Welcome back to Bookstr’s Three to Read! This week, we’re highlighting three fantastic children’s picture books by talented Indigenous authors and illustrators. Read on to peek into these stories that highlight the beauty of our earth and the joys of connecting with it — and each other.
HOT PICK
Aloha Everything by Kaylin Melia George, illustrated by Mae Waite
SUMMARY:
Ano has always felt connected to her home on Hawai’i. She explores the ocean waves, observes the creatures of the forest, and admires the hawks soaring high above. When she starts dancing Hula — and learns more about the history and folklore of the Hawaiian people — she comes to know the bigger meaning of aloha.
WHY:
It’s impossible not to appreciate the beauty of Hawai’i and the depth of its people as you join Ano on her journey of discovering her culture and heritage and the knowledge of her ancestors. Full of whimsical illustrations to match the delightful plot and skillfully crafted with vivid colors and artistic mastery, this story will have you beaming along with Ano.
COFFEE SHOP READ
Summer’s Magic: An Indigenous Celebration of Nature by Kaitlin B. Curtice, illustrated by Eduardo Marticorena
SUMMARY:
Bo is proud to be a Potawatomi boy and can’t wait to spend his summer caring for his garden, playing with his dog, and spending time in the river with his awesome older sister, Dani. But when he goes to his family’s favorite spot and finds it has been overwhelmed with garbage and pollution, he realizes that his connection to the earth — and caring for it — is part of what he loves about summer. Overcoming his shyness and asking others to join him in his efforts just might reveal that there is even more to the magic of summer than he already knows.
WHY:
Joining Bo on his journey as he discovers the delights of connecting with his peers and breaking out of his shell will bring a smile to any face. And following along with him as he grows to love caring for the world around him (even when it’s not as enjoyable as picking vegetables in the garden) is a heartwarming reminder of our responsibilities as stewards of the Earth. Full of charming and expressive illustrations, this book makes it easy to join Bo on his emotional and intellectual journey.
DARK HORSE
Can You Hear the Plants Speak? by Nicholas Hummingbird and Julia Wasson, illustrated by Madelyn Goodnight
SUMMARY:
There is much to learn by listening to the plants, by watching the birds and each drop of rain as it falls. Nicholas Hummingbird is an Indigenous plantsman who recalls the lives of his great-grandparents and calls readers to remember along with him the value and wonder of the natural world. And that one seed, one leaf, one ray of sunshine, can refresh our hope, and remind us of our connection to the earth and each other.
WHY:
Recalling an often-forgotten belief that the spirit lives in all things, from the rocks of the mountains to the birds in the sky to the wind in the trees, Can You Hear the Plants Speak? is a beautiful reminder to connect with the world around us and to look deeper than just the plants and animals when looking for connection. The illustrations are whispy and playful and keep the feeling of the wind on your face fresh in readers’ minds.
Each of these stories expresses important values accompanied by beautiful illustrations that will appeal to readers young and old. It’s never too late to learn to appreciate the beauty of the world around us — or to connect with your community! These books are all excellent reminders to appreciate the little things because they turn out to be the big things, too.
Click here to check out last week’s Three to Read exploring paranormal romances!
Looking for more themed recs? Click here to browse Bookstr’s Three to Read bookshelf!
