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Siha Tooskin Knows the Nature of Life

By Charlene Bearhead & Wilson Bearhead
Illustrated by Chloe Bluebird Mustooch
Series: Siha Tooskin Knows
Imprint: HighWater Press

Categories: Children's Fiction, Indigenous, Environment, Values & Virtues, New Baby
Big Ideas: Aspects of Indigenous Cultures, Spirituality and Ceremony, Worldviews, Teachings, and Protocols, Contemporary Setting, Diverse and Inclusive Representation, Identity, Social Emotional Learning, Character Education, Generosity, Kindness, Respect, Sharing, Social Justice, Impacts of Colonization and Colonialism, STEM, Plants, Rocks and Minerals
Cultures & Peoples: Nakota
Indigenous Languages: Nakota, Words or Phrases

Interest Age: 9–12
Grade: 4–6
Reading Level: Fountas & Pinnell R, Lexile® Framework for Reading: 950L
Paperback : 9781553798439, 40 pages, May 2020
Ebook (EPUB) : 9781553798446, 40 pages, May 2020
Ebook (PDF) : 9781553798453, 40 pages, May 2020

Rocks, grass, trees, birds—what can they possibly teach human beings?

Description

Paul Wahasaypa knows that Ena Makoochay (Mother Earth) gives us many things. On this compelling nature journey with Ena (his mom), we learn how strength, generosity, kindness, and humility are all shown to us by grandfather rocks, towering trees, four-legged ones, and winged ones, reminding us of the part we have to play in this amazing creation. Join Paul and Ena as they experience the beautiful nature of life.

The Siha Tooskin Knows series uses vivid narratives and dazzling illustrations in contemporary settings to share stories about an 11-year-old Nakota boy.

Awards

  • Long-listed, SOLS First Nations Communities READ, Children's Category 2021

Reviews

Among The Globe and Mail's twelve children’s books that will inspire and enlighten

The Globe and Mail

Though The Nature of Life is fiction, it is much less a story than it is a “teaching” and, as such, becomes a useful addition to libraries serving elementary-aged students. Recommended

Dave Jenkins, CM Association

Among Best Books for Kids & Teens, a starred selection of exceptional caliber

The Canadian Children's Book Centre (CCBC)

#SihaTooskinKnows…, with its words and illustrations, is a love letter to our family, culture, resilience, and pride.

Tanya Talaga, journalist and author

Reconciliation is a big word, and it is a big job. Authors Wilson and Charlene Bearhead show us that even storybook characters can help when they are brought alive in authentic cultural settings. Meet Paul Wahasaypa, also known as Siha Tooskin or Little Foot, as he dances his way through these colourful pages, sharing some of the things he loves most with his new, non-Indigenous friend Jeff…his culture, his powwow dances, and even his beloved Uncle Lenard with all his teachings and teasing! More than an adventure between new friends, this is a colourful, youth-friendly, cultural exchange based on kindness, respect, and willingness to share and to learn.

Marie Wilson, Commissioner, TRC of Canada , 2009-2015

This is a great story where a young boy learns about his culture. The author does a great job of touching on heavy topics that youth can understand. This was a fun, sweet and happy story. ..I cannot wait to add it to my collection.

NetGalley

There are many reasons to love this series.  Highly Recommended.

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