• Age: 6 to 9
• Grade: 1 to 3
• Reading age: 6 to 9

A vibrant debut early chapter book series celebrating Cree culture and being true to yourself.

Look for Book 2, Muskwa’s Tipi Talks, coming in Spring 2025!

Sarah Ponakey has moved to the city from her home community with her mom and it’s the pits! She misses her Kôhkom, her best friend Eden, and the forests around her community. She’s had a hard time making new friends at school but at least she keeps in touch with Eden through meticulously written letters with very big words. After a particularly tough day where she nearly loses her favorite stuffed animal, Âhâsiw, and is brushed off by her mom, Sarah finds herself transported to a magical forest powwow . . .

Accompanied by a life-sized Âhâsiw in his beautiful regalia, Sarah watches in excitement as a chipmunk emcees, and bears play the host drum at her first ever powwow. The more she sees, the more her confidence grows. As she joins in the celebration, Sarah discovers that she can connect to her Cree culture no matter where she is. Her Kôhkom’s going to love this story! Âhâsiw’s Forest Powwow, the first book from debut children’s author Sita MacMillan, features Cree words throughout the story and a note to the reader. Azby Whitecalf’s dynamic illustrations bring life to this warm, charming, and funny introduction to Sarah Ponakey, the storycatcher.

SITA MACMILLAN is a registered member of Zagime Anishinabek and is of mixed Cree and Scottish background. She has an Indigenous education degree and a masters in language and literacy education. She has taught in the K–12 classroom as well as a writing instructor at the college level prior to becoming a mother to three daughters. It was during early motherhood Sita struggled to find children’s books based on urban Indigenous living. This became the inspiration for her debut children's book series, Sarah Ponakey, Storycatcher. She lives with her family in Prince Edward Island.

Sita MacMillan's profile page

Azby Whitecalf (they/them/theirs) is a Plains Cree character designer and illustrator based out of North Battleford, Saskatchewan in Treaty 6 Territory. A graduate of the Alberta University of the Arts, they hold a Bachelor Degree in Visual Communication (Character Design). Their artistic practice focuses on fun and exciting stories with memorable and unique characters, and they enjoy working with bright colours, strong contrast, and fun shapes. Azby is passionate about creating accurate and positive representation of Indigenous Peoples and cultures, as well as exploring how to portray Indigenous Peoples in a way that celebrates multidimensional identities.

Azby Whitecalf's profile page

• Nominated, Silver Birch Express Award

“A fantastic addition to any children’s library, providing both an exciting plot and an introduction to Cree culture.”

Booklist, 09/15/24

“This story lovingly depicts Cree culture and depicts the common challenges of being the new kid, and how to stay connected to old friends while making new ones.”

School Library Journal, 07/19/2024