Description
Naaahsa says art is a language everyone understands. Sometimes we make art together. We draw, we bead, we sing. Sometimes Naaahsa tells stories in Blackfoot. I even get to go with her to see her art show at the National Gallery. Naaahsa is famous for her art, but I love her hugs best!
Naaahsa is an Artist! is a celebration of art, artists, and Indigenous women artists in particular. Each page comes to life with bold patterns, shapes, and Naaahsa's encouraging words that may inspire young readers to want to make art themselves.
Prizes
- Galleries West Best Art Books of 2023
- Second Story Press Indigenous Writing ContestJoint winner 2021
- Globe 100: Best Book of 2023Commended 2021
- Globe & Mail's Top Ten Children's Book of 2023Commended
Review Quote
"This children’s book is gently inspirational...yet another quietly powerful act."
Review Quote
“This is a beautifully written and illustrated book that covers a lot of ground in 24 pages. At its heart is the relationship between the young girl and Naaahsa and how she learns to appreciate art, both in small ways like painting at home, and in big ways like attending an art gallery featuring Naaahsa’s work.”
Review Quote
"As the young narrator accompanies Naaahsa to her art opening, she feels pride and inspiration. Naaahsa is a celebrated artist but first and foremost her loving grandmother. The muted colours and varied textures and shapes of the illustrations speak to the understated, layered message in the story. A beautiful picture book that foregrounds the power of art."
Review Quote
"Readers will feel the safe and comforting presence of the narrator’s grandmother and her strong connection with her granddaughter.... Nevertheless, this is also a story with depth, about maintaining connection to the past through a spoken language – Blackfoot. At residential school, a defiant whisper in Blackfoot says so much: Kitsiikákomimm. I love you.'"
Review Quotes
"Readers will feel the safe and comforting presence of the narrator’s grandmother and her strong connection with her granddaughter.... Nevertheless, this is also a story with depth, about maintaining connection to the past through a spoken language – Blackfoot. At residential school, a defiant whisper in Blackfoot says so much: Kitsiikákomimm. I love you.'"
— Quill and Quire“This is a beautifully written and illustrated book that covers a lot of ground in 24 pages. At its heart is the relationship between the young girl and Naaahsa and how she learns to appreciate art, both in small ways like painting at home, and in big ways like attending an art gallery featuring Naaahsa’s work.”
— Librarian at Syracuse City School District"As the young narrator accompanies Naaahsa to her art opening, she feels pride and inspiration. Naaahsa is a celebrated artist but first and foremost her loving grandmother. The muted colours and varied textures and shapes of the illustrations speak to the understated, layered message in the story. A beautiful picture book that foregrounds the power of art."
— IBBY Canada's 2025 edition of "From Sea to Sea to Sea: Celebrating Indigenous Picture Books""This children’s book is gently inspirational...yet another quietly powerful act."
— Galleries West