Indigenous Children’s Books 

When We Were Alone — David A. Robertson

A gentle and powerful story about a young girl learning from her grandmother about residential schools, resilience, and how culture and identity survived through love and quiet acts of resistance.

The Water Walker — Joanne Robertson

Inspired by Indigenous activist Josephine Mandamin, this beautifully illustrated book teaches children about caring for water, protecting the earth, and the importance of responsibility to future generations.

Shi-shi-etko — Nicola I. Campbell

A moving story about a young Indigenous girl spending her final days with family and nature before being taken to residential school, highlighting memory, connection, and cultural strength.

Shin-chi’s Canoe — Nicola I. Campbell

The companion to Shi-shi-etko, this heartfelt story follows two siblings at residential school as they hold onto hope, family connection, and their cultural teachings.

We Are Water Protectors — Carole Lindstrom

An inspiring book celebrating Indigenous-led water protection movements while teaching children courage, environmental stewardship, and the sacredness of water.

I Sang You Down From the Stars — Tasha Spillett-Sumner

A loving story about a mother preparing for her baby’s arrival by gathering sacred items and teachings that connect the child to family, culture, and identity.

My Heart Fills With Happiness — Monique Gray Smith

A calming and joyful book encouraging children to notice small moments of happiness, gratitude, and connection in everyday life.

The Sharing Circle Series — Theresa “Corky” Larsen-Jonasson

A collection of books introducing children to traditional Indigenous teachings such as respect, courage, love, and belonging through simple, child-friendly storytelling.

Emotional Wellness & Feelings

You Hold Me Up — Monique Gray Smith

A warm and reassuring story teaching children how kindness, empathy, and caring for one another help people feel supported and safe.

When Sadness Comes to Call — Eva Eland

A compassionate book that helps children understand sadness as a feeling that can be acknowledged gently rather than feared or hidden.

The Rabbit Listened — Cori Doerrfeld

A tender story showing how healing often begins not with fixing problems, but with simply listening and being present for someone who is hurting.

Listening to My Body — Gabi Garcia

An interactive and empowering book helping children recognize body signals, emotions, and self-regulation strategies in a gentle and accessible way.

The Boy and the Gorilla — Jackie Azúa Kramer

A touching story about grief, love, and emotional support, showing children that they do not have to carry sadness alone.

Grief, Identity & Healing

Missing Nimama — Melanie Florence

A deeply emotional story exploring love, loss, and the impact of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls through the bond between a mother and daughter.

Sometimes I Feel Like a Fox — Danielle Daniel

A playful and empowering introduction to the Anishinaabe clan system, helping children connect identity, personality, and cultural teachings through animal symbolism.

The Remember Balloons — Jessie Oliveros

A gentle metaphorical story about memory loss, love, and family connection that helps children understand aging and dementia with compassion.

Additional Beautiful Choices for Kamamak

Little You — Richard Van Camp

A sweet and loving celebration of children, identity, and unconditional love, written in a warm, comforting tone.

Bowwow Powwow — Brenda J. Child

A magical story about a young girl whose dreams transform the sounds and sights of a powwow into a joyful and imaginative adventure.

A Day With Yayah — Nicola I. Campbell

A peaceful story about spending time on the land with a grandmother and learning traditional teachings through observation and connection.

Sweetest Kulu — Celina Kalluk

An Inuit bedtime story celebrating nature, animals, and the gifts the northern world gives to a newborn child.

Nibi’s Water Song — Sunshine Tenasco

A beautiful story following a young girl learning the importance of water protection, community responsibility, and caring for the earth.

The Elders Are Watching — David Bouchard

A poetic and reflective book reminding readers of the importance of respecting the earth, listening to Elders, and protecting future generations

Sensory & Regulation Activities

These are especially wonderful for children with trauma, anxiety, ADHD, autism, or FASD.

Ideas:

• Fidget bins

• Sensory bottles

• Playdough calming stations

• Water play

• Nature grounding walks

• Blanket wrapping for regulation

• Rocking chairs

• Soft music playlists

• Weighted lap blankets

• Calm corners

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