I Am Not a Costume - by Maria Desjarlait (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

A gorgeously illustrated and important story of a young girl who helps her classmates understand and honor her culture.

I am not a costume.

Five-year-old Ayasha's school is having a costume party, and she is so excited! But when Ayasha arrives at school and sees other students wearing fake regalia, she is confused and upset. She doesn't understand why they think her culture is a costume. Ayasha turns to her family and together they come up with a way to teach her classmates about her culture and how to honor her people respectfully: by holding an assembly at the school where members of Ayasha's family and Nation tell stories and explain the history behind their regalia. The assembly ends with a beautiful solo jingle dance by Ayasha.

The perfect classroom book for teaching young readers about empathy, respect, and Indigenous culture.

About the Author

Maria DesJarlait is an inspiring Indigenous author from the Arikara tribe of Fort Berthold reservation in North Dakota and Ojibwe from Red Lake, Minnesota. Raised on her reservation, she pursued her dreams in Chicago, earning a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education and English as a language. Now a dedicated preschool teacher in Illinois, Maria recognized the need for books that reflect the lives of contemporary Native American children. Through her writing, she shares her experiences with her grandmother and her daughters, aiming to inspire Native American children to dream big.

Regina Wilman is a freelance Canadian-Indigenous artist of Plains Cree descent, born in Atikameg (Whitefish Lake Reserve), AB. She grew up in a small town in Ontario, and after high school, she attended Emily Carr University for Art and Design in Vancouver, BC, specializing in illustration. After University, she moved back to her home town in Ontario, participating in local art shows and community creative projects. She specializes in Indigenous art encompassing the histories, teachings, and stories of her culture. Regina always knew from a young age she wanted to be an artist and further her knowledge of Indigenous culture. She drew inspiration from different elements and always had a sketchbook and pencil in hand. Her greatest inspiration is her Grandmother, who raised her to be proud of her Indigenous culture and encouraged her to follow her creative path.