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.

Book cover of Firefly: A Boarding School Story

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.

Book cover of Hummingbird and the Little People

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.

Book cover of Mashkiki Road: The Seven Grandfather Teachings

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.

Book cover of The Day The Earth Rose Up

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.

Book cover of How the Oceans Came To Be

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.

Book cover of Where We Come From

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.

Cover of the picture book Berry Song

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.

Book cover of Where Wonder Grows

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.

Book cover of Forever Cousins

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.

Book cover of We Will Find Our Way

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.

Book cover of Keepunumuk: Weeachumun's Thanksgiving 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.

Book cover of Celebration

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.

Book cover of Kanuchi Day

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.

Book cover of The Legend of the Spirit Serpent

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.

Book cover of Powwow Day

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.

Book cover of Finding My Dance

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.

Book cover of Kapaemahu

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.

Book cover of Una Huna?: Ukpik Learns to Sew

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.

Book cover of This Is What I See

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.

Book cover of Bedtime in Nunatsiavut

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.

Book cover Dancing With Our Ancestors

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.

Book cover of Returning to the Yakoun River

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.

Book cover of Amo's Sapotawan

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?

Book cover of The Three Hunters

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.

Book cover of I Hope

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.

Book cover of The Raven Mother

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.

Book cover of Sometimes I Feel Shy: Tundra Friends series

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.

Book cover of Drum From The Heart

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.

Book cover of Sweetgrass

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.

Book cover of The Youngest Sister

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?

Book cover of Together We Drum, Our Hearts Beat As One

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.

Book cover of Be A Good Ancestor

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.

Book cover of Lena & Ruby

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.

Book cover of Noodin's Perfect Day

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!

Book cover of Abalone Woman

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.

Book cover of Beautiful You, Beautiful Me

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.

Book cover of Wiijibibamatoon Anangoonan / Runs with the Stars

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.

Book cover of Phoenix Gets Greater

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.