What's in a Bead?

Publisher's Description (Second Story Press, 2024): 
There are many stories in a bead. We must listen to the stories they tell us.

Tessa loves how her grandmother always smells of campfire stories. Mom says it’s because Kohkom spends her days sewing beautiful beads onto smoked hides. Inspired, Tessa asks Kohkom to teach her beading, but first she must listen and learn about the many stories held in a bead. A celebration of Cree craftsmanship, language, and learning. The loving exchange of knowledge between Tessa and her Kohkom will be familiar to many children. Readers will learn that different Indigenous communities have different beadwork techniques, and that this traditional art form is alive and thriving today.

Author/Creator's Biography (Second Story Press, 2024):
Kelsey Borgford is Nbisiing Nishnaabe, and resides in her traditional territory of Nipissing First Nation. She is from the marten clan, and Couchie family. Kelsey is constantly seeking to become educated, and educate about the culture. In all she does, her own Nokomis-baa is central to her story.

Tessa Pizzale grew up in North Bay, Ontario. Her Cree relatives are from Moose Factory, Fort Albany, and Peawanuck. She is completing her BFA at Nipissing University. Tessa loves Indigenous crafts and is grateful to her late Kookum for teaching her beading and her Nikawiy for teaching her to sew.

Resource type: Picturebook

Age recommendation: Pre-kindergarten, K-3

Keywords: kohkum, traditional beading, bead, culture, traditional knowledges, traditional practices, stories, teach, learn, reciprocity, tobacco, Elder, Cree, languages, cedar tea, ceremonies, traditional regalia, spirit, grandmother, teachings, cultureal teaching, knowledge keepers, Anishinaae, moccasins, campfire, First Mation

Year of publication: 2024

Publisher information: Second Story Press