“Makoons,” a children’s picture book, offers a tender glimpse into the life of a young Ojibwe bear cub and its mother, weaving a narrative rich with cultural wisdom, environmental stewardship, and the universal themes of growth and learning. Born in the cozy confines of a den during the chill of January, Makoons, which means “Little Bear,” embarks on a journey of discovery and learning under the nurturing guidance of his mother. From the basics of survival, such as hibernation, finding food, and the importance of choosing the right tree to climb in times of danger, to more complex lessons about the interconnectedness of nature and the bear’s role in forest ecology, Makoons learns the essentials of bear life.

Written by Elizabeth Albert-Peacock, Illustrations by Erin Kant Barnard.