Sandra De Coteau Orie (Oneida)
With vibrant illustrations by Christopher Canyon (Cherokee), Orie helps us share the wonders of spring.
Walker Books

Sandra De Coteau Orie (Oneida)
Debut author Orie, who grew up on an Oneida reservation, describes this book as a song, "a celebration of the circle of life-the return of morning to night as well as of each cycle of the seasons." Pitched in a soothing cadence, her narrative poses a series of questions, asking readers if they have heard, seen or experienced various phenomena that signal the approach of spring. Though her brief introductory note explains the meaning of certain Oneida symbols, many of her questions may seem obscure ("Does your memory bring Sweet Grass's fragrance?"; "Did you see the fields of the Three Sisters coming?"; "Did you see Trillium's Stars lying upon the Forest bed's heaven?"). More appropriately geared to the target audience are Canyon's (The Ever-Living Tree) dramatic, large-scale paintings, in which animals, insects, birds and flowers and are rendered in impressive detail. Beadwork motifs enliven the endpapers. Ages 4-8.
Walker & Company

Virginia A. Stroud (Cherokee)
Saygee's great-grandfather, almost 100 years old, is "like a living book," made up of so many stories. During his life great changes have come to his people, the Kiowas, and much time has passed since he earned his warrior name, Doesn't Fall Off His Horse. He tells Saygee how he won that name in his youth, unfolding the tale in stirring, carefully crafted prose. His story is of a brush with death; of bravery and foolishness; of Native American traditions. Stealing horses from Comanches to "count coup" (dishonor an enemy and demonstrate one's own courage), he and his comrades escape the Comanche camp-although he takes a bullet in the neck. In her first picture book, Stroud writes so vividly that the hot breath of the pursuing Comanches can almost be felt. Equally effective are boldly colored yet delicately patterned acrylics. Horses sport coats of violet, manes of aqua, and yet they do not seem unreal. The illustrations, like the text, stream with movement. Ages 6-9.
Dial

Joseph Bruchac (Abenaki)
Dog stories set in ancient times. 1995 Parent's Choice & Paterson Award winner.

Ferguson Plain (Ojibwe)
Now that his Mishoomis, his grandfather, is gone, a young man remembers walking with him in the bush and listening to stories of the old days; he remembers being honored with an eagle feather at the powwow and not knowing what he had done to deserve this honor; he remembers his grandfather telling him that “I had achieved a good deed from the first day he held me, as a baby, in his arms.” Plain’s illustrations perfectly complement this deep little story and express the many layers of life’s experiences.
Pemmican Publications

Joseph Bruchac (Abenaki)
When Danny Bigtree moves to a new school in the big city, he finds it hard to fit in. A moving story about taking pride in who you are, and putting peace in your heart.
Dial

edited by E. Barrie Kavasch. A rich resource for people interested in Native American culture. Includes stories, craft projects, puzzles, games and recipes. This book shares the gifts of Native people and opens the doors to their worlds. All ages.

Chief Jake Swamp (Mohawk)
Mohawk parents have always taught their children to start each day giving thanks to Mother Earth, a tradition based on the belief that the natural world is a precious and rare gift.
Lee&Low Books

Chief Jake Swamp (Mohawk)
Mohawk parents have always taught their children to start each day giving thanks to Mother Earth, a tradition based on the belief that the natural world is a precious and rare gift.
Lee&Low Books

Chief Jake Swamp (Mohawk)
The flat planes and saturated colors of Printup's highly stylized acrylic paintings form a handsome backdrop to this ancient Iroquois message of thanksgiving, adapted for children by a chief of the Mohawk nation. A salute to Mother Earth and all her beauty, the "good morning message" is traditionally delivered at the beginning of each day and at special ceremonies. Its simple, timeless language bears witness to the Native American reverence for the natural world and sense of unity with all living things ("We give thanks to green grasses that feel so good against our bare feet, for the cool beauty you bring to Mother Earth's floor"). The gifts of the earth ("good foods... our life sustainers"; "Grandfather Thunder Beings") are richly depicted in paintings of wildlife and bountiful harvests. Horizontal bands of color suggest receding landscapes, pristine skies and oceans. This eye-catching book, a debut for both author and artist, would pair well with Susan Jeffers's Brother Eagle, Sister Sky for a story-telling session. All ages.
Lee & Low Books