Children's Books with Native American Beliefs
Beaver Steals Fire by ISBN: 9780803216402Publication Date: 2008-01-01A long time ago, fire belonged only to the animals in the land above, not to those on the earth below. Curlew, keeper of the sky world, guarded fire and kept it from the earth. Coyote, however, devised a clever plan to steal fire, aided by Grizzly Bear, Wren, Snake, Frog, Eagle, and Beaver. These brave and resourceful animal beings raided the land above and risked all to steal fire from Curlew. Beaver Steals Fire is an ancient and powerful tale springing from the hearts and experiences of the Salish people of Montana. Steeped in the rich and culturally vital storytelling tradition of the tribe, this tale teaches both respect for fire and awareness of its significance, themes particularly relevant today.
Awards:
- American Indian Youth Literature Award, 2006, Winner, Picture Book
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Birdsong by ISBN: 9781771644730Publication Date: 2019-10-08WINNER OF THE 2020 TD CANADIAN CHILDREN'S LITERATURE AWARD Finalist for the Governor General's Literary Award A Best Book of the Year in Publishers Weekly, School Library Journal, Kirkus Reviews, Horn Book, and CBC An American Indian Youth Literature Honor Title "Cree-Métis author/illustrator Julie Flett's smooth and lyrical words and gorgeous... images truly capture the warmth and solidarity of the female protagonists in this tender intergenerational friendship story." --The Horn Book When a young girl moves from the country to a small town, she feels lonely and out of place. But soon she meets an elderly woman next door, who shares her love of arts and crafts. Can the girl navigate the changing seasons and failing health of her new friend? Acclaimed author and artist Julie Flett's textured images of birds, flowers, art, and landscapes bring vibrancy and warmth to this powerful story, which highlights the fulfillment of intergenerational relationships and shared passions. An activity guide is available at greystonebooks.com for FREE download. A brief glossary and pronunciation guide to Cree words that appear in the text is provided on the copyright page. "Cycling from spring to spring, [Julie Flett's] subtle, sensitive story delicately traces filaments of growth and loss through intergenerational friendship, art making, and changing moons and seasons." --Publishers Weekly (starred review)
Awards:
- American Indian Youth Literature Award, 2020, Honor, Picture Book
- Christie Harris Illustrated Children's Literature Prize, 2020, Short List
- Cybils Awards, 2019, Nominee, Fiction Picture Book
- Governor General's Literary Awards, 2019, Finalist, Young People's Literature - Text
- Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award, 2020, Finalist
- TD Canadian Children's Literature Award, 2020, Finalist, English Language
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Bowwow Powwow by ISBN: 9781681340777Publication Date: 2018-05-01Windy Girl is blessed with a vivid imagination. From Uncle she gathers stories of long-ago traditions, about dances and sharing and gratitude. Windy can tell such stories herself-about her dog, Itchy Boy, and the way he dances to request a treat and how he wriggles with joy in response to, well, just about everything. When Uncle and Windy Girl and Itchy Boy attend a powwow, Windy watches the dancers in their jingle dresses and listens to the singers. She eats tasty food and joins family and friends around the campfire. Later, Windy falls asleep under the stars. Now Uncle's stories inspire other visions in her head: a bowwow powwow, where all the dancers are dogs. In these magical scenes, Windy sees veterans in a Grand Entry, and a visiting drum group, and traditional dancers, grass dancers, and jingle-dress dancers-all with telltale ears and paws and tails. All celebrating in song and dance. All attesting to the wonder of the powwow. This playful story by Brenda Child is accompanied by a companion retelling in Ojibwe by Gordon Jourdain and brought to life by Jonathan Thunder's vibrant dreamscapes. The result is a powwow tale for the ages.
Awards:
- ALA Notable Children's Books, 2018
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Chikasha Stories Volume One: Shared Spirit by ISBN: 1935684132Publication Date: 2014This illustrated collection of stories, drawn from Chickasaw oral tradition, is the first bilingual book series published by Chickasaw Press. Artfully told in both English and Chickasaw, the collection serves as an introduction to the Chickasaw language, while preserving the storytelling tradition that is so vital to Chickasaw culture. Volume One introduces the kindred spirit Chickasaw people have always shared with animals and nature. Each tale teaches important life lessons and provides an ancient Chickasaw perspective on why things in nature occur the way they do.
Awards:
- Oklahoma Book Award, 2012, Winner, Children
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Giving Thanks by Call Number: 299.74 S971gISBN: 9781880000540Publication Date: 1995-09-01For as long as anyone can remember, Mohawk parents have taught their children to start each day by giving thanks to Mother Earth. The Good Morning address, also known as the Thanksgiving address, is based on the belief that the natural world is a precious and rare gift, and as such the whole universe should be addressed as one great family.
Awards:
- National Arbor Day Awards, 1998, Media Award
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Go Show the World by ISBN: 9780735262928Publication Date: 2018-09-11Celebrating the stories of Indigenous people throughout time, Wab Kinew has created a powerful rap song, the lyrics of which are the basis for the text in this beautiful picture book, illustrated by the acclaimed Joe Morse. Including figures such as Crazy Horse, Net-no-kwa, former NASA astronaut John Herrington and Canadian NHL goalie Carey Price, Go Show the World showcases a diverse group of Indigenous people in the US and Canada, both the more well known and the not-so-widely recognised. Individually, their stories, though briefly touched on, are inspiring; collectively, they empower the reader with this message: 'We are people who matter, yes, it s true; now let s show the world what people who matter can do.'
