We’re excited to announce the Indigenous Creators chosen for the 2025 Canada Book Selection!
Over the past few years, The Dollywood Foundation of Canada has prioritized including Canadian authors and illustrators in the program. The Book Selection Committee, a specially selected panel of early childhood literacy experts, reviews hundreds of potential titles for inclusion in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and chooses 70 titles each year for six age groups. (The Welcome Book and Graduation book remain the same each year).
This year, 58 books (83%) are Canadian, eight of which are from Indigenous creators.
- Freddie the Flyer – Author Danielle Metcalfe-Chenail and Fred Carmichael and Illustrated by Audrea Loreen-Wulf
- On the Trapline – Author David A. Robertson and Illustrated by Julie Flett
- My Lala – Author Thomas King and Illustrated by Charlene Chua
- Mnoomin maan’gowing/ The Gift of Mnoomin – Author Brittany Luby and illustrated by Mangeshig Pawis-Sketkley
- Métis Like Me – Author Tasha Hilderman and Illustrated by Risa Hugo
- Boozhoo!/Hello! – Author Laura Deal and Illustrated by Tamara Campeau
- It Bears Repeating – Author Tanya Taguq and illustrated by Cee Pootoogook
- Mii maanda ezhi-gkendmaanh/This is How I Know – Author Brittany Luby and illustrated by Mangeshig Pawis-Sketkley
Recent studies suggest participation in the Imagination Library is positively and significantly associated with higher measures of early language and math development. The Blue Ribbon Book Selection Committee takes great care in choosing books that meet the different needs of children as they progress from birth to age five.
Books are like windows, offering views of worlds that may be real or imagined, familiar or strange. Books can also be a mirror reflecting our own lives and experiences.
The Indigenous stories are at the heart of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and help inspire a lifelong love of reading and sharing experiences.