Be a Good Ancestor

Be a Good Ancestor, by Leona Prince and Gabrielle Prince, is a beautiful call to action to young readers, reminding them that all life is connected and that we have the power to create change with our actions. Each page features a rhyming stanza linking the various stages and forms of life. The text describes the growth of various types of life from birth and is accompanied by illustrations of each stage. Cree artist Carla Joseph includes beautiful illustrations that feature iconic imagery of animals and symbols commonly found in Indigenous cultures. Her use of acrylic on watercolor paper results in a whimsical and vibrant feeling that reflects the interconnectedness of each theme.

Authors Leona and Gabrielle Prince are both Indigenous and from the Lake Babine Nation and Nak’azdli Whut’en. The messages in this book are clearly rooted in Indigenous teachings and values. The repeated line, “Be a good ancestor”, is a reminder to readers to consider our impact on the environment, on nature, and on our communities for future generations. The authors’ describing how each of our actions can ripple out into bigger ideas and concepts provides a useful way for children to see their own role in the larger picture.

This picture book shares a meaningful message that inspires young children to be mindful of how their actions impact others. Be a Good Ancestor is a perfect read for teaching about empathy and demonstrating the ways we are all connected.