Picture Books: 2022 Releases
This list covers nearly 40 picture books that were published in 2022. These stories will take readers on journeys throughout North America, into the Andean foothills and the Caribbean island of Dominica, and beyond.

Firefly: A Boarding School Story
Author
Elizabeth Albert-Peacock (Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe)
Illustrator
Anna Granholm
Summary
Between 1869 and the 1960s, thousands of Native American children were removed from their homes and families and placed in boarding schools. Operated by the federal government and the churches, these schools were designed to remove Native American children from their language and culture. This is the story of Firefly, one such child, and the fear she faced when she was torn from her family.

Hummingbird and the Little People
Author
Elizabeth Albert-Peacock (Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe)
Illustrator
Anna Granholm
Summary
This is the story of a young girl, Hummingbird (Nenookass), and her adventure one day in the woods. After chasing a squirrel, she became lost, only to come upon the helpful little people (memegwesiwag) and a giant, Sabe. Together, the little people and Sabe helped Hummingbird get back home.

Mashkiki Road: The Seven Grandfather Teachings
Author
Elizabeth S. Barrett (Red Lake Ojibwe)
Illustrator
Jonathan Thunder (Red Lake Ojibwe)
Summary
When Grandma Mindy runs out of medicines, cousins Lily, Ogimaa, and Ellie are ready to help. Together they will travel Mashkiki Road—the road where the medicines grow—in search of sage and cedar for Grandma. Along the way, they meet seven wise beings: Makwa (Bear), Sa’be (Bigfoot), Mashkode-Bizhiikii (Buffalo), Ma’iingan (Wolf), Amik (Beaver), Mikinaak (Turtle), and Migizi (Eagle). These benevolent creatures teach the cousins the lessons of the Seven Grandfather Teachings, including courage, honesty, respect, and love. When Lily, Ogimaa, and Ellie return to Grandma’s, it is with not only sage and cedar, but also tales of the wisdom they gained along the way.

The Day The Earth Rose Up
Author
Alfreda Beartrack-Algeo (Lower Brule Lakota Nation)
Illustrator
Alfreda Beartrack-Algeo (Lower Brule Lakota Nation)
Summary
When seven Lakota sisters venture deep into the forest to gather chokecherries, they are surprised and chased by a giant bear. As they huddle together on a rock ledge and pray for help, the earth rises up, taking them out of reach of the beast. Then, a great eagle rescues the Seven Sisters by taking them to the Star Nation, where they become the Pleiades star formation we see in the night sky.

How the Oceans Came To Be
Author
Arvis Boughman (Lumbee)
Illustrator
Alfreda Beartrack-Algeo (Lower Brule Lakota Nation)
Summary
In this traditional Lumbee story, clever Rabbit outsmarts the selfish Great Snapping Turtle. When Rabbit discovers many animals cannot find water, he sets out to solve the mystery. What he finds is the Great Snapping Turtle blocking the water of the Mother Spring. When the stubborn turtle refuses to move, Rabbit figures out a way to let the water flow. As the water flowed to all creatures, it also created the oceans of Turtle Island.

Where We Come From
Author
Diane Wilson (Dakota), John Coy, Shannon Gibney, and Sun Yung Shin
Illustrator
Dion MBD
Summary
In this collaboration, four authors explore where they each come from—literally and metaphorically—as well as what unites all of us as humans. Speaking from a diverse array of experiences, the contributors describe a range of topics, from historical events to personal memories. Together, the reflections in Where We Come From examine the many and complex meanings of history, family, and identity.

Berry Song
Author
Michaela Goade (Tlingit/Haida)
Illustrator
Michaela Goade (Tlingit/Haida)
Summary
On an island at the edge of a wild sea, a Tlingit girl and her grandmother gather gifts from the earth. Salmon from the stream, herring eggs from the ocean, and in the forest, a world of berries. Through the seasons, they sing to the land as the land sings to them. In every step of their journey, they forge a deeper kinship with both the earth and the generations that came before, joining in the song that connects us all.

