SD Youngwolf’s The Echo People is a gentle story about a grandfather who takes his two grandchildren down to the river to meet the “Echo People.” As they call out words into the canyon and hear them returned, he shows them that the world gives back what we send into it: kindness, care, and respect, or their opposites. With Shonto Begay’s warm, atmospheric illustrations, the book quietly teaches that our words and actions echo back to us in our relationships, our communities, and the land.

WHY WE PICKED IT: Because this is exactly the kind of children’s book we love: rooted in Indigenous experience, tender without being preachy, and clear about how kindness is a practice, not just a feeling. It’s a beautiful read-aloud for families and classrooms who want to talk about how we treat one another and the world.

DETAILS: • Author: SD Youngwolf
• Illustrator: Shonto Begay
• Publisher: Lee & Low Books
• Format: Hardcover
• Publication Date: September 2, 2025
• ISBN: 9781643790848
• Age Range: Early elementary / picture book readers
• Ships direct from distributor in 3–7 business days