Gathering the Light by Joy Harjo, illustrated by Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley (Random House Studio, 40 pages, ages 4 and up). Former U.S. Poet Laureate Joy Harjo (Muscogee) gives a message to guide the reader through the day. Greet the light in the morning to welcome the day with gratitude, blessing those in your life, and asking to be a blessing to others. As the day circles into night, let go of the day, settle down, and allow your dreams to take root. Includes notes from the author and illustrator further developing the ideas from this book.

Fire In Your Belly by Rebecca Lafond, illustrated by Aly McKnight (Chronicle Books, 48 pages, ages 5 and up). An Indigenous girl listens to her grandmother, Kookum, tell stories about the sky setting fire one day, dropping embers that fell to the ground and into the soil. “That’s how we came to be,” Kookum says. Some of the embers live on in our bellies, creating both a warm glow of happiness and a fiery anger. Kookum and Mooshum, the girl’s grandfather, guide her to feed the warm ones and settle the more fiery ones. The family ends the day with gratitude for all living things and for the fire in their bellies. Includes a note from the author about the Indigenous stores she grew up with and how they reflect a deeper truth.

Both of these books would enhance just about any spiritual practice, with their simple yet profound messages of gratitude, light, storytelling, and the cycle of the day. They both feature beautiful illustrations and poetic text. The writing, especially in Fire In Your Belly may be a bit opaque for younger readers, but with adult guidance, they are sure to illicit some interesting conversations.