Where Wonder Grows
Author
Xelena González (Tap Pilam Coahuiltecan Nation)
Illustrator
Adriana M. Garcia
Summary
When Grandma walks to her special garden, her granddaughters know to follow her there. Grandma invites the girls to explore her collection of treasures—magical rocks, crystals, seashells, and meteorites—to see what wonders they reveal. As her granddaughters look closely, the treasures spark the girls’ imaginations. They find stories in the strength of rocks shaped by volcanoes, the cleansing power of beautiful crystals, the mystery of the sea that houses shells and shapes the environment, and the long journey meteorites took to find their way to Earth. This is the power of Grandma’s special garden, where wonder grows and stories blossom.

Forever Cousins
Author
Laurel Goodluck (Mandan, Hidatsa, and Tsimshian Nations)
Illustrator
Jonathan Nelson (Navajo)
Summary
Kara and Amanda are best-friend cousins. Then Kara leaves the city to move back to the Rez. Will their friendship stay the same? Kara and Amanda hate not being together, and when it’s time for the family reunion on the Rez, each girl worries that the other hasn’t missed her. But once they reconnect, they realize that they are still forever cousins.

We Will Find Our Way
Author
Cynthia Harding (Oglala Lakota)
Illustrator
Cynthia Harding (Oglala Lakota)
Summary
We Will Find Our Way is a story about a Lakota grandmother, Unci, and her two grandchildren, Cuwe and Misun. Based on traditional Lakota stories, Cuwe and Misun must learn to find their own way in the world after losing their grandmother. The author also includes parts of her own life story.

Keepunumuk: Weeachumun’s Thanksgiving Story
Author
Danielle Hill (Wampanoag), Anthony Perry (Chickasaw), and Alexis Bunten (Yu’pik/Unangan)
Illustrator
Garry Meeches Sr. (Anishinaabe)
Summary
In this Wampanoag story told in a Native tradition, two kids from the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe learn the story of Weeâchumun (corn) and the first Thanksgiving. The Thanksgiving story that most Americans know celebrates the Pilgrims. But without the members of the Wampanoag tribe who already lived on the land where the Pilgrims settled, the Pilgrims would never have made it through their first winter. And without Weeâchumun (corn), the Native people wouldn’t have been able to help.

Celebration
Author
Lily Hope (Tlingit)
Illustrator
Kelsey Mata Foote (Tlingit)
Summary
Celebration is almost here! For four days every other June, the streets of Juneau are filled with Native people of all ages dressed in the signature regalia of clans from throughout Southeast Alaska and beyond. There is traditional song and dance, arts and crafts, and food. This is Celebration, a biennial festival of Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian cultures. In this story, a young child prepares to attend the event with her family. She has been getting ready for months and can hardly wait to sing, dance, and participate in the festivities.

Kanuchi Day
Author
Elise McMullen-Ciotti (Cherokee Nation)
Illustrator
Morgan Thompson (Cherokee Nation)
Summary
This collection of storybooks feature children and their families from various cultural heritages. In Elise McMullen-Ciotti’s story, a Cherokee girl learns to make kanuchi, an ancient and traditional Cherokee dish, with her grandmother.

The Legend of the Spirit Serpent
Author
Adaiah Sanford (Kalinago)
Illustrator
Ken Daley
Summary
This modern retelling of a traditional Kalinago legend from the Caribbean island of Dominica recounts the story of a huge serpent who once guarded the indigenous people. Natari, a girl from Snake Cou village, loves hearing stories about the mysterious Spirit Serpent. Said to dwell in a sea cave filled with treasure, from which he protects her people, the Sea Serpent grants the wishes of those who visit him—but only tribal leaders can safely enter. When Natari secretly ventures to the Spirit Serpent’s cave herself, she finds that he has a wish of his own.

Powwow Day
Author
Traci Sorell (Cherokee Nation)
Illustrator
Madelyn Goodnight (Chickasaw Nation)
Summary
River wants so badly to dance at the upcoming powwow day, like she does every year. But this year is different—River has been sick for a very long time, and she is unable to dance. As she struggles with the isolation of her illness and the frustration of her physical limitations, her family members provide support and encourage her to attend the event, even though she can’t participate. There, River learns the true healing power of community.

Finding My Dance
Author
Ria Thundercloud (Ho-Chunk/Sandia Pueblo)
Illustrator
Kalila J. Fuller
Summary
Professional Indigenous dancer Ria Thundercloud tells the true story of her path to dance and how it helped her take pride in her Native American heritage. At four years old, Ria was brought into the powwow circle, ready to dance in the special jingle dress her mother made for her. As she grew up, she danced with her brothers all over Indian country. Then Ria learned more styles—tap, jazz, ballet—but still loved the expressiveness of Indigenous dance. And despite feeling different as one of the only Native American kids in her school, she always knew she could turn to dance to cheer herself up. Follow along as Ria shares her dance journey, from dreaming of her future to performing as a professional.

