Baby’s First Cherokee: A Beautiful Beginning to Language and Culture
For families looking to introduce their little ones to the Cherokee language and culture, Baby’s First Cherokee is the perfect first step. This newly released board book from BPC Publishing is designed with toddlers and young children in mind—featuring bold, colorful illustrations that make language learning fun and engaging from the very beginning.
Each page of Baby’s First Cherokee pairs simple, vibrant artwork with words in both Cherokee and English, creating a dual-language experience that’s ideal for new learners. But beyond just being adorable, this book is a meaningful contribution to Cherokee language preservation.
About the Author
The book is the latest in a growing collection from Bradley Wagnon, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation and longtime advocate for Cherokee education. With over a decade of experience teaching Cherokee history, language, and culture at Tahlequah High School, and now serving as a technical assistance specialist for the Cherokee Nation’s Community and Cultural Outreach program, Wagnon brings deep heart and heritage to his writing.
His previous titles include The Cherokee Syllabary: An Illustrated Key to the Cherokee Language and three traditional children’s stories—two of which are also available in Cherokee translation. Wagnon continues to use storytelling as a powerful tool to pass on the richness of Cherokee identity to the next generation.
Art That Connects Generations
Illustrations in the book were created by Beth Anderson, a contemporary Cherokee artist with a degree in sculpture and deep roots in cultural artistry. Anderson is TERO-certified by the Cherokee Nation and a member of the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Indian Arts and Crafts Board. She also serves on the board of the Southeastern Indian Artists Association, using her platform to uplift Indigenous creativity and tradition.
More Than a Book
Baby’s First Cherokee is more than a baby book—it’s a bridge between generations, a vibrant tool for language revitalization, and a reminder that it’s never too early to begin learning about who we are.
As the Cherokee language continues to face challenges of preservation, resources like this play a vital role in revitalizing it for the future. Baby’s First Cherokee doesn’t just teach words—it nurtures identity, pride, and connection.
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