Book Review: I Am the Sun

I Am the Sun, written by Janessa Parker and illustrated by Beverly Blacksheep, is a heartfelt look into Diné/Navajo culture

The illustrations are deeply saturated and colorful and look like they were drawn with markers. They are a vital part of the story because they show the daily activities of the people as described in the story and also their connection with nature.

As the narrator goes through the day, they see craftspeople doing their work, women cooking fry bread and weaving. They ride their horse and do a traditional dance that reminds them of what’s truly important:

I dance for healing.
I dance for remembrance.
I dance for freedom.
I dance for the future.
I dance for the Diné!

The story speaks to the importance of the natural world and how things like sheep and turquoise are gifts to the people who use them with respect. It calls on readers to learn about Native cultures and pass along stories and traditions.

The author was inspired to learn more about Diné culture after her father died and she had children and wanted to make sure that they knew the traditions and stories of their people.

The book includes Diné vocabulary and there’s a glossary and pronunciation guide at the front to help readers with those words that might be unfamiliar.

This book would be a nice addition to a classroom bookshelf or to your at-home collection of books about different cultures. Whether you are Diné or Native or not, reading the stories of Indigenous people (and others) helps us understand what is important to other people and what their lives are like.

Kids should also enjoy the art style and the bright colors and might be inspired to try drawing their own stories in a similar way.

About the book: 32 pages, hardcover paper over boards. Published 2025 by Bushel & Peck Books. Suggested retail price $18.99.

Remembrance Day (marked as Veterans Day in the United States) is Nov. 11, and it marks the end of hostilities in World War I. Poppies are a traditional symbol of the day because it is said they were the first flower to grow again on the battlefields, which inspired a famous poem. Let’s check out some poppy crafts you can make with your kids as part of a World War I unit or for Remembrance Day.

This pretty poppy craft from Krokotak just requires the printable, some crayons, scissors and glue. The printable includes the center of the flower and kids can draw the outside as well as adding stem.

Glued to My Crafts has a printable for a torn paper poppy, or you could color or paint this one as well.

Use torn or cut pieces of paper to make these poppy suncatchers from Red Ted Art.

Happy Hooligans has a bunch of great poppy crafts but I particularly like the painted rocks and easy paper plate poppy.

Crafty Morning has a cute poppy craft made with fingerprints, which is quick and easy to do with kids of any age.

Older kids and adults can make these folded paper poppies from Chica and Jo, but they do involve hot glue and floral wire, which can be sharp, so it’s not for young kids. An easier paper poppy that only calls for regular craft glue can be found at Sugar Spice and Glitter. This one also has a printable template to make it easier.

These felt poppies from One Little Project also use a glue gun and a sewing needle, but they’re so pretty I couldn’t resist sharing them for older kids. Add a pipe cleaner stem or turn them into pins to wear for remembrance events. Check out their coffee filter poppy craft for a great option for younger kids.

Have you read?

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