kekwan etakwak mîkisîhk?/ What’s in a Bead?

Illustrated By: Tessa Pizzale
Translated by: Duane Linklater,

Tessa loves how her grandmother always smells of campfire stories. Mom says it’s because Kohkom spends her days sewing beautiful beads onto smoked hides. Inspired, Tessa asks Kohkom to teach her beading, but first she must listen and learn the many stories held in a bead. Dual language edition in Ininîmowin (Cree N-dialect) and English.

What's in a Bead?

Illustrated By: Tessa Pizzale

Tessa loves how her grandmother always smells of campfire stories. Mom says it’s because Kohkom spends her days sewing beautiful beads onto smoked hides. Inspired, Tessa asks Kohkom to teach her beading, but first she must listen and learn about the many stories held in a bead.

Khadija and the Elephant Toothpaste Experiment

Illustrated By: Natalya Tariq

Khadija is inspired by her visit to the science fair. But how come none of the scientists are wearing a hijab, she wonders? Khadija recreates an experiment at home with mixed (and messy!) results. Surrounded by family as they celebrate Eid, Khadija tries again, with great success. She declares, “When I grow up, I’m going to be a scientist!”

Naaahsa is an Artist!

Naaahsa says art is a language everyone understands. Sometimes we make art together. We draw, we bead, we sing. Sometimes Naaahsa tells stories in Blackfoot. I even get to go with her to see her art show at the National Gallery. Naaahsa is famous for her art, but I love her hugs best.

Auntie's Rez Surprise

Illustrated By: Ellie Arscott

Auntie always greets Cree in Nehiyaw when she comes for a visit. When Auntie arrives with a surprise gift hidden in her bag, Cree can’t wait to discover what it is. The first clue? It’s from the rez. As Cree tries to figure out what it might be, the bag starts to move. Cree is thrilled when the bag opens and out jumps a rez puppy!

Everyone is Welcome

Illustrated By: Christine Wei

A little girl hears that her grandma’s friend, Mrs. Lee, was pushed on her way to the Asian market. When she learns that Asian students at her brother’s school are afraid to walk to class, she realizes something very wrong is happening to her community. With her mom’s support and the help of friends, she does something kind for Mrs. Lee.

Vee in Between

Illustrated By: Angela Poon

When Vee was nine months old, her parents flew to China to adopt her. But when she struggles to keep up in Chinese dance class and a woman at the grocery store makes Vee feel like she doesn’t belong, her white parents don’t always understand.

I Am BIG

Illustrated By: Marley Berot

In the middle of the ice, a young Black hockey player finds joy in his talent and confidence in the cheers of his family, his coach, and the other players. Their support gives him the power to face down those who see him as a threat and to focus on the thrill of the game.

The Train

Illustrated By: Georgia Lesley

Ashley meets her great-uncle by the old train tracks near their community in Nova Scotia. When she sees his sadness, he tells her of the day when he and the other children were taken to residential school, their lives changed forever. Uncle also explains how Ashley gives him hope. She promises to wait with him in remembrance of what was lost.