Be a Good Ancestor - by Leona Prince & Gabrielle Prince (Hardcover)

About the Book

In this beautifully illustrated picture book, a repeated call to action reminds young readers that everything in our world is connected.

Book Synopsis

Rooted in Indigenous teachings, this stunning picture book encourages readers of all ages to consider the ways in which they live in connection to the world around them and to think deeply about their behaviors.

Addressing environmental issues, animal welfare, self-esteem and self-respect, and the importance of community, the authors deliver a poignant and universal message in an accessible way: Be a good ancestor to the world around you. Thought-provoking stanzas offer a call to action for each one of us to consider how we affect future generations. Every decision we make ripples out, and we can affect the world around us by thinking deeply about those decisions.

Available in French as Laisse un bel héritage

From the Back Cover

Be a good Ancestor with your thoughts Thoughts become ideas Ideas become actions Actions become movements Movements become change

Review Quotes

"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...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."

-- "Indigenous Books for Schools"

"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"

"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"

"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"

"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"

About the Author

Leona Prince is from the Lake Babine Nation and Nak'azdli Whut'en and belongs to the Lhts'umusyoo (Beaver Clan). Leona is an award-winning educator and is currently the assistant superintendent of Indigenous Education for the Ministry of Education and Child Care in BC. She is the author of A Dance Through the Seasons, published by WaveMaker Press. Leona lives in Burns Lake, British Columbia.

Gabrielle Prince is Dakelh from Lake Babine Nation and Nak'azdli Whut'en. Gabrielle is pursuing a bachelor of science in psychology with a minor in First Nations studies. When she's not immersed in her studies, Gabrielle enjoys exploring the outdoors, engaging in cultural activities and volunteering. She lives in British Columbia.

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. Carla lives in Chilliwack, British Columbia.