Aaniin: I See Your Light by Dawn Quigley, illustrated by Nanibah Chacon
- Publisher: Heartdrum
- Publication Date: January 27, 2026
- Reviewed from Edelweiss e-galley
- ISBN: 9780063088634
Ojibwe author, Quigley shares the traditional Seven Grandfather teachings in this picture book. Each teaching is accompanied by a creature that symbolizes it. Courage and bravery are like Bear. Thinking of others before yourself, is like Buffalo. Being humble is like Wolf. Through the story, modern Native children are shown, enjoying nature, participating in activism, and connecting with the world around them.
The book speaks directly to the child reading it, using a second person structure. The words are simple and honest, shining on the child and showing them how vital they already are. The book shows that children are valued and their own characteristics live in the Grandfather teachings. The illustrations share the various animals near the children, shining on the page with light.
A quiet and powerful book about self-worth and connection. Appropriate for ages 2-4.
A Good Hide by Karina Iceberg, illustrated by Natasha Donovan
- Publisher: Heartdrum
- Publication Date: January 13, 2026
- Reviewed from Edelweiss e-galley
- ISBN: 9780063254930
In Alaska, after a successful moose hunt, the hide is transformed into quality leather by the community. First, Auntie gives a blessing, then everyone helps scrape the hide until hands are raw. Next comes soaking the hide and stretch it in a variety of ways from drumming to pulling. After that everyone pees on it and then another stretch and a soak in the rain. Next brains are used to create goo that is squished into the hide. It is hung over the fire to let the smoke tan it. More rain, more stretching, more pulling it tight. Finally it is ready to be made into new clothing and items for everyone.
Told by an Alaska Native (Aleut-Alutiiq), this picture book celebrates the hard work, effort and community it takes to follow traditional ways of tanning leather. The process has elements that will surprise readers just learning about it, including peeing on the hide and using brain goo. Those parts make the book all the more interesting for young readers. The illustrations, done by a member of the Métis Nation of British Columbia, clearly show the many people who work together on creating leather as well as showing the steps it takes.
A fascinating look at a traditional Native autumn event. Appropriate for ages 4-6.
Stronger Than by Nikki Grimes and Stacy Wells, illustrated by E. B. Lewis
- Publisher: Heartdrum
- Publication Date: January 27, 2026
- Reviewed from Edelweiss e-galley
- ISBN: 9780063264755
At 8 years old, Dante isn’t scared of almost anything, except the nightmares that he keeps on having. Dante spends his days outside playing in the Oklahoma countryside. He and his brother long to play Choctaw stickball, but they have to wait for their father to come home and do that with them. Night came and so did the nightmares of footsteps coming up behind him and a voice telling him not to run. To help with the dreams, his mother tells him stories of his ancestors, people who survived the Trail of Tears and the Tulsa Race Massacre. The next day, Dante headed to the library to learn even more about his ancestors and the racism they lived through and survived.
Beautifully told by Grimes in prose that reads more like poetry, this picture book shows the power of learning of one’s ancestors and the strength that can be gained from knowing more about them. It is the story of an Afro-Indigenous child, so Dante learns about Black history and Indigenous Choctaw history and draws strength from both. The illustrations are done in watercolor, focusing on the faces of Dante’s ancestors, the connection with his living family members, and the haunting vision of his nightmare.
A quietly powerful picture book about family history. Appropriate for ages 7-9.
Waking Brain Cells 