With National Indigenous Peoples Day coming up on June 21, it’s a great time to read and share books by Indigenous authors and illustrators! This picture book reading list includes bestsellers, award-winners and new books all by Indigenous creators that you can read and share with kids all year around.
Springtime in Kitkatla
In this beautiful picture book, Wałaas and her dzi’i (grandmother) visit their family’s reserve, Kitkatla, for spring break. Award-winning author Kim Spencer perfectly captures the sense of spring vacation and time slowing down in this sweet story.
“Warmly evocative.” —Kirkus Reviews
Be a Good Ancestor
Rooted in Indigenous teachings, this long-standing bestseller encourages readers of all ages to consider the ways in which they live in connection to the world around them.
“A perfect read-aloud for introducing the importance of caring for the earth.” —Booklist
chi miigwech, big thank you
Chi miigwech means big thank you in Anishinaabemowin. This beautiful picture book expresses gratitude for the natural world, food and shelter, feelings, experiences and the Seven Grandfathers Teachings.
“A wonderfully reverent exploration of all we have to be thankful for, pitched perfectly for a young audience.” —Kirkus Reviews
This Land Is a Lullaby
Written as a lullaby for the author’s daughter and featuring striking pointillism artwork, this lush lullaby of the land honors the beauty of the Prairies and the Plains and the spiritual connection between Indigenous children, ancestors and their Traditional Territories.
🏆 Winner of the 2025 Governor General’s Literary Award.
⭐️ “This eloquent and insightful picture book…honors the enduring relationship between a child, their ancestors, and the land.” — Booklist, starred review
Kohkom’s First Drum
An age-appropriate introduction to the topic of the Sixties Scoop, Kohkom’s First Drum emphasizes the connection between Charlie and his kohkom and the power of their drumming together to help them heal.
“There is medicine, soul nourishment and hope here for everyone this book discovers. Mahsi cho!” —Richard Van Camp, bestselling author of Little You
If You Make a Mosom Tea
In this heartwarming picture book, a boy spends time his grandfather, helping him while he shares his stories and Knowledge. It highlights the special bond between a child and their grandparent through shared moments.
“This warmhearted tale celebrates Cree culture and language. Words and illustrations convey close-knit family bonds, strengthened by the sharing of family stories and traditions.” —School Library Journal
Woolly Dog Warms His Family
Artist and storyteller Andrea Fritz tells the tale of a Salish woolly dog who goes on an adventure over land and sea to gather natural fibers to keep his human family warm.
This is the fourth book in The Coast Salish Tales picture book series!
Dreaming Alongside
This inspiring picture book gives kids permission to daydream as Dragonfly journeys to the places in their lives that give rise to brilliant dreams for the future. Award-winning author Monique Gray Smith includes a mix of both traditional points of inspiration, like the ocean and cedar trees, and more modern ones to represent the real places readers know, and show them that dreams can come from anywhere.