Children's Picture Books: Stories set in Canada

Wild eggs

2015

by Suzie Napayok-Short and Jonathan Wright

Akuluk is not excited about visiting her grandparents in Nunavut. She would rather head south for summer vacation, somewhere with roller coasters and cotton candy. There can't be much to do way up there, Akuluk figures. But as soon as she steps off the plane and sees all the exciting animals that the tundra has to offer, Akuluk forgets all about her dreams of going south. On her first full day in Nunavut, she can't wait to travel out on the land with her grandfather to hunt for wild eggs. As she learns about the different types of eggs, how to collect them properly, and the delicious meals that can be prepared with them, Akuluk knows that this is just the beginning of the exciting things she'll learn about the Arctic.

Oscar lives next door

2015

by Bonnie Farmer and Marie Lafrance

"Long before Oscar became a virtuoso jazz pianist, he was a boy who loved to play the trumpet. When a bout of childhood tuberculosis weakened his lungs, Oscar could no longer play his beloved instrument. He took up piano and the rest is history: Oscar went on to become an international jazz piano sensation"--Publisher

Emma’s gift

2014

by Deborah L. Delaronde and Jay Odjick

Emma wants to participate in her community's annual 'King's Day' celebration that is held every year on January 6th. She loves to see the gifts that are given and hear the stories people tell when they visit. Her mother, however, feels that Emma is too young. When Emma's grandmother hurts herself, Emma reluctantly agrees to help. In helping her grandmother prepare and serve her King's Day meal, Emma discovers the meaning behind this special day. 'King's Day' is about celebrating Christ's birth and the Three Wise Kings who visited the baby Jesus bearing gifts on this holy day. Emma learns that 'King's Day' is not only about exchanging gifts, it's also about helping family and friends by giving one's time.-- Publisher's website

Mingan my Village

2014

by Rogé

"Mingan, my Village is a collection of fifteen faces, and fifteen poems written by young Innu. Given a platform to be heard, the children chose to transport readers far away from the difficulties and problems related to their realities to see the beauty that surrounds them in nature." -- publisher

Not my girl

2014

by Christy. Jordan-Fenton, Margaret Pokiak-Fenton and Gabrielle Grimard

Two years ago, Margaret left her Arctic home for the outsiders' school. Now she has returned and can barely contain her excitement as she rushes towards her waiting family -- but her mother stands still as a stone. This strange, skinny child, with her hair cropped short, can't be her daughter. "Not my girl!" she says angrily. Margaret's years at school have changed her. Now ten years old, she has forgotten her language and the skills to hunt and fish. She can't even stomach her mother's food. Her only comfort is in the books she learned to read at school

Rock & roll highway

2014

by Sebastian Robertson and Adam Gustavson

"Canadian guitarist and songwriter Robbie Robertson is known mainly for his central role in the musical group the Band. But how did he become one of Rolling Stone's top 100 guitarists of all time? Written by his son Sebastian, this is the story of a rock-and-roll legend's journey through music, beginning when he was taught to play guitar at nine years old on a Native American reservation"--Amazon.com

The old ways

2014

by Susan Margaret. Chapman and John Mantha

"Simon loves his grandparents but they are stuck in their 'old ways.' Simon can't imagine what is so great about building igloos and listening to his grandmother's time- worn tales. It may take more than a little persuasion to interest him in both. In fact, it takes a blizzard and a broken engine to show Simon that the old ways are far more interesting-- and useful-- than any television show or video game could be"--Jacket flap

A man called Raven

2013

by Richard Van Camp and George Littlechild

A mysterious man tells two Indian brothers why they must not hurt the ravens that pester them.--publisher

A Salmon for Simon

2013

by Betty Waterton and Ann Blades

"Simon has always longed to catch a salmon. But when his luck suddenly changes and an eagle accidentally drops one into a tidal pool, Simon is torn between sympathy for the fish and the desire to catch something of his own. All summer long, Simon, a young First Nations boy, has been desperate to catch a salmon. He goes fishing every day, but has no luck. Then one day a high-flying eagle drops a salmon into a clam hole right before his eyes, and Simon must decide whether to take it home or let it go. This simple story with its evocative watercolor paintings of the Northwest Coast, was an environmental fable before its time when it was first published in 1978. But its true power rests in the magical combination of text and pictures, which have made it a best-selling classic." -- publisher

Caribou Song

2013

by Tomson Highway and John Rombough

"Joe and Cody are brothers who follow the caribou (ateek) all year long. Joe plays the accordion (kitoochigan) and Cody dances to entice the wandering caribou. But when thousands of caribou heed their call, the boys become part of a magical adventure"--Page 4 of cover