Be a Good Ancestor, a new picture book for children ages 3+ written by authors Leona Prince and Gabrielle Prince, from the Lake Babine Nation and Nak’azdli Whut’en, and illustrated by Cree artist Carla Joseph, is now available from Orca Book Publishers.
This stunning picture book encourages readers to consider the ways in which they live in connection to the world around them and to think deeply about their behaviors. Author Leona Prince highlights the importance of being considerate of future generations: “As stewards of this world we need to have care and consideration for all beings. We need to start thinking beyond the present and think about the legacy that we are leaving.
“We need a reminder, as humans, to do the right thing. The book is based in Indigenous knowledge, but applies to everyone.” Addressing environmental issues, animal welfare, self-esteem and self-respect and the importance of community, Be a Good Ancestor delivers a poignant and universal message in an accessible way: Be a good Ancestor to the world around you.
About the Authors and Illustrator:
Leona Prince and Gabrielle Prince are sisters from the Lake Babine Nation and Nak’azdli Whut’en and belong to the Likh Tsa Mis Yu (Beaver) Clan. Leona is an award-winning educator and the District Principal of Aboriginal Education for School District 91 (Nechako Lakes). Gabrielle is presently a full-time student at the University of Northern British Columbia, where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in psychology. She is the co-owner of Fireweed Canada Education Inc.
Carla Joseph is a Cree artist originally from Prince George, BC. In 2016 Carla was the Artist in Residence for the Prince George Community Arts Council, and she has done design work for several organizations, including the Aboriginal Head Start Association of British Columbia, Northern Health and the First Nations Health Authority. Carla lives in Chilliwack, British Columbia.
Praise for Be a Good Ancestor:
“A profound reminder, both in story and illustrations, of the beauty and potential that lies within each and every one of us.” —Monique Gray Smith, award-winning author of My Heart Fills With Happiness
“A beautiful call to action…A perfect read for teaching about empathy and demonstrating the ways we are all connected. Highly Recommended.” —CM: Canadian Review of Materials