Description
Husi Cazares, an enrolled member of the Tohono O’odham Nation, grew up in southern Arizona and has devoted his life to teaching and preserving his people’s culture, history, and language. He has taught Tohono O’odham culture as well as Native American history and culture at several colleges and universities. Husi holds an M.A. in Native American Studies from the University of Arizona and an M.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Saint Xavier University in Chicago, Illinois. Husi is currently working as a trilingual speech-language pathologist in southern Arizona where he just received a national 2026 Hero of the Year award from his employer, Bayada Home Health Care. He remains deeply involved in language preservation and literacy initiatives within his tribe. He continues to write bilingual Tohono O’odham books for children and is currently working on an illustrated, bilingual, Tohono O’odham/English dictionary. Kerrie Ann Cázares grew up in Orland Park, Illinois. She received her Bachelors degree in sociology at Saint Xavier University in Chicago, Illinois. Kerrie Ann writes and illustrates books, language coloring books, and language materials for learning the O’odham language with her husband Husi Cázares.
This book introduces 24 O’odham letters through colorful and engaging images, with eight illustrations for each letter to support learning and recognition. Many of the visuals reflect familiar objects and experiences within the O’odham community, helping learners connect language to everyday life. The book also includes a glossary and a pronunciation guide, making it a helpful resource for both new learners and those strengthening their O’odham language skills. Audience: Ages 6-8.