The Whale Child is an inspiring middle-grade chapter book that introduces young readers to the environmental challenges facing the planet through the eyes of Coast Salish characters and authors.

Shiny is a whale child. One day his mother teaches him about the harm facing the world’s oceans because of human carelessness. Shiny agrees to be turned into a boy by the ocean’s water spirit so he can visit the land and alert people to these dangers. He meets Alex, a young Coast Salish girl who learns from Shiny that the living spirit of water exists in everything–glaciers, rivers, oceans, rain, plants, and all living creatures. Together the two travel the earth, confronting the realities of a planet threatened by an uncertain future. Inspired by Shiny’s hope, humor, and wisdom, Alex makes the promise to become a teacher for future generations. She realizes that the timeless Indigenous value of environmental stewardship is needed now more than ever and that we must all stand up on behalf of Mother Earth.

Written and illustrated by Indigenous authors Keith Egawa and Chenoa Egawa, The Whale Child introduces children ages 7 to 12 to existing environmental issues with a message of hope, education, sharing, and action. Ideal for middle-grade readers who are beginning to read chapter books on their own, this book also includes resources for students and teachers to facilitate learning about Pacific Northwest Indigenous cultures and the environment.

Tani’s Search for the Heart is a children’s book written and illustrated by Keith and Chenoa Egawa. The book tells the story of Tani, a young Coast Salish girl, exploring the mystery of one’s purpose and place in the world. Following the death of her grandmother, Tani embarks on a journey through the forests of the Pacific Northwest, abiding by her grandmother’s instructions to find “the heart of all things.” Along the way, Tani is helped by animals such as Bear and Otter, the magical Stick Indian, and the spirit of her departed grandmother. Overcoming challenges of the landscape, as well as her own self-doubt, Tani begins to awaken the special gifts and wisdom within her. As Tani finds the heart, young readers learn about the First Peoples, the creatures and fauna of the Pacific Northwest. At the same time, they explore qualities of character such as self-confidence, respect for nature, and courage in the face of uncertainty, as well as positive ways of coping with grief and loss. Tani’s quest reminds us of the ever-increasing need to preserve our environment, fostering a mutual respect for that which sustains us all.

Chenoa and Keith are also available to conduct presentations to students. If you represent a school or other organization that would like us to present to your students, or you would like to purchase our book, you can contact us through our Facebook page or email at keithegawa@yahoo.com and chenoaegawa@hotmail.com.

We hope the images and voices of this story entertain and enlighten.

~ Keith & Chenoa