Book cover of This Land Is a Lullaby

This Land is a Lullaby cistomâwasowin ôma askiy

ISBN

9781459838475

Publisher & Publication Year

Orca Books, 2024

Publisher's Book Page

Author

Tonya Simpson (Pasqua First Nation/Cree)

Author's Website 

Illustrator

Delreé Dumont

Synopsis

Summary

From the hum of dragonflies to the drumming of thunder, with grasses swirling and the Northern Lights glimmering, this story shares a song and dance—a gift from the ancestors that soothes children to sleep and reminds them of their deeply rooted connections to the land.

Notable Achievements

Loan Stars Canadian Juvenile top 10 pick 2024, Commended; The National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) Notable Poetry Books and Verse Novels 2025; Commended New York Public Library (NYPL) Best Books for Kids 2024, Commended; Ontario Library association (OLA) Best Bets 2024, Commended

Reviews

Kirkus: "The book’s lexical simplicity and visual dynamism will engage even the youngest readers, providing a beautiful glimpse into the unbreakable bond between Indigenous people, their lands, and their ancestors who are still a part of them. Like a stirring song, this tale will move readers with its tranquil, reverent tone."

Booklist: "In warm, soothing language, a mother speaks to her infant, poetically describing their ancestral surroundings and reflecting on traditional Cree knowledge… Luxuriantly alive with glowing colors and textured patterns, Dumont’s exquisite pointillist illustrations resemble three-dimensional beadwork. This eloquent and insightful picture book […] honors the enduring relationship between a child, their ancestors, and the land."

Educator Guide

Link to Guide

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