An excellent addition to any school library, Be a Good Ancestor is a compelling picture book that provides readers with gentle lessons about the interconnectedness of the world around us. Coauthors Leona Prince and Gabriella Prince, both from the Nak’azdli Whut’en and Lake Babine Nation, create rhythm and poetic effect throughout this book by using patterned text to capture the reader’s attention and weave a story of growth and balance. Thoughtfully illustrated by Cree artist Carla Joseph, Be a Good Ancestor vividly depicts cyclical patterns in nature as well as shows the vital role humans play in honouring others as a way to nurture relationships, build community, and live in harmony. Suited for K–4 classrooms, this book is ideal for: science topics related to living things, life cycles, and ecosystems; Language Arts lessons on literary elements and devices; and integrated competency-based learning about caring for people, animals, and places.

Other End Matter: Dedications, Author and Illustrator biographies
Images: Colour illustrations
Contributor Affiliation: Authors Leona Prince (Lake Babine Nation and Nak’azdli Whut'en) and Gabrielle Prince (Lake Babine Nation and Nak’azdli Whut'en), Illustrator Carla Joseph (Cree)
Bibliography: No
Index: No

Source: Books BC - BC Books for Schools & Indigenous Books for Schools

Leona Prince is from the Lake Babine Nation and Nak’azdli Whu’ten and belongs to the Likh Tsa Mis Yu (Beaver) Clan. She is a descendant of Chief Kwah and Stiche. Leona is an award-winning educator and is currently the District Principal of Aboriginal Education for School District 91 (Nechako Lakes). She is the author of A Dance Through the Seasons, published by Fireweed Canada. Leona lives in Burns Lake, British Columbia.

Leona Prince's profile page

Gabrielle Prince is from the Lake Babine Nation and Nak’azdli Whut'en. She belongs to the Lhts’umusyoo (Beaver Clan). Presently, she is pursuing a Bachelor of Science at UNBC, majoring in psychology and minoring in First Nation Studies. Her writing advocates thoughtful action, environmental consciousness and community connections, while echoing her cultural ancestry. She is excited to blend her knowledge of psychology with her Indigenous heritage to create more stories in the future.

Gabrielle Prince's profile page

Carla Joseph is a Cree artist originally from Prince George, British Columbia. In 2016 Carla was the Artist in Residence for the Prince George Community Arts Council, and she has done design work for several organizations, including the Aboriginal Head Start Association of British Columbia, Northern Health and the First Nations Health Authority. Carla loves the way she makes people feel with her art. It inspires her to continue with her gift, and she loves to challenge herself by taking on many different types of projects, many of which can be seen around her community. She is also the illustrator of Be a Good Ancestor. Carla lives in Chilliwack, British Columbia.

Carla Joseph's profile page

• Nominated, Forest of Reading Blue Spruce Award
• Nominated, Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Children’s Book Awards - Children’s Picture Book
• Commended, International Board on Books for young People (IBBY) Canada- From Sea to Sea to Sea: Celebrating Indigenous Picture Books
• Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens

“A beautiful call to action…A perfect read for teaching about empathy and demonstrating the ways we are all connected. Highly Recommended.”

CM: Canadian Review of Materials

“So much to look at and discuss. In this short book the authors have helped readers begin to think about answers to the question: “How do you live now to help future generations?”…Will surely find a place in classrooms and libraries, especially as talk turns to Earth Day later this spring. Recommended.”

School Library Connection

“The message by authors Leona Prince and Gabrielle Prince to ‘be a good ancestor’ is a deceptively simple and poignant one…These wise words are accompanied by breathtaking illustrations…A book for readers of all ages.”

Vancouver Writers Fest

“A perfect read-aloud for introducing the importance of caring for the earth.”

Booklist

“A stunning, holistic body of work (both text and art) which is grounded in the teachings of many Indigenous Nation's worldviews...Highly recommended for home, school and public libraries."

Canadian Children's Book Centre (CCBC) Canadian Children’s Book News