The Echo People

by SD Youngwolf, Shonto Begay (Illustrator)

Overview

A thought-provoking picture book about the ways we create our own realities through the words and actions that we put out into the world.

In the early morning hours, two young children go on a journey of discovery with their grandfather, a great chief. After offering prayers to Creator, Grandfather leads Aiyanna and Little Wolf separately to the river gorge to meet the Echo People. There, surrounded by the beauty of Mother Earth, the children connect with the Echo People in a way that reveals something about themselves and learn a valuable lesson that will guide them throughout their lives.

Winner of Lee & Low's New Voices award, The Echo People gently teaches young readers that if we meet the world with love and kindness then that kindness is echoed back to us.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781643797304
Publisher:	Lee & Low Books
Publication date:	09/02/2025
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	24 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.
Age Range:	3 - 5 Years

About the Author

SD Youngwolf, an enrolled citizen of the Tsalagiyi Nvdagi Tribe, is an award-winning fine artist, mask maker, and storyteller. A former art educator in Oklahoma, Utah, and Arkansas, he is dedicated to the preservation and teaching of Indigenous cultural values. The Echo People was Lee & Low's New Voices winner and marks his debut as a children's book author. He lives in New Mexico. You can learn more about the author at theindigenousheart.com.

Shonto Begay is a citizen of the Navajo Nation, and an acclaimed writer, educator, and painter. His acrylic paintings are done in a series of small brush strokes that repeat like the words of a traditional Navajo blessing prayer. Begay's work has been exhibited in galleries and museums worldwide. He lives in Diné land. You can see more of his luminous work at shontobegay.net.

Editorial Reviews

"Begay's (Navajo Nation) magnificent, earth-toned illustrations establish a dreamy setting, supporting each word of Youngwolf's (Tsalagiyi Nvdagi) inviting story. . . . A visually appealing and carefully told tale that will linger." — Kirkus Reviews

"Emotive acrylic illustrations by Navajo artist Begay have impressionistic swirls of colors. An author's endnote shares reflections on the importance of storytelling to Indigenous culture. Traditional teachings of respect and reciprocity are adeptly woven throughout." — Booklist

New Voices Award Winner - Lee & Low Books

From the Publisher

2025-06-13
Two Indigenous cousins learn valuable lessons while visiting their grandfather.

After preparing a blessing, Grandfather, the village chief, tells Aiyanna and Little Wolf that today they’ll meet the Echo People, who live in the river gorge and who have much to teach the children. He takes each of them to separate areas of the gorge and instructs them to introduce themselves to the Echo People, who can’t be seen. Impatient Little Wolf cries out, and his frustrated words (“You are just repeating everything that I say!” “I feel like a fool!”) are echoed back. “Those Echo People are terrible people,” he complains to Grandfather. But when the two check on gentle Aiyanna, she’s had an entirely different experience; her words of love and tenderness reverberate back to her, and she tells Grandfather how kind the Echo People are. True to traditional Indigenous teachings, Grandfather shares his wisdom about life (“Your actions, your words, even your thoughts all come back to you”) but lets his grandchildren make meaning from their experiences. Begay’s (Navajo Nation) magnificent, earth-toned illustrations establish a dreamy setting, supporting each word of Youngwolf’s (Tsalagiyi Nvdagi) inviting story. Small brush strokes enhance the action, suggesting clouds moving across the sky or smoke rising from the fire as Grandfather gives his blessing.

A visually appealing and carefully told tale that will linger. (author’s note)(Picture book. 5-8)

Kirkus Reviews