The Just Right Gift

Katherena Vermettes The Seven Teachings Stories series is a collection of books that holds all the qualities childrens literature can have; her tales are educational, joyous, vivid, and have an irresistible cadence. But the stories have something more. Rich in culture and traditional knowledge, Katherenas series addresses important topicssuch as the residential school systemwith the very teachings the series embodies: love, respect, courage, honesty, wisdom, humility, and truth. -- David A. Robertson, author When We Were Alone

katherena vermette (she/her/hers) is a Red River Mtis (Michif) writer from Treaty 1 territory, the heart of the Mtis Nation, Winnipeg, Manitoba. In 2013, her first book, North End Love Songs (The Muses Company) won the Governor Generals Literary Award for Poetry. Since then, her work has garnered awards and critical accolades across genres. Her novels The Break (House of Anansi) and The Strangers (Hamish Hamilton) were both national best sellers and won multiple literary awards. She is the author of numerous other bestselling titles, including the A Girl Called Echo series (HighWater Press) and the Seven Teachings Stories series (HighWater Press). Irene Kuziw graduated from the University of Manitoba School of Art. Over the years, she has worked in galleries, museums, and schools. As a freelance artist, she has been commissioned for countless portraits and illustrations, and her work has been exhibited in numerous art shows. After taking early retirement and moving to the Interlake region of Manitoba, Irene is now able to devote her time to doing what she loves drawing. Always seen with a pencil in her hand, she explores the abstraction of reality, whether it be the human face or the animal spirit.