• BOOKS

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Buffy Sainte-Marie

is a world-renowned and Academy Award-winning Cree singer-songwriter, activist, educator, and visual artist. Michelle Alynn Clement is an award-winning book designer and illustrator from Vancouver, BC.

Tâpwê and the Magic Hat / Tâpwê Êkwa Mamâhtâwastotin (Cree Edition)

Written by Buffy Sainte-Marie
Illustrated by Michelle Alynn Clement

Published by Greystone Books  

CLICK HERE FOR OUR TEACHERS GUIDE!

A chapter book inspired by oral histories and traditions. On a prairie reserve, Tâpwê receives a mysterious gift from Kokhom (grandma)—and finds himself on an unforgettable adventure. 

Tâpwê can’t wait to spend a week with his cousins on the other side of the Cree reserve—especially since Kokhom, his grandma, has given him the most amazing gift: a Magic Hat with bluebirds and grass snakes that come to life! Tâpwê is so excited that he soon forgets Kokhom’s advice: Watch out for tricksters!

Tâpwê’s adventure is everything he imagined. He meets his cousins, takes part in a powwow, and sleeps in a tipi. But soon he’s reminded of Kokhom’s words. Is his new friend Wâpos leading him astray with mischief?

Tâpwê and the Magic Hat draws on a rich Indigenous tradition of storytelling and features:

  • A memorable cast of characters from both imagination and legend.
  • A glossary and pronunciation guide of Cree words used in the book.
  • A note to parents and teachers from Buffy Sainte-Marie about trickster stories.
  • An important message for young readers about being yourself, and learning to dance to the beat of your own heart.
  • Features black and white illustrations throughout.

About the Illustrator: Michelle Alynn Clement is an award-winning book designer and illustrator from Vancouver, BC.

NEW ARTICLE in Quill & Quire – Buffy talks about the new Cree edition Audiobook!

Selected by NewYork Times Best Illustrated Children’s book!

also on the GLOBE AND MAIL KID’S HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

Still This Love Goes On
Written by Buffy Sainte-Marie
Illustrated by Julie Flett
Published by Greystone Books

About the Book:

A love letter to Indigenous communities everywhere, this picture book gorgeously illustrated by Julie Flett celebrates seasons, nature, and community.

Based on Academy Award-winning Cree icon Buffy Sainte-Marie’s song of the same name, Still This Love Goes On is a stunning celebration of Indigenous experience. Breathtaking illustrations from celebrated Cree–Métis artist Julie Flett combine with Sainte-Marie’s vivid lyrics to craft a remarkable piece of art.

Destined to be read and sung for generations, this gem of a picture book is accompanied by: 

  • Sheet music so that readers can play along
  • A note from Sainte-Marie about her much-admired song

Sat beside a beaver dam and watched the winter grow

Ice was hard with little tracks appearing in the snow

Fog is in the valley now and all the geese are gone

Cross the moon I saw them go and

Still this love goes on and on

Still this love goes on.

About the Illustrator: Julie Flett is a Cree–Métis author, illustrator, and artist who has received numerous awards for her books, including two Governor General’s Awards and the American Indian Library Association Award. Her work has been reviewed widely, including in the New York Times, the Globe and Mail, and Publishers Weekly. Her books Birdsong and We All Play, also published by Greystone Kids, earned multiple starred reviews and appeared on many best of the year lists.

Hey Little Rockabye – A Lullaby for Pet Adoption
Written by Buffy Sainte-Marie
Illustrated by Ben Hodson
Published by Greystone Books

About the Book:
A lullaby that celebrates pet adoption from iconic singer-songwriter, Buffy Sainte-Marie.
In this tender and moving picture book, a puppy is looking for someone to love him. Will the girl who rescues him convince her parents to let her keep the little dog? Buffy Sainte-Marie advocates “putting the songs to work” and, like her other lyrics, Hey Little Rockabye conveys an important message about finding love and acceptance. Brought to life in charming illustrations by Ben Hodson, Hey Little Rockabye shares a not-yet-released song with the world for the first time.

With the release of the first-ever recording to coincide with the publication of the book, Hey Little Rockabye can now be read—or sung—by old and young alike for years to come.

Buffy Sainte-Marie has made her voice heard worldwide through her music, art, and activism, establishing herself among the ranks of music greats. Her long career has seen her rise to stardom on the festival and performing arts circuit, with forays into country, rock, folk, soundtracks, acting, activism, and children’s television. Now, she adds children’s picture book author to her incredible list of accomplishments.
Ben Hodson is an award-winning illustrator of more than twenty children’s books. He lives with his family in Peterborough, Ontario.

Stream: Hey Little Rockabye
Purchase Book: Hey Little Rockabye
Watch Buffy perform: Hey Little Rockabye