Kapaemahu
Author
Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu (Native Hawaiian), Dean Hamer, and Joe Wilson
Illustrator
Daniel Sousa
Summary
In this retelling of an Indigenous Hawaiian legend, four Mahu—individuals of dual male and female spirit—sail from Tahiti to Hawaii in the 15th century. Here, they share their gifts of science and healing with the people of Waikiki. The islanders return this gift with a monument of four boulders in their honor, which the Mahu imbue with healing powers before disappearing. As time passes, foreigners inhabit the island and the once-sacred stones are forgotten, until the 1960s. Though the true story of the stones was not fully recovered, the power of the Mahu still calls out to those who pass them at Waikiki Beach today.

Una Huna?: Ukpik Learns to Sew
Author
Susan Aglukark (Inuk)
Illustrator
Amiel Sandland and Rebecca Brook
Summary
Ukpik’s mother is eager to teach her how to prepare caribou skin, dry it, and use it to sew a pair of simple, useful mitts. But Ukpik can’t stop thinking about the beautiful new beads her mother traded the Captain for on his last visit—they are so bright and beautiful! Anaana knows it is more important for Ukpik to learn the skills she will need to make her own clothing in their cold Arctic climate, so she insists that Ukpik sit with her and learn the basics, while having a bit of fun, too. Though Anaana won’t let Ukpik sew with the new beads just yet, she does have a surprise for Ukpik that will let her enjoy the new-found treasures while also learning the skills she will need to provide for herself and her family.

This Is What I See
Author
Looee Arreak (Inuit)
Illustrator
We Are Together
Summary
Based on a song by Inuktitut singer and songwriter Looee Arreak, This Is What I See invites readers to sing along as they count the animals they see on the tundra. Words are provided in both Inuktitut and English.

Bedtime in Nunatsiavut
Author
Raeann Brown (Nunatisiavut Inuk)
Illustrator
Raeann Brown (Nunatisiavut Inuk)
Summary
This book tells the story of a little girl named Nya, who yearns to fly, swim, and wander like the goose, salmon, bear, fox, and other animals that populate her world. Each night, her loving Ananak (mother) tucks her into bed and gives her a kunik (nose-to-nose rub) to help Nya dream and transform into the animals she longs to be like. In her dreams, Nya moves with the wonder and the freedom of the natural world. Empowered and emboldened by her Ananak’s constant love, she dances beneath the dark Nunatsiavut skies.

Dancing With Our Ancestors
Author
Sara Florence Davidson (Haida) and Robert Davidson (Haida/Tlingit)
Illustrator
Janine Gibbons (Haida Raven of the Double-Fin Killer Whale Clan)
Summary
The invitations have been sent. The food has been prepared. The decorations have been hung. And now the day of the potlatch has finally arrived! Guests from all over come to witness this bittersweet but joyful celebration of Haida culture and community. In this picture book, Sara Florence Davidson transports readers to a potlatch in Hydaburg, Alaska—her last memory of dancing with her late brother.

Returning to the Yakoun River
Author
Sara Florence Davidson (Haida) and Robert Davidson (Haida/Tlingit)
Illustrator
Janine Gibbons (Haida Raven of the Double-Fin Killer Whale Clan)
Summary
Every summer, a Haida girl and her family travel up the Yakoun River on Haida Gwaii, following the salmon. While their father fishes, the girl and her brother spend their time on the land playing and learning from Tsinii, their grandfather. Based on author Sara Florence Davidson’s childhood memories, this book brings readers to the world of a Haida fish camp.

Amo’s Sapotawan
Author
William Dumas (Rocky Cree)
Illustrator
Rhian Brynjolson
Summary
The Rocky Cree people understand that all children are born with four gifts or talents. When a child is old enough, they decide which gift, or mīthikowisiwin, they will seek to master. With her sapotawan ceremony fast approaching, Amō must choose her mīthikowisiwin. Her sister, Pīsim, became a midwife, while others gather medicines or harvest fish—but none of those feel quite right. What will Amō’s mīthikowisiwin be? Which skill should she choose? And how will she know what is right for her?

