Indigenous artist/author Julie Flett.

Snuggle up! Animals love—like you!

Join baby bears, little ducklings, curious foxes, and many more adorable creatures as they remind us of all the ways, big and small, that we show love and care. We All Love is a poetic and beautifully illustrated reminder of the interconnectedness of the natural world—demonstrating how care, protection, and love are experienced by all living things.

We All Love features a glossary of Cree animal names used throughout the text and a letter to the reader from Julie Flett. Part of the We Do Too! series, following We All Play, We All Love is a celebration of the love that connects us all—big and small, near and far.

School Library Journal: “Flett’s sentiments shine but never overwhelm in this simple message of love; it’s a first choice for any library’s picture book collection.”

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Alison Pearce Stevens

Natasha Donovan (Métis)

When beavers move in, they chew down a tree. They nibble the bark. And they drag the branches into a stream.

Beavers topple trees and build dams, which can cause floods and disrupt neighborhoods. So what do we do when beavers move in? In Puget Sound, we call the Tulalip Tribes. They send biologists to help relocate our furry friends to a place far from people, where the beavers can be free.

Poetic text and gorgeous art make this an irresistible read with gentle STEM tie-in.

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David A. Robertson (Swampy Cree)

Corrie Hill (Mohawk Nation)

This companion to the Governor General’s Award–winning picture book On the Trapline is a loving and inspiring ode to grandparents.

When I’m a moshom, a long, long time from now, I will watch my grandchildren dance and play hockey, and I will be the loudest one cheering. I will take them on the trapline and teach them how to fish. I will feed them Bannock and share stories about our community. I will tell them I love them, just like my moshom did.

This heartwarming story thoughtfully explores the legacy of love, traditions and heritage passed down from generation to generation. Through the eyes of three siblings and their moshom (grandfather), readers are taken on a journey filled with cherished moments, from cheering at sports events to sharing traditional Cree knowledge and language. This picture book beautifully captures the bonds between grandparents and grandchildren, making it perfect for shared reading and an ideal gift for special occasions like birthdays, holidays or family celebrations.

Includes a glossary of Swampy Cree words and an author’s note.

Kirkus: “Warmhearted, loving, and sure to resonate.”

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The Horn Book: “In this moving and deeply felt companion to On the Trapline… a child relates all the ways he will honor his beloved moshom (grandpa) and keep his memory alive.”

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Steph Littlebird (Kalapuya from the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde)

A joyful exploration of Indigenous culture following a child’s loving relationship with the land that supports and nurtures her as she grows.

You Are the Land is a vivid ode to belonging within a family, within a community, and within the natural world.

From the day she’s born, a child feels the love and power that come with being part of something bigger. She’s a new spring leaf, alive and growing, as strong as the ancient cedars and as radiant as the glittering night sky. She is one with the amazing forces of nature that surround and nurture her, and that she nurtures in return.

Through inspiring words and sweeping illustrations, renowned author-artist Steph Littlebird’s stunning debut celebrates our connection to the land and shows how we perfectly mirror its beauty and resilience.

School Library Journal: “An eloquent and amazing portrayal of the connection between self and world for young readers.”

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Kirkus: “A powerful look at Indigenous identity and a loving reminder that “everyone can be a place keeper.”

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