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Oleepeeka’s first hunt

2020

by Elizabeth Ryan and Marcus Cutler

"A story about traditional knowledge and hunting from the northern community of Panniqtuuq, Nunavut. Oleepeeka is from Panniqtuuq, Nunavut. It’s time for her first hunting trip! Oleepeeka is excited to spend the day with Ataata and learn about catching ptarmigans. Join Oleepeeka and Ataata as they set off on the land and bring home a special feast for their family." -- publisher

Beautiful Life

Where did the Walruses go?

2020

by Laisa: Tooma and Udayana Lugo

"Naullaq loves spending time outdoors at his family’s summer camp in Peterhead Inlet. One day during a walk on the shoreline, his ataata shares an exciting discovery with him: a walrus skull! But Naullaq never sees walruses there. Where did they go? Naullaq's ataata tells Naullaq a traditional story about why all the walruses disappeared from Peterhead Inlet." -- publisher

Beautiful Life

Okinawan Princess

2019

by Masashi Sakihara, Lee A Tonouchi and Laura Kina

"Okinawan Princess is an illustrated, transpacific feminist fairy tale for all readers that illuminates an ancient tradition and pushes back against normative standards of beauty." -- publisher When Gramma notices how much her granddaughter wishes she could look like a supermodel, Gramma shares how her own mother was made fun of when she moved to Hawaii from Okinawa due to the bold blue hajichi tattoos on the back of her hands. Gramma then reveals the legend behind those mysterious markings. When the Okinawan Princess is kidnapped by Japanese pirates, will she wait for someone to save her or will she be able to outwit her captors? This trilingual story is written in Hawaii Creole, then translated into Japanese and the endangered indigenous Okinawan language called Uchinaaguchi. Okinawan Princess is part of ongoing efforts to revitalize Okinawan language, history and culture worldwide." -- publisher

Beautiful Life

‘Ohana Means Family

2020

by Ilima Loomis and Kenard Pak

"Acclaimed illustrator and animator Kenard Pak's light-filled, dramatic illustrations pair exquisitely with Ilima Loomis' text to celebrate Hawaiian land and culture." -- publisher The backmatter includes a glossary of Hawaiian terms used, as well as an author's note." -- publisher

Beautiful Life

Raven Loses his Nose

2018

by David Lang

For its 2018 Baby Raven Reads series, Sealaska Heritage adapted a trilogy of Raven stories in which he acts as both Culture Hero and Trickster. In Raven Loses His Nose, Raven’s greediness results in a temporary loss of his nose. Illustrated by Tsimshian artist David Lang. This story was adapted by Tlingit writer Pauline Duncan from the works of the late Nora and Dick Dauenhauer, who transcribed the stories from Elders’ oral accounts. The original Raven stories are complex, humorous and sometimes filled with raucous adventures. Raven stories are not about what is viewed as proper behavior, but what is not acceptable behavior. Raven the Trickster is found in oral traditions throughout North America and elsewhere in the world and teaches people how to exist in society." -- Trickster Company Sealaska Heritage Institute’s Award-Winning Raven Reads series releases new Raven Books. Raven Reads was awarded the 2017 Best Practices Honoree as part of the Library of Congress Literacy of Awards program.

Beautiful Life

We Are Better Together

by Elizabeth Spor Taylor

"Some friends can walk, some friends cannot. Some friends can hear, some friends can sign. Some friends can see, some friends can sing. Whatever our abilities or differences, we can share the beauty that surrounds us, together. Friendship is not limited by what our bodies can or cannot do; it is only limited by the size of our hearts. When we expand our hearts to include others regardless of their differences, we help make our communities more inclusive. The more inclusive the community, the more opportunities for every member of the community to thrive and grow to meet their potential. We truly are better together, no matter how different we may seem at first glance. This sweet tale of inclusiveness and acceptance is full of bright illustrations by Ethiopian artist Daniel Aklilu." -- publisher