The Three Hunters
Author
Raymond Gianfrancesco and the Grade Four Class of Leo Ussak School
Illustrator
Thamires Paredes
Summary
When Akagaq, the youngest brother of three, gets caught in a blizzard, he makes a tent—but it is no match for the powerful winds. Trapped in the cold, he is helped by his brother Tiriaq. Tiriaq digs into a snowdrift for shelter, but the wind is still too strong and blows out their lamp. Akkiutaq, the eldest brother, arrives to save them, and brings them to the iglu he has carefully built. The wind threatens to destroy the iglu as well, but the shelter proves strong, and the brothers are safe. Ultimately, the brothers learn an important lesson about paying attention to their Elders, and taking care in what they do.

I Hope
Author
Monique Gray Smith (Cree, Lakota, and Scottish)
Illustrator
Gabrielle Grimard
Summary
The hopes we have for the children in our lives are endless. We want them to thrive and experience all that life has to offer, but we also feel protective of them. In this book, Monique Gray Smith explores the hopes that parents, grandparents, and caregivers hold for the young people that they love. At its heart is a message about loving, nurturing and wishing the best for our children.

The Raven Mother
Author
Hetxw’ms Gyetxw/Brett D. Huson (Gitxsan Nation)
Illustrator
Natasha Donovan (Métis)
Summary
Hoarders, scavengers, clever foragers, and bringers of new life. Ravens have many roles, both for the land and in Gitxsan story and song. This sixth book in the Mothers of Xsan series takes readers to Northwestern British Columbia, where they learn about the traditions of the Gitxsan, the lives of ravens, and why these acrobatic flyers are so important to their ecosystem. Follow along as Nox Gaak, the raven mother, teaches her chicks what they need to survive with the help of her flock.

Sometimes I Feel Shy: Tundra Friends series
Author
Aviaq Johnson (Inuk)
Illustrator
Amiel Sandland
Summary
Aqi and Uka, two friends, decide to watch a movie after school. But when Sissi joins them, Aqi feels nervous—she is sometimes shy around new people. Uka keeps asking Aqi if she is okay, which starts to make her upset. Uka supports Aqi to make her feel more comfortable. Aqi helps Uka understand that she is shy sometimes, and that’s okay.

Drum From The Heart
Author
Ren Louie (Nuu-chah-nulth, African-American, and Ukrainian)
Illustrator
Karlene Harvey (Tsilhqot’in/Syilx)
Summary
When he is gifted a handmade drum by his mother, Ren learns the teachings of the drum that she also passes down to him. Ren discovers that through this special drum, he is able to connect to his culture and find confidence in his voice. Now, he can joyfully share in singing the traditional songs of his Nuu-chah-nulth Nation.

Sweetgrass
Author
Theresa Meuse (Mi’kmaq/Bear River First Nation)
Illustrator
Jessica Jerome (Listuguj Mi’kmaw First Nation)
Summary
It’s early July, and for Matthew and his Auntie that means one thing: time to go sweetgrass picking. This year, Matthew’s younger cousin Warren is coming along, and it will be his first time visiting the shoreline where the sweetgrass grows. With Auntie’s traditional Mi’kmaw knowledge and Matthew’s gentle guidance, Warren learns about the many uses for sweetgrass—as traditional medicine, a sacred offering, a smudging ingredient—and the importance of not picking more than he needs. Once the trio is back at Auntie’s house, she shows the boys how to clean and braid the grass.

The Youngest Sister
Author
Suniyay Moreno (Quechua)
Illustrator
Mariana Chiesa
Summary
In the dry Andean foothills, Picu’s family is very poor. One morning, Picu is sent to get a marrow bone from a neighbor, which will add flavor and nutrition to their lunchtime soup. Her mother warns her not to dawdle on the walk through the wild landscape, but Picu can’t help it! She marvels at the butterflies, samples the cactus fruit, and daydreams about using the marrow bone as a football. Will the neighbor let her family keep the bone after the soup is made? Will her mother let her play with it? And will she be punished for being so late?

