Native American Childrens Books

*Caldecott Medal Winner*

We Are Water Protectors is a powerful call to action, celebrating Indigenous-led efforts to safeguard Earth's water against environmental threats. With lyrical prose and vibrant illustrations, it inspires readers to honor and protect this vital resource.

In I Sang You Down from the Stars, a mother prepares for her baby's arrival by gathering sacred items for a bundle symbolizing love, hope, and cultural tradition. This tender story celebrates the profound connection between parent and child, grounded in Indigenous spirituality and tradition.

Keepunumuk: Weeâchumun's Thanksgiving Story reframes the Thanksgiving narrative by sharing the perspective of the Wampanoag people and the importance of corn (Weeâchumun). Through a touching tale, it highlights gratitude, community and the wisdom of Native traditions.

In The Rough-Face Girl, a mistreated young woman triumphs over her cruel sisters to win the heart of the mysterious Invisible Being. This powerful retelling of a Native American Cinderella story highlights inner beauty, resilience, and the strength of the human spirit.

Kapaemahu shares the Hawaiian legend of four mysterious healers who brought their gifts of wisdom and healing to the islands, leaving their spirit in sacred stones. This beautifully illustrated story preserves cultural heritage while emphasizing themes of love, inclusivity, and the enduring power of aloha.

Native American Night Before Christmas offers a creative retelling of the classic holiday poem through a Native American lens. It blends traditional storytelling with festive imagery, showcasing cultural elements and themes of community and generosity.

Thirteen Moons on Turtle's Back explores the Native American tradition of honoring the 13 moons in a year, each with its own story tied to nature and the seasons. This poetic collection celebrates cultural diversity and the interconnectedness of people and the natural world.

The Girl Who Helped Thunder and Other Native American Folktales presents a collection of traditional Native American stories that highlight the wisdom, courage, and spirit of the indigenous people. Through these tales, readers are introduced to the values of nature, community, and respect for the world around them.

How the Birds Got Their Songs tells a charming tale of how birds came to possess their unique melodies. This beautifully illustrated story celebrates the magic of nature and the origins of music in the animal kingdom.

The Cottonwood Sings shares the story of a young Lakota girl who finds comfort and guidance through the songs of a cottonwood tree. This heartfelt tale weaves together themes of resilience, nature's wisdom, and cultural heritage.

The First Fire: A Cherokee Story retells the Cherokee legend of how fire was brought to the world through the bravery and determination of animals. This engaging tale highlights themes of cooperation, resilience, and the importance of fire in Cherokee culture.

The Cloud Artist: A Choctaw Tale tells the story of Leona, a young girl with a magical gift for painting pictures in the sky. Presented in both English and Choctaw, this enchanting tale celebrates creativity, cultural heritage, and the connection between people and nature.

Little People of the Dawn introduces readers to the Wabanaki legend of the "little people," mystical beings who live in harmony with nature. This tale, enriched with cultural wisdom, highlights the importance of kindness, respect, and community.

The Land of the Great Turtles shares a Cherokee legend about a group of turtles shaping their homeland with resilience and unity. Presented in both Cherokee and English, this story celebrates cultural heritage and the power of working together.

The Thundermaker tells the story of Little Thunder, who learns his destiny as the next Thundermaker in Mi’kmaq tradition. Through vivid storytelling and cultural insights, it introduces readers to the importance of nature and responsibility.

Encounter reimagines the first meeting between a French sailor and a young Stadaconan boy, exploring themes of curiosity, respect, and cultural exchange. Through poetic language and striking illustrations, it offers a nuanced perspective on early interactions between Europeans and Indigenous peoples.

A Tale of Two Wolves retells the powerful Cherokee fable about the internal struggle between opposing forces within us. With engaging storytelling, it emphasizes the importance of choices in shaping our character and destiny.

Waa'aka': The Bird Who Fell in Love with the Sun shares a Tongva creation story about a bird captivated by the sun’s beauty. This lyrical tale celebrates connection, transformation, and the natural world through a cultural lens.

Dancing on Wild Rice tells the story of a young Ojibwe girl who learns about her heritage and the importance of wild rice in her community. This heartfelt narrative celebrates culture, tradition, and the deep connection between the land and the people.