We All Play

We All Play depicts animals and children engaging in parallel behaviors and activities in nature. The text alternates between descriptions of animals playing and children at play. The book incorporates Cree words throughout, with a pronunciation guide and glossary included. Flett's illustrations use a minimalist style with muted earth tones and clean lines. In simple, rhythmic text and art, this picture book celebrates the universal ways that humans and animals share joy through play and movement. The book's themes connect Indigenous perspectives on the natural world with childhood experiences that resonate across cultures.

Readers highlight the book's gentle celebration of play across both animals and children, with many noting how it connects young readers to nature. Parents and teachers report that children engage with the animal movements and want to mimic them during read-alouds. Liked: - Clean, minimalist illustrations that hold children's attention - Integration of Cree words and cultural elements - Short, rhythmic text that works for toddlers - Educational back matter about featured animals Disliked: - Some found the text too sparse - A few readers wanted more Cree language incorporated - Price point considered high for length Ratings: Goodreads: 4.3/5 (1,100+ ratings) Amazon: 4.8/5 (230+ ratings) "The illustrations are stunning in their simplicity," notes one librarian reviewer. A parent writes, "My 2-year-old asks for this nightly and now hops like a rabbit and prowls like a lynx." Several teachers mention using it successfully in preschool nature units.

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🌿 Julie Flett is a Cree-Métis author and artist who has won multiple Governor General's Literary Awards, one of Canada's most prestigious literary honors 🦊 The animals featured in the book—such as rabbits, bears, and foxes—are specifically native to North America, reflecting the author's Indigenous heritage 🎨 The book's distinctive illustrations use a minimalist style and earth-tone color palette inspired by Cree art traditions 🗣️ The book includes Cree words and their English translations, helping preserve Indigenous language while making it accessible to young readers 🤝 "Kimêtawânaw" is a Cree word featured in the book that means "we all play together," emphasizing the universal connection between children and animals in play