Margaret Manuel facts for kids
Margaret Manuel is a talented writer from the Salish peoples. She creates wonderful children's books that help young readers connect with their heritage and language.
About Margaret Manuel
Margaret Manuel was born in Kamloops and grew up in Merritt, British Columbia. Her family has deep roots in the land, as she is a descendant of both the Syilx and Secwépemc peoples. These are Indigenous groups with rich histories and cultures in British Columbia.
Her Roots and Education
Even though she learned some of the Syilx Okanagan language at home, Margaret is not completely fluent. She has always been interested in her culture. She also trained at the En'owkin Centre in Penticton. This center offers a special program called the National Aboriginal Professional Artist Training Program. It helps Indigenous artists develop their skills.
Her Books for Kids
Margaret Manuel is best known for her engaging children's books. Her stories often feature her own son and aim to teach young children about identity and language.
I See Me
Her first book, I See Me, was published in 2010 by Theytus Books. It is a special kind of book called a board book, which means it has thick pages that are easy for very young children (up to age three) to handle. The book features photographs of Margaret's son, Qwyula?xw. He is shown doing different activities, often with traditional Indigenous toys or musical instruments.
Each photo in I See Me has a simple English phrase like "I see me...". There is a blank line next to it. This space is for parents or caregivers to write in their own language. This way, families can translate the activity and share their language with their child. The book was very popular in Canada. It was also recognized with awards. It was shortlisted for a 2010 New York Book Festival award and a 2012 American Indian Youth Literature Award.
I am Proud of Me
In 2016, Margaret Manuel published a follow-up book called I am Proud of Me. This book is a sequel to her first successful title. Like I See Me, it features more photographs of her son. The captions in this book are written in both English and the Okanagan language. This continues her goal of helping children and families connect with Indigenous languages and culture.
