By Stacie Sheldon | Illustrations by Rachel Butzin | Translated by Margaret Noodin
ABOUT THE BOOK
In this beautifully illustrated children’s book, readers will experience the world in a new way as they see the seasons through the joyful eyes of Nimkii, a fun, nature-loving dog who will teach them a whole new language: Ojibwemowin, a language spoken by the indigenous tribes in parts of Michigan, Ontario, northern Minnesota and Wisconsin, and Alberta.
Whether hunting for maple trees in the fall, playing in the snow in the winter, enjoying the spring showers, or swimming in the summer, Nimkii seeks out activities that allow her to enjoy her natural surroundings. Fun and inspiring, this bilingual book helps children and adults communicate in new ways while exploring different elements of culture.
Title: Bebikaan-ezhiwebiziwinan Nimkii: The Adventures of Nimkii
Story by Stacie Sheldon | Illustrated by Rachel Butzin
Translated by Margaret Noodin
Publication Date: September 2021 | Price $25
ISBN: 978-1-7365519-1-2 | 32 pages | Hardcover
Category: Children’s Literature
I purchased this book after attending a talk by author, Stacie Sheldon, on Indigenous Peoples Day. I had heard of this book so I bought it for my 5 year old. My daughter was captivated by the pictures (such beautiful art work and illustration!). We counted raspberries and animals and thoroughly enjoyed our bedtime routine with this new edition. Although I struggled to speak Ojibwemowin we also had English to fall back on. I am so happy to be able to introduce my daughter to a different language. I recommend this book to anyone, of all ages actually. It is a piece of art and history.
~ Suzan Walters
MEDIA
Stacie Sheldon, the author, belongs to the Crane clan and is originally from Cheboygan, Michigan. She is a co-founder and leads the technical development of http://www.ojibwe.net. She also served on the Board of Directors for American Indian Services in Lincoln Park, Michigan.
Rachel Butzin, the illustrator, is an Indigenous artist whose work is a reflection of her diverse heritage as well as her love of the environment, comic books, and pop culture. Rachel is a graduate of Michigan State University and currently resides in South Dakota with her family, where she is an art teacher at a Native American School.
Margaret Noodin, the translator, belongs to the Pine Marten Clan. She received an MFA in Creative Writing and a PhD in English and Linguistics from the University of Minnesota. She is currently a Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee where she also serves at the Director of the Electa Quinney Institute for American Indian Education and the Associate Dean of the Humanities. She teaches and writes in Anishinaabemowin to contribute to the continuation of the language.
Hidden Timber Books 
