New York, NY, June 12, 2025 — Lee & Low Books in collaboration with First Nation-owned Indigenous Education Press will publish the Drumbeat Decodable Book Collection, a groundbreaking series designed to strengthen reading skills, just in time for the new school year.
In addition to being highly decodable, child-centered, and contemporary, this collection marks the first Indigenous authored and illustrated phonics titles available in the US.
“The Drumbeat Decodable series was created with the goal of supporting young readers by integrating authentic Indigenous Perspectives into structured literacy,” said Sandra Samatte, Author and CEO of Indigenous Education Press. “Every child deserves to see themselves reflected in the books they learn from, and we hope this series empowers educators to provide inclusive, engaging reading experiences.”
The first five books teach short vowels (a, e, i, o, u) in the context of cvc (consonant-vowel-consonant) words. Each features twenty pages of high-quality storytelling and vibrant illustrations as well as a word list, high-frequency words, and activities for extended learning. Free downloadable lesson plans on leeandlow.com also accompany each title, offering educators recommendations on how to reinforce decoding skills, comprehension strategies, and rigorous knowledge-rich learning.
The collection has already garnered praise from School Library Journal in a starred review: “Simple text with clear and specific targeted practice for emergent readers reinforce foundational skills like segmenting and blending CVC words. . . . Wonderful resources for parents to read together with children. The illustrations are breathtaking and lend themselves to lots of rich conversation.”
The Nation’s Report Card, released in January 2025, reflects the literacy crisis facing students, educators, and caregivers nationwide. Two-thirds of US fourth graders read below grade level. Independent, minority-owned children’s publisher Lee & Low Books believes culturally relevant, accessible, and captivating books are the key to creating strong and lifelong readers.
“This effort begins with our youngest readers,” says Jill Eisenberg, Vice President of Curriculum and Literacy Strategy and Business Development at Lee & Low Books. “These books demonstrate that you don’t have to compromise rigor, storyline, diversity, and joy in foundational skills-focused texts.”
“Partnering with Lee & Low was a natural fit because of our shared commitment to diversity in children’s publishing,” said Achilles Gentle, Owner of GoodMinds.com. “Bringing the Drumbeat Decodable series to the US means reaching more young readers with stories that not only teach foundational literacy skills but also celebrate the rich cultures and voices that shape our world.”
The first five paperbacks in the Drumbeat Decodable Book Collection release exclusively from Lee & Low under the Bebop Books® imprint on August 5, 2025:
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Duck and Cub (ISBN 978-1-64379-763-2)
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Grandfather Rock (ISBN 978-1-64379-764-9)
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Jan at Camp (ISBN 978-1-64379-765-6)
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Rhett and Jett (ISBN 978-1-64379-766-3)
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Tim and Robin (ISBN 978-1-64379-767-0)
Eight additional books with a focus on long vowels are forthcoming in Spring 2026.
For more information on the series or to arrange an interview with the creators, contact publicity@leeandlow.com
About the Author
Sandra Samatte, Anishinaabe, member of Ne-biimiskonaan (Skownan) First Nation, Treaty 2 Territory. Sandra has a Bachelor of Education degree. She is an Author and is currently the CEO of Indigenous Education Press (IEP). Her passion for Indigenous Education has been focused on creating Indigenous books and resources that are respectful, are culturally appropriate, and hold cultural integrity for educators, children, and young people.
About the Illustrator
Julian Grafenauer, Anishinaabe, member of Ditibineya-ziibiing (Rolling River) First Nation, Treaty 4 Territory. Julian is the Lead Illustrator and Graphic Designer at Indigenous Education Press (IEP). Julian's distinct design and style bring to life Indigenous stories including the Drumbeat Decodables as well as many other Indigenous books published by IEP.
About Indigenous Education Press
Indigenous Education Press is a First Nation-owned publishing company located on the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory. Indigenous Education Press publishes stories by well-known and new Indigenous Authors. All stories from the Authors are brought to life through Indigenous Illustrators, Designers, and Artists.
About GoodMinds.com
GoodMinds.com is a First Nation family-owned business passionate about Indigenous education. GoodMinds.com continues the traditions of community philanthropy and exceptional customer service established over the last twenty years. GoodMinds.com is located on Six Nations of the Grand River Territory in Brantford. Visit goodminds.com to learn more.
About Lee & Low Books Inc.
Established in 1991, LEE & LOW BOOKS INC. is the largest children’s book publisher in the United States specializing in diversity and has been a leader in the movement for greater representation in children’s publishing for over thirty years. The family-run, independent, and certified 100 percent Minority Owned Business Enterprise (MBE) produces award-winning, high-quality books for every age that are truly “about everyone—for everyone” under the imprints Bebop Books®, Children's Book Press, Cinco Puntos Press, Lee & Low Books, Shen's Books, and Tu Books. The list includes leveled books for beginning readers, picture books, early chapter books, middle grade, and young adult books, and a wide selection of bilingual and Spanish language titles. The company's commitment to diversity is further reflected in the often cited Diversity Baseline Survey, an ongoing study of demographics in the publishing industry. Visit leeandlow.com to learn more.
