2026 Picture Books by Indigenous Creators
Over the past few weeks, I’ve discovered a lot of wonderful picture books written and/or illustrated by Indigenous creators and as it’s Native American Heritage Month, I thought it was the perfect time to share just a handful of the books that have been published this year. While there aren’t a lot of books published by Indigenous creators, I think it’s important for kids to see Indigenous characters in both historical and contemporary settings, in both fiction and nonfiction titles.
If you’re looking for even more books by Indigenous creators, check out the Indigenous Reads Rising website which shares book lists, teacher resources, and shines the spotlight on publishers actively publishing Indigenous authors and illustrators. You might also want to take a look at the American Indian Youth Literature Award, awarded biennially that “honors the very best writing and illustrations by Native Americans and Indigenous peoples of North America.”
Enjoy these great books and share them with your readers!
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2026 Picture Books by Indigenous Creators
The Animals Speak: The Lakota Way by S. D. Nelson, translated by Dakota Goodhouse
From our animal brothers and sisters, young readers can learn the Lakota Way, an ancient principle that transmits the virtues and values we should all strive to include in our own lives. If we watch and listen to their teachings, they will prepare us as we make our way through the joys and challenges of our mysterious, wondrous world.
Blue Bearies by Brenda J. Child, illustrated by Jonathan Thunder, translated by Gordon Jourdain
Windy Girl and her classmates learn to appreciate our bear relatives and the wisdom that comes from observing their actions and antics in various northland scenes. “Bears are our teachers!” exclaims Mrs. Mukwa at the end of a field trip with Windy Girl’s class. Indeed, beyond an intertwined history that includes a woman “as fierce as a bear” during a long-ago battle and a cub that traveled on the shoulders of an Ojibwe man, these animal relatives have much to teach us.
Stop by stop, the students learn about habitats and habits, landscapes and lore—the assorted ways that bears seek out the gifts of their environment. Windy Girl and her classmates marvel as they witness bears digging medicinal herbs, munching on berries, and playing with their families. The ultimate lesson is to respect our bear relatives. Will Windy Girl remember this advice later in the summer as she prepares for a berrying trip with Uncle?
Free to Fly by Karina Iceberg, illustrated by Steph Littlebird
In a treehouse by the sea, a grandfather shares the story of how he kept his dreams alive with thoughts of his future grandchild—who is his most precious dream of all.
Gathering the Light by Joy Harjo, illustrated by Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley
We live in a circle; it begins at sunrise.
Go out to greet the day, to respect, to honor.
Beginning at sunrise, this poetic picture book follows a young girl and her faithful dog through the sacred rhythm of a day. She gathers light in the morning and moves through the day, giving thanks, remembering her loved ones, and releasing the day’s worries. Her journey is a reminder that we all exist as part of a circle—ever moving, ever bright.
Here Come the Aunties! by Cynthia Leitich Smith, illustrated by Aphelandra
“Hesci! Here come the aunties!”
Aunts by kinship as well as family friends, neighbors, and community members all step up to fill the important role of “auntie.” They are there for life’s joys, sorrows, and celebrations, bringing their own special love.
Indigenous from A to Z by Traci Sorell, illustrated by Natasha Donovan
Welcome to Indigenous from A to Z, a stunning alphabetical introduction to the rich history of Native peoples across the USA. Letter by letter, award-winning author Traci Sorell (Cherokee) offers terms that speak to both the vast diversity among Native Nations and the many connections they share, building an essential foundation of understanding for young readers. From the past shown in B is for Before 1492 and C is for Colonialism, to the vibrant culture revealed in J is for Joking and M is for Music, to the dynamic future promised by O is for Organize and R is for Reclaim, this powerful book captures the legacy and living history of Indigenous peoples today.
The sweeping illustrations by artist Natasha Donovan (Métis) encompass both the vastness of the changes Indigenous people have experienced and the specificity of individual artists, scientists, and other significant figures. Rich backmatter explains the visual and textual references.
Paul’s Bunion: A Tall Tale Resized by Dawn Quigley, illustrated by Chief Lady Bird
You’ve heard those tall tales about that giant lumberjack, Paul Bunyan, his big blue ox named Babe, and his girlfriend, Sally Anne Thunder Anne Whirlwind. How he created the Grand Canyon by dragging his axe, scooped out the hole for Lake Superior, and other feats of incredible strength that supposedly created the American landscape. But you haven’t heard the real story, told by the indigenous people who lived in this so-called wilderness. Now you can! Including the true story of how Paul got his last name!
A Salmon Story: Protecting the Future by Willie Poll, illustrated by Chantelle Trainor-Matties
Salmon are central to their ecosystem and the lives of many Indigenous Nations, but the rapid rise of open net-pen fish farming has threatened these longstanding connections. Salmon have followed the same migration routes for thousands of years, but the fish farming industry has had a deadly impact on their annual journey. Open-net pen farms release harmful waste into the ocean that is lethal to the wild salmon forced to swim through it. Now, the salmon must battle against the human-made destruction of their habitat, and many Nations are advocating for change and creating calls of action to protect salmon for future generations.
As the young salmon journey from their gravel nests to the open ocean, readers learn about the life cycle of wild salmon, the effects of open-net pen fish farms, and the role of salmon as a keystone species.
Season’s By the Lake: Adventures in Greenland by Naja Lund Aparico, illustrated by Alex Nees
Brothers Minik and Nuka have a whole year of adventures ahead in Greenland, including finding ice shards from glaciers in the spring to picking crowberries during the summer when the sun barely sets.
The darkness of winter reveals Arsarnerit, or the Aurora Borealis, above as the two whisper about the Inuit myth behind the lights.
We All Love by Julie Flett
Join baby bears, little ducklings, curious foxes, and many more adorable creatures as they remind us of all the ways, big and small, that we show love and care. We All Love is a poetic and beautifully illustrated reminder of the interconnectedness of the natural world—demonstrating how care, protection, and love are experienced by all living things.
When I’m a Moshom by David A. Robertson, illustrated by Corrie Hill
This heartwarming story thoughtfully explores the legacy of love, traditions and heritage passed down from generation to generation. Through the eyes of three siblings and their moshom (grandfather), readers are taken on a journey filled with cherished moments, from cheering at sports events to sharing traditional Cree knowledge and language. This picture book beautifully captures the bonds between grandparents and grandchildren, making it perfect for shared reading and an ideal gift for special occasions like birthdays, holidays or family celebrations.
You Are the Land by Steph Littlebird
From the day she’s born, a child feels the love and power that come with being part of something bigger. She’s a new spring leaf, alive and growing, as strong as the ancient cedars and as radiant as the glittering night sky. She is one with the amazing forces of nature that surround and nurture her, and that she nurtures in return.