Together We Drum, Our Hearts Beat As One
Author
Willie Poll (Métis)
Illustrator
Chief Lady Bird (Rama First Nation)
Summary
In this book, a determined young Anishnaabe girl in search of adventure goes on a transformative journey into a forest on her traditional territory. She is joined by a chorus of her ancestors in red dresses, who tell her they remember what it was like to be carefree and wild, too. Soon, though, the girl is challenged by a monster named Hate, who envelops her in a cloud of darkness. She climbs a mountain to evade the monster, and, with the help of her matriarchs and the power of Thunderbird, the monster is held at bay. Together the young girl and her ancestors beat their drums in song and support, giving the girl the confidence she needs to become a changemaker in the future, capable of fending off any monster in her way.

Be A Good Ancestor
Author
Leona Prince (Lake Babine Nation/Nak’azdli Whu’ten) and Gabrielle Prince (Lake Babine Nation/Nak’azdli Whu’ten)
Illustrator
Carla Joseph (Cree)
Summary
Rooted in Indigenous teachings, this picture book encourages readers of all ages to consider the ways in which they live in connection to the world around them and to think deeply about their behaviors. The authors address an array of topics, from environmental issues and animal welfare to self-esteem and the importance of community. At the heart of each is an important lesson: Be a good ancestor to the world around you.

Lena and Ruby
Author
Kevin Qamaniq-Mason (Inuit) and Mary Qamaniq-Mason
Illustrator
Marcus Cutler
Summary
Lena and Ruby are best friends. They love to have sleepovers, bake cookies, and make up dance routines. They are also both adopted. Learn about how the two girls met as they talk about their own unique adoption experiences, including Inuit custom adoption and transracial adoption.

Noodin’s Perfect Day
Author
Ansley Simpson (Alderville First Nation)
Illustrator
Rhael McGregor (Métis)
Summary
When Noodin’s perfect day is interrupted, they decide to strike out for adventure instead. They spend the day with their human, animal, and tree cousins in the city. But will Noodin ever get the pancakes they’re craving? Come along and find out!

Abalone Woman
Author
Teoni Spathelfer (Heiltsuk Nation)
Illustrator
Natassia Davies (Coast Salish)
Summary
Throughout her life, Little Wolf has been troubled by the injustice she sees around her. When she was young, she was bullied for her Indigenous heritage. Her mother, White Raven, spent ten years in a residential school, separated from her family and isolated from her culture. Little Wolf’s own children are growing up in a different, more open society, but hatred and racism still exist. Little Wolf worries about the world her daughters will inherit. One night, a vivid dream helps her realize her own strength as a leader and peacemaker in her community.

Beautiful You, Beautiful Me
Author
Tasha Spillett-Sumner (Cree/Trinidadian)
Illustrator
Salini Perera
Summary
Izzy’s favorite place to be is in Mama’s arms—skin to skin, safe and warm. One night, cuddled up on Mama’s lap, Izzy notices something she’s never noticed before: her skin is the color of chocolate, but Mama’s skin is the color of sand. When Izzy realizes she’s different from Mama in other ways, too, she feels sad and confused. She wants to be beautiful like Mama! But Mama addresses Izzy’s disappointment with a gentle, loving refrain: You’re part of me, and I’m part of you. I’m beautiful like me, and you’re beautiful like you. Finding lessons from nature and repeating her affirming message, Mama encourages Izzy to see her own unique beauty.

Wiijibibamatoon Anangoonan / Runs with the Stars
Author
Darcy Whitecrow (Ojibwe/Dakota) and Heather O’Connor
Illustrator
Lenny Lishchensko
Summary
As they await the birth of a new foal, a man teaches his grandchild about the Ojibwe Horses that used to roam the forests of northwestern Ontario. The horses once ran wild and free, but when Grandfather was a boy, they almost disappeared. Now he is the caretaker of his own small herd, keeping the breed alive for future generations and teaching his grandchild about the loving bond between humans and animals. The story is told in both Ojibwemowin/Anishinaabemowen and English.

Phoenix Gets Greater
Author
Marty Wilson-Trudeau (Anishinaabe-kwe) and Phoenix Wilson (Anishinaabe)
Illustrator
Megan Kyak-Monteith (Inuk)
Summary
Phoenix loves to play with dolls and marvel at pretty fabrics. Most of all, he loves to dance—ballet, Pow Wow dancing, or just swirling and twirling around his house. Sometimes Phoenix gets picked on and he struggles with feeling different, but his mom and brother are proud of him. With their help, Phoenix learns about Two Spirit/Niizh Manidoowag people in Anishinaabe culture and just how special he is.