A beautifully illustrated and poetically written ode that honours Canada and all Canadians, indigenous and immigrant. This book needs to be in every home, school and library. As an expat, I will be buying this to share my heritage with my children.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the free ARC. These opinions are wholly my own.

Canada, We Are the Story, written by Richard Wagamese and illustrated by Joshua Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley is a beautiful story of family, tradition, and community. The book reminds the readers that their ancestors came before them, and pass on their traditions. The book also shows readers how they too are a part of the community, and that they are leaving an example for the future.
I loved the words and illustrations, and also the inclusion that was shows in the illustrations. Also really appreciated how the book seemed to show full circle, by having the children participate in familial and community traditions.
Thank you to NetGalley and to the author, publisher, and illustrator of this book for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Canada has a complicated, brutal history when it comes to its treatment of First Nations to this day. As a Canadian educator, it can be difficult to explain both the beauty of Canada, First Nations, Early Settlers, Immigration while also maintaining the reality of how people were treated.

From the very first page of this book, I felt a nostalgic dread of being in the classroom, singing O Canada and then colouring in the map of Canada while discussing what it means to be Canadian. Richard Wagamese's poem is a beautiful tribute to that question and how to answer it authentically and beautifully. This is a book that makes something well up inside of you- both pride and love and sadness. I can't wait to gift a copy to one of my best friends who intimately understands these struggles as well as keep a copy for myself.

It is all brought to life by Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley's illustrations that fill the space in a way that feels like a hug. Truly an honour to read a book like this and can't wait to introduce it to young ones.

The illustrated version of this poem is just breathtaking and evocative. It's a moving and visually stunning tribute to identity and belonging. Wagamese’s poetic voice is profound and reflective, and with the illustrations it becomes a tender narrative through the eyes of an Indigenous child searching for meaning in what it means to be Canadian.

The book gracefully invites the reader to reconnect with the voices of the ancestors, gently guiding them through memory, culture, and shared history. It's a beautiful reminder that our roots shape our identity—and that the Canadian land is rich with spirit and story.

The illustrations are quite beautiful. Each page is infused with warmth and emotion, creating a dreamlike experience that lingers long after you're done reading. The illustrator did an amazing job at bringing the poem to life, grounding it in both past and present in a way that feels both personal and universal.

This is not just a picture book—it's a powerful affirmation of Indigenous resilience and the enduring power of story.
Big thanks to NetGalley and Tundra Book Group / Swift Water Book for the beautiful ARC.

such a beautifully illustrated book that I enjoyed so much. This was informative and well done. I love that children's books have evolved to be as beautiful as this.

Beautiful illustration, meaningful story, and indigenous voices. I loved this so much. I’m so glad I was able to read and review this.

This picture book has absolutely gorgeous illustrations. The poem turned story is truly brought to life by the images. While the words are powerful in their reflection of the past and how important the past can be even now, I was truly taken aback by the beauty of the pictures.

I would like to thank you for an absolutely amazing poem and imagery. This poem reminded me f what the indigenous people went through, and how we need more of this literature in our schools.That you to the publisher and author for the privilege of reading such amazing book It was short but to the point. Inaddition to getting me out of a 2 year reading slump,

For those who have strong cultural ties with the Canadian ancestry, it is a beautiful way for younger children to understand how their cultural influence continues to impact the generations who have come, are here, and to come, and the book demonstrates clearly how this is seen and felt. In this way, they will never be forgotten. Through the eyes of a children, pupils can identify with this and the images are vivid and can spark much discussion to gain deeper understanding through the questions that could be asked. Having a sense of belonging is essential to avoid loneliness and loss of who you are and with the world changing and people travelling they will take their generational and cultural diversity with them to drive them in all they do and how they may contribute to the world. It gives the idea of that tiny voice, which is there to help them when support is needed.- that inner voice of the past which remains throughout the futures. I love the image of today merging with the past. With appropriate background music, read from a whiteboard, appropriate questioning, 'Canada' will be explored, enjoyed and understood by all primary school children. Suggested age 5+. This could be linked to topics about Canada around the theme of ancestry and descendents.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC. The illustrations in this book are stunning. I couldn’t stop looking at them. This book is a poem that is both love of Canada and appreciation of the ancestors.

A beautifully illustrated and thought-provokingly written book, 'Canada: We Are the Story' takes the reader on a journey of discovery, accompanied by the Old Ones from the Spirit World. The book has a dreamy, floaty quality and readers can lose themselves in the images of old Canada (Kanata) through to the modern day. And in showing how we are connected even now, to the past, we can carry this forward into the future. Just lovely.
Thanks to #NetGalley for the ARC.

Absolutely GORGEOUS illustrations accompany Indigenous author and poet Richard Wagamese's words in this upcoming picture book about Indigenous heritage and ancestors. I am in awe of the artwork in this book and will be buying a copy to read to my children when it comes out. STUNNING. A must for library collections. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review.

This book makes me so happy. I loved the way that it tries to bring everyone together. The book tries to get people to remember the past and remember that the old ones seek to guide us. The story is accented with awesome illustrations that are so colorful and bright. I would recommend this book to all kids, even the grown up ones.

This book is beautiful.

It is a love letter to Canada and those who have come before. It is a love letter to indigenous peoples an their endurance and continued existence.

This book belongs in every elementary school library in Canada, as well as public libraries and personal collections. Read it to your own children, your students, and any children you know.

The illustrations are beautiful while still being engaging for a young reader. The diversity represented through the languages and representation is immense.

Thank you to Tundra Books, Swift River Books, and Net Galley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

I received an arc of this title from NetGalley for an honest review. A stunning picture book that is actually a poem written about Canada by man from the Objiway tribe. Lovely illustrations.

The perfect picture book for every person living in Canada. A hopeful and beautiful story about the power of language, culture, and the diverse stories that make up Canada. An absolute must have. Wow!

A lovely picture book focusing on the many diverse mainly indigenous peoples who make up Canada. Affirming for indigenous children to see their ancestors as the history of their country.

The illustrations bring this poem to life. The flow of the narrative allows the reader to travel with the child through the book, providing insight and hope from the ancestors.

When a young child is tasked with a school essay on what makes them proud to be Canadian, there is, at first, a struggle. But when the supportive, ever watchful ancestors reach out to give some loving guidance, the journey takes the child to places far bigger than expected. Canada: We Are the Story is a beautifully touching reflection on the ancestral history of Canada and how that ancestral power and memory remain a strong, steady heartbeat of the land.

The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous and vibrant, truly taking the reader on a journey through the spiritual world of the ancestors.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Canada is a spiritual story about the importance of listening to the old ones, or ancestors. Bright and mystical imagery is paired with this poem. This is a special read, probably best for bedtime storytelling.