Auntie's Rez Surprise
tānisi! my little one, tānisi!
Auntie always greets Cree in Nehiyaw when she comes for a visit. When Auntie arrives with a surprise gift hidden in her bag, Cree can’t wait to discover what it is. The first clue? It’s from the rez. As Cree tries to figure out what it might be, the bag starts to move. Cree is thrilled when the bag opens and out jumps a rez puppy!
Cree asks Auntie how to take care of the new puppy. Auntie talks to Cree about the importance of dogs in their culture. They are our relatives, she explains, and need to be well taken care of. Cree decides she will name her new puppy "Atim", the Nehiyaw word for dog.
Praise & Recognition
"Auntie’s Rez Surprise showcases the importance of Elders and how their teachings honour the beliefs and values of Indigenous culture. The retelling of these values through stories, allows the wisdom to be passed on to Indigenous youth.... Highly Recommended."
CM: Canadian Review of MaterialsSecond Story Press Indigenous Writing Contest 2021 - Joint winner
Saskatchewan Young Readers Choice Shining Willow 2024 - Short-listed
Details
Publication Date: September 19, 2023
Reading Age: 6 - 8
Genre: Picture Book, Children's Fiction
Product Format: Hardback
Pages: 24
ISBN: 978-1-77260-344-6
About the Author
Heather O'Watch
Heather O'Watch is a Nakota and Nehiyaw woman from Okanese First Nation, located in Treaty 4 Territory. She lives in Regina, Saskatchewan. Heather is currently pursuing a Masters in Public Policy at the University of Saskatchewan and hopes to continue a career in governance and policy. Heather enjoys spending time with her family, relatives, and five dogs.
About the Illustrator
Ellie Arscott
Ellie Arscott has illustrated several children’s books including Auntie’s Rez Surprise and The Warmest Blanket in the World. Her illustration debut, Night Walk (Groundwood Books), was awarded the SCBWI Canada East Crystal Kite award. Ellie lives in east end Toronto with her family and two kittens.
Find out more on her website.
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