New Ojibwe Children’s Book Shares the Seven Grandfather Teachings Through ‘Aaniin: I See Your Light'

Details

By HarperCollins Children's Books

February 02, 2026

One afternoon, during the pandemic, I sat alone at my kitchen table. Over the months I would read a lot (like so many of us did then). One theme kept resurfacing as I read books, articles, and social media posts: The Seven Grandfather Teachings (which I’ve included below).

I thought, “Wow, we need this wisdom especially now, with us being separate from our communities. Somebody should write a picture book about this!” 

And then a few months later I kept wishing someone would write this picture book, so it would be accessible to everyone’s reading ability. A gentle nudge in my spirit said, “You can write it.”

Over my writing career, I’ve learned when the universe gives inspiration to do something that could help others, it’s important to follow through. Maybe nothing comes of it, but perhaps it does.

And so, I began writing a poem, “Aaniin: I See Your Light.” Then I saw where the Grandfather Teachings mirrored what I was trying to say. I think my many years of teaching always make me think of using analogies to explain concepts. The Grandfather Teachings as told through animals really help all readers “see” and understand this knowledge.

Aaniin (ah-NEEN) is an Ojibwe greeting for “hello,” yet it can be translated to “I see your light”—meaning the soul’s or spirit’s light. 

I wanted to speak directly to the reader and created my Author’s Note to reflect this:

Have you ever felt invisible? I think about the times when I felt unseen and not valued because I was never the “loud” voice. Yet I hold tight the few times someone said to me, “I see and value you” in some form or another. 

One day in school I was upset about a friend being angry at me. A teacher walked past me, stopped, and asked with compassion, “Are you okay?” They saw me. 

Another time I was walking up a stairway at school, and I felt very down because I struggled with homework. Someone I didn’t even know well walked past me, stopped, looked up at me, and said quietly, “You can do it.” They saw me. 

Sometimes even grown-ups need to feel like they are really seen. Recently, at work, I was sad that I didn’t feel valued. I was so busy and worried about many things. A friend turned to me, looked kindly into my eyes, and said, “I see you.” They saw me.

So, I want to let you all know that you are seen, valued, and have a bright light inside you.

This picture book incorporates the traditional Ojibwe Seven Grandfathers Teachings, or values represented by animals, as ways to live in community. There are many interpretations of our teachings. 

The Ojibwe people belong to many bands and Nations. I am part of the Pembina Band of Ojibwe. My reservation is the Turtle Mountain Band of Ojibwe in North Dakota.

The Ojibwe Nations are within the borders of North America. Some of our Ojibwe reservations are also within the borders of North Dakota, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan.

The Seven Grandfathers Teachings 

Each of these teachings is traditionally associated with an animal.

Respect: Think of others before yourself. Buffalo.

Love: Be at peace with yourself so you can love others. Eagle.

Honesty: Pay attention to how you live your life so you don’t judge others. Sabe/sasquatch (a good, kind being). 

Courage: Be brave and have courage, especially if you don’t know the future. Bear.

Wisdom: Use your gifts and talk with care. Listen when others teach you. Beaver.

Truth: Absorb the earth. Watch and hear the details around you. Turtle.

Humility: Be humble as you walk with others. Wolf. 

And so, dear reader, my hope is that you know how brightly your spirit shines!

You can purchase 'Aaniin: I See Your Light' here.