A new children’s book currently being distributed across northern Saskatchewan will be published in three Aboriginal languages common in the north.

The book Are You Hungry? is by author Calyn Stange, a Metis dietitian with the Saskatchewan Health Authority.

The children’s book will be distributed in communities across the north in the coming months in the Cree, Dene, Michif and English languages.

The Northern Healthy Communities Partnership published the book, which will be provided to children at their 18-month immunization appointments, through the Babies, Books and Bonding program. This program aims to increase early literacy skills and parent-infant bonding. Are You Hungry? will be the first Indigenous-language book distributed through the program.

“This book describes various family activities in gathering, hunting and preparing healthy northern foods and will be beneficial in supporting literacy, as well as traditional activities and healthy eating,” said author Calyn Stange in a media release.

Crystal Seegerts, a selftaught artist and student from Black Lake, was commissioned to illustrate the book.

A book-launch and reading of the book took place in both Ile a la Crosse and La Ronge earlier this week.

(PHOTO: Author Calyn Stange at a book-launch earlier this week. Photo courtesy Alex Robertson Library on Facebook.)