Aaniin: I See Your Light

In an uplifting picture book about beholding others’ brightness, Ojibwe author Quigley, collaborating with Diné (Navajo) and Chicana artist Chacon, reassures: “Sometimes you might feel invisible. But I say to you: aaniin, I see your light.” The pages that follow incorporate the Ojibwe Seven Grandfather Teachings (courage, respect, humility, love, truth, wisdom, and honesty), while jewel-tone illustrations with a bokeh-like effect pair portraits of children with animals considered to reflect each characteristic. In two early spreads underscoring courage, one child is shown in profile (“I see more bright in you than dark. I see courage when you face fears, though others hide”), and another is situated with an ursine figure (“You are brave, like Bear”). Other spreads show children protesting a pipeline in community, frolicking in a field, and more. The result is an empowering read that both honors children’s behavioral strengths and offers guidance on orienting around values. An author’s note and list of the Seven Grandfather Teachings conclude. Ages 4–8. (Jan.)