New ebooks From Canadian Indies
Description
Based on ancient Haida narratives, this vibrantly illustrated children's book empowers young people and teaches them to live in harmony with nature.
Haida Gwaii is home to a rich and vibrant culture whose origins date back thousands of years. Today, the Haida People are known throughout Canada and the world for their artistic achievements, their commitment to social justice and environmental protection, and their deep connection to the natural world. Embedded in Haida culture and drawn from ancient oral narratives are a number of Supernatural Beings, many of them female, who embody these connections to the land, the sea, and the sky. Magical Beings of Haida Gwaii features ten of these ancient figures and presents them to children as visually engaging, empowering, and meaningful examples of living in balance with nature. Developed by renowned Haida activist, lawyer, performer, and artist Terri-Lynn Williams-Davidson and Haida educator Sara Florence Davidson, this book challenges stereotypes, helps advance reconciliation, and celebrates Indigenous identity and culture.
Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels
- Age:
- 4 to 8
- Grade:
- p to 3
- Reading age:
- 4 to 8
Editorial Reviews
“Magical Beings of Haida Gwaii is a gentle, powerful collection of words and pictures, stories that hold knowledge, teachings, and traditions for the generations of today and the future. A must-read for those who live on the beautiful island of Haida Gwaii, and any Canadian who wants to learn about one of the many vital Indigenous cultures across Turtle Island.”
— David A. Robertson, winner of the Governor General’s award for When We Were Alone
“Magical Beings of Haida Gwaii is an enchanting book born of a close relationship and understanding of how we see the world from an Indigenous perspective. There is an intrinsic value to stories recorded from the most natural of primary sources, our families. Terri-Lynn and Sara Davidson have given us a lesson on how to value our Indigenous magical beings as we all have them.”
— Naa-Jing-Jada, Verna J. Kirkness , educator and author of Creating Space: My Life and Work in Indigenous Education
“The Supernaturals, the Magical Beings, have been here since the beginning of time and they are still here. With this book, children can become familiar with the Supernaturals so that they can become part of our natural ways again, as it was with our grandparents.”
— GwaaGanad, Diane Brown (Honorary) , Spirit Aligned Legacy Leader, Haida Elder
“An absolute treasure and honouring for the Haida People and for Haida Gwaii, and a marvel of devotion for the world to learn from. Oh I love this book so much! I am in awe of Magical Beings of Haida Gwaii. Every Nation deserves a book as gorgeous and as healing as this one.”
— Richard Van Camp, award-winning author of Moccasin Square Gardens
“This book is both gorgeous and profound. A true masterpiece.”
— Monique Gray Smith
