This entertaining children’s book, filled with fun, colourful illustrations, shares the interconnection between beaver dams and their importance to other animals in their environment. The animated characters Amik and her little sister Nishiime are excited for the expected visit of their cousins from other territories, until Nishiime gets scared and hides from everyone. While looking for her little sister, Amik encounters other animals who benefit from the dam her family has made.

After watching from a distance, Nishiime realizes her cousins are just like her family, and she comes out of hiding. This heartwarming story, brought to life with vibrant illustrations, not only highlights the ecological significance of beaver dams but also teaches valuable lessons about family, community, and overcoming fears.

Other End Matter: Translation guide, discussion guide
Images: Colour illustrations
Contributor Affiliation: Author Nancy Cooper (Chippewas of Mnjikaning First Nation), Illustrator Joshua Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley (Wasauksing First Nation)
Bibliography: No
Index: No

Evaluator: Debra H., Elementary School Teacher, Indigenous Books for Schools

NANCY COOPER is from the Chippewas of Rama First Nation in southern Ontario. She grew up all over northern Ontario, and her favorite place to be is out in the forest seeing and learning new things. Nancy lives in Toronto now and loves to spend time with her twin sons, her wife, and their poodle Joy.

Nancy Cooper's profile page

JOSHUA MANGESHIG PAWIS-STECKLEY est un artiste ojibwé des bois et un membre de la Première Nation de Wasauksing. Son art vise à récupérer et à promouvoir les histoires et les enseignements traditionnels ojibwés dans un style forestier contemporain. Il a organisé plusieurs expositions individuelles sur l’Île de la Tortue. Joshua a entre autres illustré l’album primé Mii maanda ezhi-gkendmaanh / La Terre me parle : Un livre sur les saisons de Brittany Luby. Il vit à la fois à Vancouver et dans la Première Nation de Wasauksing.

JOSHUA MANGESHIG PAWIS-STECKLEY is an Ojibwe woodland artist and a member of Wasauksing First Nation. His art aims to reclaim and promote traditional Ojibwe stories and teachings in a contemporary woodland style. He has held several solo art exhibitions across Turtle Island. Joshua has illustrated the award-winning picture book Mii maanda ezhi-gkendmaanh / La Terre me parle : Un livre sur les saisons by Brittany Luby, among others. He spends his time living both in Vancouver and Wasauksing First Nation.

Joshua Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley's profile page

• Commended, Best Books for Kids and Teens
• Commended, FOLD Kids Book-of-the-Month

"The illustrations provide joyful scenes of the beavers’ gathering, giving each one a personality and style. Crayon bright and full of small lessons of hospitality, vocabulary, and adventure, this sweet story belongs on family shelves as well as among Indigenous collections."

School Library Journal

"A sweet educational story about family and nature embedded in several Nations’ traditions."

Canadian Review of Materials

"In a story about diversity and acceptance of differences, Nancy Cooper also reminds us of the interrelationship of living things ... Biindigen! Amik Says Welcome is a fresh picture book in language and art, and its messages about acceptance and gratitude will make it a welcome addition to any bookshelf."

CanLit for Little Canadians

"Biindigen! Amik Says Welcome can be an asset in several areas of the primary curriculum. I hope teachers and librarians will follow the example of my favorite library and get a copy—or more than one—for the bookshelves."

American Indians in Children's Literature

"A vibrant work laden with messages, from accepting differences to fostering respect for the natural world."

Kirkus Reviews