Aaniin

I See Your Light

By Dawn Quigley, Nanibah Chacon

On Sale: 1/27/2026

Using the Ojibwe Seven Grandfather Teachings, this picture book by acclaimed author Dawn Quigley (Ojibwe) and debut Diné (Navajo) artist Nanibah Chacon introduces universal values for living with loving recognition of a child’s own inner goodness.

Each of us has an inner light that might not always be seen by others. Aaniin (ah-NEEN) is a greeting in the Ojibwe language for hello and can also be translated as “I see your light.”

With the help of the Ojibwe Seven Grandfather Teachings—Love, Respect, Bravery, Truth, Honesty, Humility, and Wisdom—we can learn to see this brilliance shining through everyone and express our appreciation for one another’s light.

Includes an author’s note and a note from Heartdrum author-curator Cynthia Leitich Smith.

ISBN: 9780063088634
Imprint: Heartdrum
On Sale: Jan 27, 2026
List price: $24.99
No of pages: 32
Trim Size: 1.000 in (w) x 1.000 in (h) x 1.000 in (d)
BISAC 1: JUVENILE FICTION / Native American
BISAC 2: JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Values & Virtues
BISAC 3: JUVENILE FICTION / Science & Nature / General

Dawn Quigley

Biography

Dawn Quigley is a citizen of the Turtle Mountain Band of Ojibwe, North Dakota. The first three books in her Jo Jo Makoons series, and her debut YA novel, Apple in the Middle, were awarded American Indian Youth Literature Honors. She is a PhD education university faculty member and a former K–12 reading and English teacher, as well as an Indian Education program codirector. You can find her online at dawnquigley.com.

Nanibah Chacon

Biography

Nanibah “Nani” Chacon is a Diné (Navajo) and Chicana artist. While Chacon is most recognized as a painter and muralist, her art expands across disciplines, including illustration and installation. Her most notable works include large-scale paintings, murals, and installations in the public arts sector, where she has twenty years of experience. Chacon’s work focuses on the integration of sociopolitical issues affecting women and Indigenous peoples as well as her personal philosophy that art should be accessible and a meaningful catalyst for social change. She lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico. 

Using the Ojibwe Seven Grandfather Teachings, this picture book by acclaimed author Dawn Quigley (Ojibwe) and debut Diné (Navajo) artist Nanibah Chacon introduces universal values for living with loving recognition of a child’s own inner goodness.

Each of us has an inner light that might not always be seen by others. Aaniin (ah-NEEN) is a greeting in the Ojibwe language for hello and can also be translated as “I see your light.”

With the help of the Ojibwe Seven Grandfather Teachings—Love, Respect, Bravery, Truth, Honesty, Humility, and Wisdom—we can learn to see this brilliance shining through everyone and express our appreciation for one another’s light.

Includes an author’s note and a note from Heartdrum author-curator Cynthia Leitich Smith.

ISBN: 9780063088634
Imprint: Heartdrum
On Sale: Jan 27, 2026
List price: $24.99
No of pages: 32
Trim Size: 1.000 in (w) x 1.000 in (h) x 1.000 in (d)
BISAC 1: JUVENILE FICTION / Native American
BISAC 2: JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Values & Virtues
BISAC 3: JUVENILE FICTION / Science & Nature / General

Dawn Quigley

Biography

Dawn Quigley is a citizen of the Turtle Mountain Band of Ojibwe, North Dakota. The first three books in her Jo Jo Makoons series, and her debut YA novel, Apple in the Middle, were awarded American Indian Youth Literature Honors. She is a PhD education university faculty member and a former K–12 reading and English teacher, as well as an Indian Education program codirector. You can find her online at dawnquigley.com.

Nanibah Chacon

Biography

Nanibah “Nani” Chacon is a Diné (Navajo) and Chicana artist. While Chacon is most recognized as a painter and muralist, her art expands across disciplines, including illustration and installation. Her most notable works include large-scale paintings, murals, and installations in the public arts sector, where she has twenty years of experience. Chacon’s work focuses on the integration of sociopolitical issues affecting women and Indigenous peoples as well as her personal philosophy that art should be accessible and a meaningful catalyst for social change. She lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico.