Indigenous Reads for Young Children

A selection of recent Indigenous stories with illustrations.

Updated June 6, 2024
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Birdsong
Flett, Julie
Paper Book
BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR: PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL, KIRKUS, HORN BOOK, QUILL & QUIRE, GLOBE AND MAIL WINNER OF THE TD CANADIAN CHILDREN'S LITERATURE AWARD FINALIST FOR THE GOVERNOR GENERAL'S...
Forever our home
Simpson, Tonya
Paper Book
Key Selling Points Adapted from a lullaby the author wrote for her newborn son, this book is a love song to her child and all Indigenous children. Lyrical language conveys a powerful message of reconciliation and reclamation. Author Tonya Simpson is Scottish and...
It's a mitig!
George, Bridget
Paper Book
Giizis--the sun--rises. What's hiding in the trees? It's a Mitig! guides young readers through the forest while introducing them to Ojibwe words for nature. From sunup to sundown, encounter an amik playing with sticks and swimming in the river, a prickly gaag...
Just like grandma
Rogers, Kim
Paper Book
In this lyrical picture book by Kim Rogers (Wichita), with illustrations by Boston Globe-Horn Book Honoree Julie Flett (Cree-Métis), Becca watches her grandma create, play, and dance--and she knows that she wants to be just like Grandma. Becca loves spending time with Grandma...
Kaiah's Garden
Florence, Melanie
Paper Book
An uplifting story of a girl's connection to her beloved grandmother through the beadwork art they created together. As she wakes up one dull morning, Kaiah feels as cold and grey as the day. She longs to be with her grandmother again. Kaiah's life doesn't feel right without her. But...
Let's Go
Flett, Julie
Paper Book
An extraordinary book that celebrates skateboarding, family, and community, from beloved artist and author Julie Flett, a winner of the New York Times / New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children's Book Award. Every day, a little boy watches kids pass by on...
My Little Ogichidaa : An Indigenous Lullaby
Poll, Willie/ Pichette, Hawlii (ILT)
Paper Book
My Little Ogichidaa is inspired by Indigenous motherhood. It invites readers to explore the compelling dreams and hopes of an Indigenous parent for her soon-to-be-born warrior. The word Ogichidaa itself means warrior in Anishinaabemowin, and this beautifully illustrated book is a tribute to...
Smile So Big
Tenasco, Sunshine Quem
Paper Book
A magical mirror helps a young girl understand her true beauty in this new picture book from the creators of Nibi's Water Song. When Challa comes home in tears after being teased about her smile, her mom gives her a special gift. It's a magic mirror -- shiny, beaded and beautiful --...
The song that called them home
Robertson, David
Paper Book
One summer day, Lauren and her little brother, James, go on a trip to the land with their Moshom (grandfather). After they've arrived, the children decide to fish for dinner while Moshom naps. They are in their canoe in the middle of the lake when the water around them begins to swirl and crash....
We belong to the drum
Lamouche, Sandra
Paper Book
Key Selling Points A culturally-specific take on the universal challenge of the separation anxiety that comes with starting daycare or school. Showcases the power of cultural connection for the well-being of Indigenous children. Author Sandra Lamouche is a...

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