Author Profile
Michaela Goade
7 Books
Michaela Goade is a Tlingit author and illustrator whose work often highlights Indigenous culture and the connection between nature and community. She won the Caldecott Medal for 'We Are Water Protectors,' becoming the first Indigenous person to receive the award. Her vibrant, ethereal art style is a hallmark of celebrated titles like 'Berry Song' and 'I Sang You Down from the Stars.'
The winter nights can seem very long and dark, but if you look closely, the world is actually full of beautiful light. Step onto an island by a silvery sea, where a young girl shares a special story to help her cousin feel brave and comforted when the sun goes down.
Together, you will discover that the darkness is nothing to be afraid of. You will see moonlight glittering through the quiet forest, tiny glowing creatures sparkling along the ocean shore, and bright northern lights dancing high up in the sky. The whole natural world has a beautiful song to sing.
This glowing story brings the magic of a winter night right into your hands. It is a wonderful read to help you feel cozy, safe, and amazed by the beautiful wonders waiting outside your window after the sun sets.
6-8 Years
Step into a lush, green forest filled with sweet, wild treats waiting to be discovered. Join a young Tlingit girl and her grandmother as they walk through the trees and along the water, gathering all kinds of delicious berries across the changing seasons.
As you explore the island with them, you will learn a special way of connecting with the earth. The girl and her grandmother sing beautiful songs to the trees, the water, and the animals. They will teach you how to talk to the land, and even more importantly, how to listen closely when the land speaks right back to you.
This joyful celebration of nature and family will make you want to wander outside and explore. It is a beautiful reminder of the gifts the earth gives us and the quiet wisdom we can gain when we spend time outside with the people we love.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
40 Pages
Look closely at the sky above you and the earth beneath your feet. Have you ever wondered how you are connected to the stars, the moon, and the sun? This beautiful book invites you to pause and pay attention to the amazing natural world you were born into.
Through gentle words and bright, swirling paintings, you will discover the stories of the sun's dawn and the moon's quiet glow. You will learn to remember the plants, the animals, and the ancestors who came before you. Every page is a reminder that we all share a special place on this planet.
This calming journey is a wonderful way to reflect on who you are and where you come from. It is a true celebration of life, family, and the beautiful heritage that ties us all together in one big, wondrous world.
6-8 Years
Water is the first medicine, and it connects every living thing on our planet. But what happens when a dark, dangerous black snake threatens to poison the water and harm the Earth? One brave young water protector decides it is time to take a stand. Inspired by real life environmental movements led by Indigenous communities, this bold and beautiful story invites you to join the fight to keep our Earth safe. You will follow along as the young hero gathers her courage to defend our most sacred and important resource. With vibrant, award winning illustrations and lyrical words, this powerful book teaches us all how to be guardians of nature. Stand tall, use your voice, and discover how even the youngest among us can become mighty protectors of the water and the world.
6-8 Years
40 Pages
Packing up to move to a new place is always a big adventure. Today is moving day, and one young Cherokee girl is getting ready to say goodbye to the busy city she has always known. She is waving goodbye to her favorite swing and getting into the car with her mother.
As you ride along with her, you will watch the city buildings fade away and the natural landscape stretch out outside the window. You will feel her excitement growing as she travels closer to her family's ancestral land. At the end of the long drive, a wonderful celebration is waiting, filled with family feasts and fun in the creek.
This warm and happy story shows what it feels like to finally arrive at the place you belong. It is a beautiful journey about family, memory, and the wonderful feeling of coming home.
6-8 Years
33 Pages
Long ago, a giant Raven lived among the people, but his presence brought a great deal of trouble. When he turns into a human prince and tries to trick a village, a brave young woman must find a way to protect her people. Her journey leads to the discovery of a powerful plant that is both a medicine and a protector.
In this Tlingit oral tradition, you will discover how the spikey Devil's Club plant first came to be. It is a story about the connection between people and the land, showing how nature provides exactly what is needed when we face difficult challenges.
This vibrant tale brings Northwest Coast indigenous culture to life with wonder and respect. You will see how traditional stories help us understand the world around us while following an adventure filled with transformation and courage. It is a perfect introduction to the rich history of Alaska Native storytelling.
6-8 Years
34 Pages
Before you were even born, you were deeply loved. As a mother waits for her baby to arrive, she spends her days gathering special gifts to welcome her child. She finds a soft white feather, a piece of cedar, and a beautiful star quilt. Each carefully chosen item goes into a sacred medicine bundle, a traditional Indigenous way to wrap a new life in love and protection. This tender story celebrates the powerful bond between a mother and her child, honoring the deep connection we share with the earth and the sky. As you read, you will feel the warmth of a family getting ready to welcome their newest member. It is the perfect story to share when you want to feel safe and reminded of how much you are cherished.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
