📖 Overview
We All Count is a picture book that teaches numbers in both English and Cree. The book features illustrations of everyday moments between family members going about their activities.
Each spread presents a number, showing people engaged in tasks like picking berries, preparing food, or spending time together outdoors. The Cree words are written in both Standard Roman Orthography and syllabics.
The artwork employs clean lines and bold shapes in a limited color palette, focusing on the interactions between characters. The counting sequences move from one to ten, with each number building upon the previous scene.
Through its dual-language approach and focus on daily life, this book creates connections between Indigenous and non-Indigenous ways of seeing and naming the world. The emphasis on family activities highlights the importance of community and shared experiences.
👀 Reviews
Readers appreciate this board book for teaching counting in both English and Cree while featuring modern Indigenous families in everyday activities. Parents note it helps introduce children to Indigenous culture and language in an accessible way.
What readers liked:
- Clear, bold illustrations with high contrast colors
- Quality paper stock and sturdy construction
- Pronunciation guide for Cree numbers
- Representation of contemporary Native families
- Simple enough for toddlers but engaging for older kids
What readers disliked:
- Some found the minimalist art style too plain
- A few mentioned wanting more cultural context
- Limited to numbers 1-10
Ratings:
Goodreads: 4.19/5 (219 ratings)
Amazon: 4.7/5 (156 ratings)
Notable review: "Beautiful art and an excellent way to introduce Indigenous language. My 2-year-old loves pointing out details in the illustrations." - Goodreads reviewer
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My Heart Fills With Happiness by Monique Gray Smith This board book connects Indigenous cultural elements with counting through daily activities and traditions.
Ten Little Rabbits by Virginia Grossman Numbers meet Native American traditions as ten rabbits demonstrate tribal customs and dress from different nations.
Learn to Count in Cree by Dolores Greyeyes Sand Basic Cree numbers appear alongside cultural objects in this straightforward counting book.
Counting on Community by Innosanto Nagara Numbers emerge through scenes of community action, social justice, and diverse neighborhood life.
🤔 Interesting facts
🌟 Julie Flett is an award-winning Cree-Métis author and illustrator who has created numerous children's books celebrating Indigenous culture and language.
🔢 The book teaches numbers 1-10 in both English and Cree (nehiyawewin), helping preserve and share this important Indigenous language.
🎨 The illustrations feature modern Indigenous families engaging in everyday activities, challenging stereotypical representations of Indigenous peoples.
📚 This board book is part of a larger movement to create more Indigenous-authored children's literature that accurately represents First Nations cultures and languages.
🏆 The book has been recognized by the American Indian Library Association and is frequently used in early childhood education programs focusing on cultural diversity and language learning.