We’re so excited to celebrate the 6th year of our Summer 2026 StoryWalk partnership with Daybreak Star Preschool, Magnolia Farmers Market, and the Washington Talking Book and Braille Library! Over the years, this program has become a beautiful bridge connecting the urban Native community with our neighbors here in Magnolia.
Each year, the teachers at Daybreak Star Preschool thoughtfully select books by Native authors that reflect Two-Spirit identities, Coast Salish cultures, and Native stories from across Turtle Island (North America). This year, they chose three wonderful books:
Fierce Aunties! by Laurel Goodluck
A joyful and powerful celebration of aunties and the love, strength, and guidance they offer. Steph Littlebird’s vibrant illustrations add even more heart and energy to this beautiful story.
Rez Kids by Andrea Landry
A story about home, belonging, and community. A young girl rediscovers the beauty of where she comes from, surrounded by caring Elders and a supportive community, before ultimately finding her own place and voice within it.
Miya Wears Orange by Wanda John-Kehewin
We need more books that honestly tell the stories of Indian boarding schools—an injustice and tragedy that must never be forgotten. Miya experiences deep feelings of sadness as she learns about her community and its history, and with the loving support from her mom and other adults in her life, begins to process those emotions with courage and hope.
Storytelling has always been at the heart of Indigenous communities. Yet too often, books about Native history and culture are written from an outsider’s perspective. Those stories can be incomplete, misleading, or even harmful to young Native readers searching for their own histories and identities. By sharing books written by Native authors and stories rooted in Indigenous communities, we help our children learn in ways that are authentic, joyful, and grounded in who they are.
During summer school, Daybreak Star Preschool students extend these stories through hands-on learning. They create nature looms, sage and rosemary bundles, drums, and medicine bags; camp in a teepee; and spend time exploring nature. Through these activities, they learn how the land, plants, flowers, and all living beings are connected and communicate with one another.
StoryWalk has become a favorite summer tradition for Daybreak Star Preschool families. It’s especially meaningful to see these books displayed at Daybreak Star, the Magnolia Farmers Market, and the Magnolia Branch Library, where the entire community can enjoy them. We hope you’ll visit the StoryWalk this summer!
Thank you to the dedicated teachers at Daybreak Star Preschool, the Magnolia Farmers Market, and the Washington Talking Book and Braille Library for making this partnership possible. Here’s to many more years of walking, reading, learning, and growing together!
~posted by Mai T.
