Osiyo! That means hello in Cherokee! Join Rocco and author Traci Sorell on KidLit RADIO for a chat about her book about the four seasons, WE ARE GRATEFUL, OTSALIHELIGA, which was inspired by the people and culture of the Cherokee Nation today! Learn along with Rocco as Traci shares some words from the Cherokee language! Watch Taci Sorell on STORYMAKERS! ABOUT the Book Otsaliheliga (oh-jah-LEE-hay-lee-gah) is a word that Cherokee people use to express gratitude. Beginning in the fall with the Cherokee New Year and ending in summer, follow a full Cherokee year of celebrations and experiences. Written by Traci Sorell, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, and illustrated by Frané Lessac, this nonfiction look at one group of Native Americans is appended with a glossary and the complete Cherokee syllabary, originally created by Sequoyah. ABOUT Traci Sorell Traci lives with her family in the Cherokee Nation, out in the country like she did as a child. Back then, she had geese, chickens, horses, dogs, and cats. Her mother’s Cherokee family has been in the area since the removal of most Cherokee people from their southeastern homelands in 1838. Traci grew up hearing stories about her ancestors and looking at their photographs with her elisi (eh-lee-see), grandma. Now her son does that with his elisi in addition to fishing in the nearby lake and learning about Cherokee culture. Sponsored by Website | Facebook | Twitter CONNECT WITH Traci! Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook CONNECT WITH KidLit TV Facebook Group | Facebook Page | Instagram | Newsletter | Pinterest | Twitter | YouTube Executive Producer: Julie Gribble