There have been many picture books that have come out in recent years that are not only fantastic but have also been written by Native American authors. Here are some of my favorites. Happy Reading!
By S. D. Nelson (Standing Rock Sioux Tribe)
Lakota Translation by Dakota W. Goodhouse
New York: Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2026. Picture Book.
Various animals teach different life lessons. For example, bear “teaches us to walk with strength and protect those who are smaller and weaker” while hummingbird “reminds us that no matter our size, we can act with great energy and strength.” Each page has the Lakota translation for the animal along with a guide as to how to pronounce the Lakota word. This beautiful book celebrates animals, people, and the Lakota way.
By Joy Harjo (Mvskoke Nation)
Illustrated by Adriana Garcia
New York: Norton Young Readers, 2025. Picture Book.
The former U.S. Poet Laureate’s poem has been turned into a picture book. The text celebrates the birth and life of a young girl and who she will become. The illustrations show the power of life, land, and animals (especially horses) and how that power shapes who we are. This book is perfect for those who want young readers to see that there is more to life than just the moments.
Written by Carole Lindstrom (Turtle Mountain Band of Ojibwe Indians)
Illustrated by Aly McKnight (Shoshone-Bannock Tribes)
New York: Bloomsbury Children’s Books, 2025. Picture Book.
In this stunning picture book young Rose desperately wants to help her family with the biannual buffalo hunt. This year the hunt has been harder due to “iron horses” (trains) that have brought new settlers to the lands where the buffalo live. Going against her father’s request, Rose rides to help scout the buffalo and in turn finds the buffalo herd for the hunters. This picture book has adventure, animals, love for family, and beautiful illustrations. Readers wanting to learn more about history and buffalo hunts as well as a strong girl who respects animals and her people will enjoy this book.
By Michaela Goade (Tlingit Nation)
New York: Little, Brown and Company, 2025. Picture Book.
On an island “at the edge of a shimmering sea” in the far North (think Sitka, Alaska) there is a family that watch the light during the dark winter months. From the short bits of sunlight to the lights in homes and from the bright moon to the Aurora borealis the family celebrates all the light of the quiet, winter months. The play of dark verses light in each of the illustrations is enchanting. Readers who love lush illustrations and warm feelings of family will enjoy this picture book.
By Julie Flett (Cree-Métis)
Vancouver, British Columbia: Greystone Kids, 2026. Picture Book.
Love is the theme of this book. How animals and nature love and how “We love too!” From little ducklings who are lost to stars that “hum” this book shows the love all around. In fact, Flett has dedicated this book to "you” because “you are loved.” Kids who need a book that feels like a warm hug will enjoy this quiet book.
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