Awards:
- Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Children's Book Award, 2019, Winner, Children's Picture Book
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The Good Rainbow Road by ISBN: 9780816529353Publication Date: 2010-10-15This is the story of two courageous boys and of how they saved their village. Their village is called Haapaahnitse, Oak Place, and it lies at the foot of a mountain. Once there was a lake and a stream nearby, but they have dried up. Once rain and snow came, but no more. The land has become barren and dry. Two brothers, Tsaiyah-dzehshi, whose name means First One, and Hamahshu-dzehshi, Next One, are chosen for an important mission. They are sent on a westward trek to the home of the Shiwana, the Rain and Snow Spirits, to ask them to bring the gift of water to the village again. The Good Rainbow Road tells how the brothers overcome challenges and continue on to their destination. Written in the tradition of Native American oral storytelling and accompanied by colorful illustrations from celebrated Native artist Michael Lacapa, it brings the powers of language, memory, and imagery to a tale that will captivate children ages seven and up.
Awards:
- Glyph Award, 2005, Winner, Fiction
- Skipping Stones Honor Award, 2005, Winner, Multicultural And International
- Western Heritage Award, 2005, Winner, Juvenile Book
- Wordcraft Circle of Native Writers & Storytellers Award, 2005-2006, Winner
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Greet the Dawn by ISBN: 9780984504169Publication Date: 2012-06-01Pickup trucks and eagles, yellow school buses and painted horses, Mother Earth and Sister Meadowlark all join together to greet the dawn. They marvel at the colours and sounds, smells and memories that dawn creates. Animals and humans alike turn their faces upwards and gaze as the sun makes its daily journey from horizon to horizon. Dawn is a time to celebrate with a smiling heart, to start a new day in the right way, excited for what might come. Birds sing and dance, children rush to learn, dewdrops glisten from leaves, and gradually the sun warms us. Each time the sun starts a new circle, we can start again as well. All these things are part of the Lakota way, a means of living in balance. S. D. Nelson draws inspiration from traditional stories to create Greet the Dawn. His artwork fuses elements of modern with traditional. Above all, he urges each of us to seize the opportunity that dawn offers each day.
Awards:
- Literary Classics International Book Awards, 2013, Silver, Preschool/Early Reader
- Moonbeam Children's Book Award, 2012, Silver (Tie), Best Illustrator
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How Raven Got His Crooked Nose by ISBN: 9781513264394Publication Date: 2020-09-22Chulyen the trickster raven loses his nose one day, but he vows to get it back. Luckily he has some special powers to help him! How Raven Got His Crooked Nose is a modern retelling of a traditional Native American fable. Part picture book and part graphic novel, this beautifully illustrated story teaches an important lesson to children through Dena'ina mythology and includes a glossary of Dena'ina words to learn.
Awards:
- Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) Notable Book, 2019
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The Navajo Code Talkers by ISBN: 9781568462950Publication Date: 2016-08-16Amidst a complicated history of mistreatment by and distrust of the American government, the Navajo people--especially bilingual code talkers--helped the Allies win World War II.
Awards:
- Bologna Ragazzi Award, 2017, Nominee
- Ohioana Book Awards, 2017, Finalist, Juvenile Literature
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SkySisters by Call Number: D790.S334 A3 1986ISBN: 9781550746990Publication Date: 2007-06-06Two Ojibway sisters set off across the frozen north country to see the SkySpirits' midnight dance. It isn't easy for the younger sister to be silent, but gradually she begins to treasure the stillness and the wonderful experiences it brings. After an exhilarating walk and patient waiting, the girls are rewarded by the arrival of the SkySpirits --- the northern lights --- dancing and shimmering in the night sky. This powerful story, with its stunning illustrations, captures the chill of a northern night, the warmth of the family circle and the radiance of a child's wonder.
Awards:
- First Nation Communities Read, 2005, Winner
- Skipping Stones Honor Award, 2001, Winner, Multicultural And International
- White Ravens Award, 2001, Winner, Canada
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We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by ISBN: 9781580897723Publication Date: 2018-09-04The Cherokee community is grateful for blessings and challenges that each season brings. This is modern Native American life as told by an enrolled citizen of the Cherokee Nation. The word otsaliheliga (oh-jah-LEE-hay-lee-gah) is used by members of the Cherokee Nation to express gratitude. Beginning in the fall with the new year and ending in summer, follow a full Cherokee year of celebrations and experiences. Written by a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, this look at one group of Native Americans is appended with a glossary and the complete Cherokee syllabary, originally created by Sequoyah.
Awards:
- Orbis Pictus Honor Book, 2019
- Sibert Honor Book, 2019
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Whale Snow by ISBN: 9781570913945Publication Date: 2004-07-01"Amiqqaq is excited when his family catches a bowhead whale. As his family prepares to celebrate the traditional Iñupiaq whaling feast, Amiqqaq learns about the spirit-of-the-whale."
Awards:
- Independent Publisher Book Award, 2004, Winner, Children's Picture Book