Welcome to our
Lending Library
The GRMC is proud to provide a lending library of Aboriginal children's books for our community.
All the books are arranged below in alphabetical order by author's first name. You can either scroll down or search by title. If you find a book you would like to borrow, simply click 'Request' and complete the form to find out the availability and to arrange a time for pick up.
Caribou Hide - The Stories on the Land
Alfred Masuzumi
In Caribou Hide, the author tells two anecdotes about his experiences hunting on the land. The first story describes his dog team and the partnership he has with each dog. In the second story, the author describes one experience he had while out hunting during a blizzard.
Grades:
3 to 10
Crying Christmas Tree, The
Allan Crow
All the children laugh when Grandmother brings home a scrawny Christmas tree. There's a wonderful surprise, however, in this charming holiday story.
Grades:
1 to 4
Vie Dans L'Artique, La
Allan Fowler
Designed for the rookie reader, this picture book explains about the lifestyles of the Inuit of North America.
Grades:
Kindergarten to 4
Solomon's Tree
Andrea Spalding
In this contemporary story set on the Northwest coast, a Native boy learns about the cycle of life and traditional art when a special maple tree is felled during a storm. Solomon is an only child in a warm and loving Native family. He finds hours of joy and comfort as he plays in the family's large maple tree.
Grades:
1 to 4
Kawlija's Blueberry Promise
Audrey Guiboche
The summer blueberry harvest is an annual expedition for young Kawlija and her family.
Grades:
1 to 6
Mama, Do You Love Me?
Barbara Joosse
This is a children's board book designed to appeal to all children from all cultures in this story, an Inuit mother and daughter reaffirm their love for one another.
Grades:
Preschool
I Can't Have Bannock but the Beaver has a Dam
Bernalda Wheeler
This is a wonderful picture book for reading aloud to young children. Bannock is a traditional bread made by most Aboriginals in northern Canada.
Grades:
Junior Kindergarten to 1
Mud Family, The
Betsy James
The Mud Family is a children's picture book set among the ancient Anasazi of the Southwest. In this fictional story, a young girl named Sosi and her family experience a difficult time when a summer drought dries up their cornfield.
Grades:
Junior Kindergarten to 4
Native North American Wisdom and Gifts
Bobbie Kalman
Many of the foods we eat, the tools we use, the games we play, and even the ideas in which we believe, originated in North American Native peoples. Beautiful images and easy-to-follow text help young readers discover the Native traditions.
Grades:
3 to 6
Saennchur Fleshii di Michif, Li (Thomas and the Métis Sash)
Bonnie Murray
Thanks to a school art project, Thomas learns from his mother about the history of the Métis sash and its importance to the Métis people.
Grades:
1 to 5
Minoush, Li
Bonnie Murray
When Thomas feels left out because all his friends have pets, he asks his mother for a cat. She agrees and calls it Minoush from the Michif language.
Grades:
Kindergarten to 3
Thomas and Métis Cart/Tumaas ekwa li Michif Sharey
Bonnie Murray
When dad helps him build a miniature replica of a red river cart for science class, young Thomas learns another chapter of his Métis heritage. Bonnie Murray's fourth title in the Michif children's series is told in english, with Michif translation by Rita Flamand and charming illustrations by Sheldon Dawson.
Grades:
Kindergarten to 5
Granny's Giant Bannock
Brenda Wastasecoot
A little miscommunication between english-speaking Larf and his Cree-speaking grandmother leads to hilarious results when a giant sprawling bannock threatens to take over the town. Beyond its antic humour, this is a tender story about the need to listen and understand.
Grades:
Kindergarten to 7
Granny Shoongish and the Giant Oak Tree
Char Ducharme
Granny takes young Cassie to talk with the mighty oak tree, who tells her how even the smallest acorn has the potential to grow into greatness.
Grades:
Kindergarten to 4
Maple Moon
Connie Brummel Crook and Scott Cameron
Maple Moon is a children's picture book that tells a fictionalized story about the origin of maple sugar. The story is set in the past before the coming of the Europeans.
Grades:
Kindergarten to 4
Boog the Bug
Cynthia Genaille
Little Boog is heartbroken when his parents separate, and he worries that it's his fault. Through his parent's love, however, he understands that while they have to live apart they each love him more than ever.
Grades:
Kindergarten to 4
Nom Pour Un Métis, Un
David Bouchard
This book effectively explains about teachings from grandmother Nokum, told in english and Cree. The grandson asks his grandmother about the importance of attending school and learning to read.
Grades:
1 to 4
Seven Teachings, The
David Courchase Jr.
The seven teachings are represented by seven animals, each representing a different understanding of life andearth. Eagle - LOVE, Buffalo - RESPECT, Bear - COURAGE, Sabe - HONESTY, beaver - WISDOM, wolf - HUMILITY, and turtle - TRUTH.
Grades:
Kindergarten to 7
Little Métis and the Métis Sash
Deborah Delaronde
Little Métis is bored and only wishes to help his family with their daily chores in the bush. When a mischievous spirit tries to make trouble, Little Métis finds he helps them much more than he knows.
Grades:
Kindergarten to 4
Métis Spirits
Deborah Delaronde
Do you believe in ghosts? In Métis Spirits, Deborah Delaronde shows once again how the history of the Métis winds through the experience of today. Her first collection of short stories for young readers weaves magic through time to show how we all can be guided by the spirits of our past.
Grades:
4 to 8
Name for a Métis, A
Deborah Delaronde
What’s in a name? A little boy might be known as Great Big Nose because he's so nosy or Big Ears because he listens so carefully. Yet there's one name that might suit him even better.
Grades:
Kindergarten to 4
Flour Sack Flora
Deborah Delaronde
Flora wants more than anything to go to town, but she doesn't have a pretty dress to wear. With the help of her grandmother, Flora finds that anything is possible.
Grades:
1 to 4
Looking After Me
Denise Lecoy
This book in the Caring of Me series discusses ways children deal with feelings and emotions. Told in a sensitive manner through a story about a quail extended family, the book covers life lessons taught by loving quail parents.
Grades:
Junior Kindergarten to 2