Tess's Red Dress

Out Now

Using age-appropriate and empathetic language, Tess’s Red Dress introduces young children to Red Dress Day and the importance of remembering the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People.

Four-year-old Tess is excited to welcome her new baby sibling into the world! She asks her mom what it was like growing up with a sibling. Tess’s mom tells her stories about baking in the kitchen, singing loudly in the bathtub, sharing a bedroom, and braiding her sister’s hair.

Despite their excitement over their growing family, they have experienced loss: her Auntie is one of the missing. The loss of any family member makes a drastic change for those left behind and the generations to come. As the family gets ready for the Red Dress Day march, Tess's mom and dad show her how to honour her Auntie by wearing her red dress and keeping the stories and memories of her family alive.

Backmatter pages include resources to support parents and educators through this important and difficult conversation with their children.

Author: Carolyn Roberts (St’at’imc and Sto:lo)

Illustrator: Kelsey Mata Foote (Tlingit and Filipina)

Size: 11x8 inches

Pages: 32

Ages: 6-9

Cover: Hardcover

Language: English

ISBN: 9781778540905

Visit Carolyn's website for learning resources about Tess's Red Dress!

https://www.carolynroberts.net/tessreddress

“Tess’s Red Dress brings gentle but profound insight into the impacts of MMIWG2S on children and families. This book offers an intimate glimpse into the unbreakable bonds of care and connection between generations and a resolute lesson in standing up to speak out against injustice.” 

- Jaime Black Morsette (founder of Red Dress Project)

“Red Dress Day is a significant day of grief for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities. While it's difficult to put into words in a gentle way suitable for children, Carolyn Roberts accomplishes this beautifully. She honours and celebrates the gifts and beauty of the Indigenous women taken from their communities, weaving in a tender story of young Tess, her mother, and the strong presence of her lost Auntie, who is remembered lovingly in their home and community. Roberts emphasizes the resilient spirits of these women, their strength, and the love they shared for their families and communities, while softly sharing the heartbreak, grief, and loss their loved ones endured, along with the dark history experienced by Indigenous people in Canada. This book should be in every home on Turtle Island, and we must continue to keep working to end the ongoing and unwarranted violence against Indigenous women, children, and 2-Spirited peoples.”

- Jenna Jasek, Director of Indigenous Learning at the Outdoor Learning School & Store (Secwépemc & Ktunaxa)                               

“What a beautiful story by Carolyn Roberts that comes to life through the illustrations of Kelsey Mata Foote. This book eloquently weaves story, information and love in a way that is both rare and exquisite. A wonderful addition to any bookshelf and library.”

 - Monique Gray Smith, Author of My Heart Fills with Happiness and Sharing the Light.                                  

“Tess’s Red Dress is a wonderfully heartfelt story that is an essential resource for both healing and learning. Carolyn Roberts has given us a strong and kind family that many Indigenous people will relate with. I saw my own family and our experiences on these vibrant pages, and I know my children will embrace this book to honour their relatives and community. It will take a special place on our shelf for years to come.”

- Waubgeshig Rice (Waub)

“Tess's Red Dress is a tender, courageous story about family, love, and the power of remembering. Through gentle moments of everyday life, Carolyn weaves in themes of resilience, voice, and truth with such care and grace. She honours the family dynamic of so many Indigenous families in this country and around the world who are faced with similar circumstances and also provides educators with a beautiful entry point into, what can be, a sensitive topic. This picture book is a stunning and deeply important debut, one that opens hearts and invites meaningful conversation across generations. The illustrator has done an exquisite job of capturing the essence of this story and I cannot commend them enough for their vision and artistry. This book is an essential addition to classrooms, homes, and community spaces everywhere!” 

- Leona Prince, Author