You Are the Land

Steph Littlebird is an Indigenous artist, writer, curator, and enrolled member of Oregon’s Grand Ronde Confederated Tribes. She is the illustrator of My Powerful Hair (by Carole Lindstrom), an American Library Association Notable Book, and which was named one of NPR’s best books of the 2023 as well as one of Kirkus Reviews’ Most Empowering Books of that year. You Are the Land is her debut picture book as author and illustrator. She is currently writing a series about Indigenous Resilience for Oregon ArtsWatch magazine. She lives in Vancouver, Washington.

* “A Native girl grows, nurtured by her family—and by the land. . . . As they sing to her, the family emphasizes that her connection brings with it a duty to serve as a place keeper, a guardian of the Earth. Littlebird (Oregon’s Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde) weaves together multiple themes; this is simultaneously a story of intergenerational bonds, a tale of growing up and building self-confidence, and an appreciation of our planet and its resources. Relying on daring colors that resemble those seen in nature and in powwow regalia, Littlebird’s sweeping illustrations pair with invigorating text; soaring butterflies, birds, and bees crisscross the pages, uniting the girl with the land. A powerful look at Indigenous identity and a loving reminder that ‘everyone can be a place keeper.’” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review* “An Indigenous child’s family welcomes her in this powerful story of identity. Grandparents, parents, and community members all celebrate a young girl’s life. . . . Every comparison is derived from the natural world and reinforces her ties to the land where her community lives. Littlebird’s illustrations expand on the meaning behind the text. For instance, when her father tells the child she is ‘a glittering galaxy,’ her hair drifts behind her and becomes a night sky filled with planets. . . . As the child grows and learns about her place in the world, the story highlights the natural ties between humans and nature. This would be a wonderful mentor text to use with students learning about metaphors and similes. An eloquent and amazing portrayal of the connection between self and world for young readers.” —School Library Journal, starred review “Drawing from tribal traditions and nature-focused metaphor, an indigenous child narrates her relationships with different family members, who each remind her of an aspect of the natural world. . . . The child is rooted in her community through her developing relationship with the land around her. The child secures her role as a respectful and responsible ‘place keeper’ in scenes of tribal powwow and community environmental activism as her ‘culture teaches . . . I am the land, and the land is me.’ Littlebird offers a resilient and resounding ode to the family who raises us and the world that sustains us. The poetic prose flows through the book, carried on the wings of detailed full-page spreads depicting sweeping natural vistas, which often flow directly from characters’ mouths as they share their wisdom. Calligraphic hand-drawn lines visually anchor scenes while the digital coloring provides weathered vibrancy over a parchment-like background; intimate insets focus on the human heart of each relationship.” —The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books“An Indigenous girl explores her strong bond to family and the land. . . . Throughout the narrator’s life, an intricate interconnectedness is poetically described. . . . Offering astute observations of her own, the child likens her grandmother to a flower because her ‘petals wrap around and keep me safe.’ Loved ones offer empowering messages to the child as she grows up and share Indigenous wisdom. The vibrant illustrations are luxuriantly alive with bright colors, patterns, and movement. Inviting self-reflection, the lyrical text also emphasizes stewardship of the land.” —Booklist