We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga [Board book]

The Cherokee community is grateful for the blessings and challenges that each season brings. This is modern Native American life as told by best-selling Cherokee author Traci Sorell.

Now a board book for 0-3-year-olds interested in contemporary Indigenous stories that are both accessible and universal for the littlest readers. Based on the award-winning picture book.
 
The word otsaliheliga (oh-jah-LEE-hay-lee-gah) is used by members of the Cherokee Nation to express gratitude. Beginning in the fall with the new year and ending in summer, follow a full Cherokee year of celebrations and experiences.

Written by best-selling and award-winning Cherokee author Traci Sorell, this board book edition includes the complete Cherokee syllabary, originally created by Sequoyah.* According to storyteller Sorell, the Cherokee people always express gratitude for the little things they are given by saying the phrase, Otsaliheliga, or we are grateful. Raised in the Cherokee Nation, Sorell intentionally crafts a narrative that simultaneously embraces modernity and a traditional presentation of Cherokee community and way of life. Throughout, the measured text reminds readers that in all things we say otsaliheliga. Colorful, folk art-style illustrations show Cherokee people during ceremonies, in family gatherings large and small, and outdoors enjoying each of the four seasons, always expressing gratitude. The scenes are contemporary; one shows a father taking care of his children, engaging in a positive parenting role, while another depicts a family seeing off a relative who is leaving for deployment in the military, underscoring that Cherokee people serve their country. Children participate in rites and in family outings with adults, and they also play traditional games such as stickball and plant strawberries, a practice that reminds their people to embrace peace with one another. The varietylÃ'