Picture Book

I Help

Written and illustrated by members of the Tahltan and Cree nations, this sweet, simple story looks at a very special relationship. A young boy goes for a walk with his kohkom, or grandmother, listening, picking, praying, eating . . . just as she does. In doing so, he begins to learn the rich cultural traditions and values of his Cree heritage. Leona Neilson’s thoughtful text and Caitlin Dale Nicholson’s acrylic-on-canvas illustrations blend beautifully to show both the deep bond between the boy and his grandmother and the beauty of their world. Poetic, resonant text makes this an ideal read-aloud for young ears.

The Frog Princess: A Tlingit Legend From Alaska

Many men begin to flock to the Tlingit village hoping to make the headman’s beautiful daughter their bride, then retreat in disgrace as none is ever good enough for her. Weary of the suitors and their presents, she proclaims that she’s sooner marry a frog from the lake than any of the men after her heart. One night soon after, a very handsome young man–with slightly bulging eyes–appears on her threshold to fulfill her words, and she follows him underwater to her new home amongst the Frog People. But her peace is interrupted when her parents demand her return to the village, and the maiden finds herself caught in a clash between the worlds of land and sea. In Kimmel’s captivating retelling of the Tlingit legend, with breathtaking illustrations by Rosanne Litzinger, a maiden struggles to find the place where she truly belongs.

Ch’askin: A Legend Of The Sechelt People (Legends Of The Sechelt Nation)

Ch’askin is the great thunderbird whose appearance heralds rumbling thunder, a darkening sky and flashes of lightning — as well as good luck for the people of the Sechelt Nation. This compelling book recounts how this enormous and awe-inspiring bird — who looks like a golden eagle except much, much larger — aided and protected the members of the Sechelt villages for many years in many ways. From helping Chief Spelmu’lh, the father of the Sechelt Nation, build both the first longhouse and the many villages of his people, to delivering goats and grizzly bears for the hungry people to eat and creating islands from pebbles for the tired Sechelt hunters to rest, the story of Ch’askin is a story of protection, friendship and respect for fellow living beings.

Skysisters

Two 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.

Salmon Boy: A Legend of the Sechelt People

Simple and compelling First Nations drawings illustrate this dynamic story that teaches respect for the environment and describes the life cycle of the salmon.

How Snowshoe Hare Rescued The Sun: A Tale From The Arctic

When the demons who live under the earth steal the sun leaving the tundra in darkness, the animals send Bear, Wolf, and finally Snowshoe Hare to bring it back.

Beaver Steals Fire: A Salish Coyote Story

A 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. This unforgettable version of the story is told by Salish elder Johnny Arlee and beautifully illustrated by tribal artist Sam Sandoval.

White Tails Don’t Live In The City

A look at the beauty of nature and living in the open country by One of Canada’s all-time best-selling authors and British Columbia’s most sought-after public speaker, David Bouchard.