Beautiful Life Folklore

Market Day

2020

by Caroline Kurtz and Clark College Economic and Community Development

"The vibrant beauty and exotic flavors of Ethiopia are on full display in its markets, which include the largest market in Africa. Like the sprawling Mercato in Addis Ababa, Ethiopian markets are more than just places to shop: these thriving hubs of commerce are also where Ethiopians go to visit with old friends, to play, to eat and to sell products from their gardens, orchards and farms. Children love the sights and sounds of the busy caravans piled high with fruits, vegetables, textiles and grains. Markets in Ethiopia are important cultural events and vital to the thriving trade routes that bring everything from coffee to camels to families in Africa and beyond. Colorful watercolor illustrations bring the market to life in rich detail and dual language text in English and Afaan Oromo supports emerging readers and students of indigenous Ethiopian languages. Ready Set Go Books, an Open Hearts Big Dreams Project, is focused on increasing the literacy rate in Ethiopia through giving readers books with stories in their heart languages, full of colorful illustrations with Ethiopian settings and details. Profits from books sales will be used to create, print, and distribute more Ready Set Go Books to kids in Ethiopia, Africa’s second most populous country. Ethiopia’s population is 44% children, ages 0-14 (43 million out of 97 million total). Only 5.5% of children attend pre-school or kindergarten, and the adult literacy rate is 49%. Our books are based on wise Ethiopian sayings that often rhyme in Amharic. If an adult says the first half, many children can chant the second half. Sometimes the meaning of these sayings is clear. Sometimes it has to be puzzled out and argued over. But sayings and idioms and proverbs help people express truths and beliefs in unusual ways. Open Hearts Big Dreams Fund (OHBD) is a 501(3)(c) not for profit organization that believes the chance to dream big dreams should not depend on where in the world you are born. Our focus is to support nonprofit organizations and their programs that provide literacy, K-12 education, and leadership as well as that support the parents and communities where the kids live, in Ethiopia." -- publisher

Beautiful Life Folklore

Together

2020

by Jane. Kurtz and Clark College Economic and Community Development

"Together or alone, the beautiful and diverse peoples of Ethiopia play and pray, walk and work, dance and smile in their own ways. Inspired by a popular Ethiopian teret and filled with vibrant watercolor portraits that detail the many gorgeous styles within Ethiopian culture, there are many reasons why people say that if you need to go fast, go alone. But if you want to go far, go together. Side by side text in Ethiopian languages like Amharic, Tigrinya and Afaan Oromo (with English) helps emerging bilingual readers develop vocabulary and build fluency. Part of our Ready, Set, Go! series of early readers in indigenous Ethiopian languages. Ready Set Go Books, an Open Hearts Big Dreams Project, is focused on increasing the literacy rate in Ethiopia through giving readers books with stories in their heart languages, full of colorful illustrations with Ethiopian settings and details. Profits from book sales are used to create, print, and distribute more Ready Set Go Books to kids in Ethiopia, Africa’s second most populous country. Ethiopia’s population is 44% children, ages 0-14 (43 million out of 97 million total). Only 5.5% of children attend pre-school or kindergarten, and the adult literacy rate is 49%. Our books are based on wise Ethiopian sayings that often rhyme in Amharic. If an adult says the first half, many children can chant the second half. Sometimes the meaning of these sayings is clear. Sometimes it has to be puzzled out and argued over. But sayings and idioms and proverbs help people express truths and beliefs in unusual ways. Since late 2017, OHBD has published over 100 unique #ReadySetGo dual language titles in three Ethiopian languages plus English and has plans to publish another 100 titles and add more languages in the coming years. New titles and/or languages are added monthly; follow our author page to get new release announcements. Open Hearts Big Dreams Fund (OHBD) is a 501(3)(c) not for profit organization that believes the chance to dream big dreams should not depend on where in the world you are born. Our mission is to inspire and enable youth in Ethiopia through READY SET GO books, STEM and Innovation Projects in collaboration with individuals and organizations providing literacy, education, and leadership opportunities." -- publisher

Beautiful Life Folklore

I Want to Ride the Tap Tap

2020

by Danielle Joseph and Olivier Ganthier

"A day-of-the-week picture book about a young boy and his parents who ride the taxi-bus service—called a tap tap—in Haiti, and the fascinating people they meet along the way, illustrated by a Haitian artist known for his vibrant street art. On Monday through Saturday, Claude and Mama walk Papa to the tap tap. Along the way Claude encounters a lady selling mangoes, a fisherman, straw-hat maker, steel drummer, and an artist. Claude wants to join Papa on the bus, but Claude has chores at home and classes at school. Finally, on Sunday Mama and Papa surprise Claude with a ride on the tap tap and they ride to the beach where the lady selling mangoes, the fisherman, straw-hat maker, steel drummer, and artist show Claude how to paint, make hats, and fish. With Creole words sprinkled throughout and a glossary at the end, I Want to Ride the Tap Tap is a warm and lively portrayal of everyday life in Haiti." -- publisher

Beautiful Life

I Dream of Popo

2021

by Livia Blackburne and Julia Kuo

"A picture book about a young immigrant who stays connected to her grandmother through communication and love. With tender language and striking art, I Dream of Popo follows a young girl as she and her family emigrate from Taiwan to San Diego, leaving behind the narrator's maternal grandmother, Popo. The story touches on learning a new language, acclimating to a new home, and the changing relationship the child maintains with her beloved Popo even when they are apart. Over time, their visits are fleeting, but their love is ever true and strong. This delicate, emotionally rich picture book celebrates a special connection that crosses time zones and oceans as Popo and her granddaughter hold each other in their hearts forever." -- publisher

Beautiful Life