The Land Outside my Window

In this new children’s book, come explore with us as a child and her class venture out to explore the Land outside their window and beyond the fence.

A young child stares out her window at spaces and places she has not had access to in the past, but that was about to change. Her teacher leads her to the Land, and through several children’s eyes, we see all that the Land can teach us.

Each place carries stories. The child wonders and poses many questions about the Land and the past as she wanders and plays with her friend discovering and learning together.

The children’s curiosity leads them to ask many questions and stand in awe of all that the Land has to offer us.

Download the Teacher’s Guide for Elementary (grade 4 to 6)

The Land Outside My Window was inspired by the work of many people across the Northwest Territories who envisioned on-the-Land programming as a possibility for all. Mahsi Cho for your vision and dedication. Proceeds from this beautiful children’s book go to support non-profit outdoor learning initiatives.

Author Rachel Vander Veen is originally from Ontario, a grandchild of Dutch settlers. She moved to the NWT in 2007 to volunteer at Deh Gáh School. She received her teaching degree in 2010, and since then has spent many years advocating the benefits and joys of reading and more recently, giving children the opportunity to connect to the Land. These days, you will find her out exploring and learning with the Bushkids!

Illustrator Elaine Landry is a Dene First Nation illustrator/ designer from the Deh Cho Region! She’s been doing art for over 15 years, and working digitally for 10 years. She studied Fine Arts at Alberta University of the Arts (AuArts) in Calgary for a few years. She’s now working full time as an illustrator and loves helping her community! Mahsi cho.

“As a settler, Rachel Vander Veen’s book the Land Outside My Window illustrated by Dene artist Elaine Landry reflects her experiences in the NWT that offers all readers the beauty and the complexities of the North through the eyes and innocence of a child.” – Lois Philipp, a Dene woman who is the principal at Deh Gáh Elementary and Secondary School.