Origin: An illuminating look at Indigenous peoples and their connection to the natural world.

by Nat Cardozo

​● 2025 California Reading Association Gold Award Winner
Portraits of Indigenous children and their communities from around the world in a stunning presentation emphasizing community and a connection to the land and the environment 
We are all one. We all inhabit the same planet, and we all have a common human origin.
This is the core theme of this important book. Each double-page spread presents a contemporary and fascinating look at more than 20 Indigenous peoples from across the globe. These first nations were the first humans to inhabit their territories, which are under threat today from “civilization” that seeks to profit from them and their lands.
In these societies, a sense of community life prevails, based on reciprocity, solidarity, mutual aid, avoiding excess, and honoring what nature provides. Indigenous peoples are also the guardians of 80 percent of terrestrial biodiversity—they are the first conservationists of the natural environment.
Franco-Uruguayan author Nat Cardozo has created a unique book with beautiful illustrations that blur the lines between humans and their environment and present a wide variety of ways of life from little-known cultures. In addition to collecting 22 first-person stories, this informative book is about the past and present of Indigenous peoples, recounting a long history of struggle and resistance and of defense—not only of their territories but also of their languages and traditional ways of life.
This book provides a unique opportunity to acknowledge our common origin and reflect on how we might create a new unity for humanity to reconnect us to living things and bind us together again as one.

Native tribes featured in the book are from all five continents and !Kung, Orang Rimba, Inuit, Tuareg, Moken, Anangu, Bijago, Evenki, Bribri, Cherokee, Mosuo, Uru Chipaya, Tz'utujil, Ngati Hau, Wayuu, Q'ero, Sami, Mbuti, Juchiteca, Gitxsan, Dongria Kondh, Yanomami

Genres: Nonfiction, Indigenous, Childrens, Art

64 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 9, 2025

Reviews

[Sue Ready · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an ambitious effort compiling information that pays tribute to Indigenous people who have bravely preserved to this day and whose ancestral wisdom has much to teach us. From a historical perspective, readers are informed about Indigenous peoples who have struggled to maintain their traditional ways of life while still harmonizing with nature. All of these featured Indigenous groups have something in common: despite their many obstacles, they have managed to maintain their traditional ways of life and their relationships with nature. Indigenous people, more than 470 million, are also some of the most socially marginalized populations of the world. They are also people for whom community living is based on the principles of sharing, solidarity, and mutual aid, of avoiding excess, and being thankful for what they can get. "Origin" is a book that should be accessible to all readers in school classrooms or libraries. With the author's meticulous research, the book becomes a valuable resource for ongoing discussion of Indigenous peoples and their connection to the natural world.

Nat Cardozo, author/illustrator, has chosen twenty-two Indigenous groups spanning five continents to be represented in this book, which is only a small part of the more than 5,000 who currently live around the world. "Origin" is a nonfiction oversized picture book for middle school readers, but all readers can appreciate and learn from it, too. The content is based on direct testimonies, documentaries, and the work of anthropologists. Each two-page spread is about an indigenous group, with text on one side and a stunning illustration on the other. The text is narrated from a child's perspective, introducing readers to the group they represent and providing information on their population, territory, language, and culture. The full-size, very detailed illustration on each page is just stunning. It's a painting of a child's face, featuring the geography of their homeland, and it's nothing short of mesmerizing.

Further talking points at the end of the book, including an overview of environmental degradation and the resistance movements indigenous groups currently face, were interesting points to consider.

[Sheila The Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Origin by Nat Cardozo is a visually rich and deeply moving tribute to Indigenous children and their communities around the world, highlighting their deep connection to the land and their role as guardians of the natural environment. Through first-person stories and stunning illustrations, the book invites readers to reflect on our shared human roots, the power of community, and the urgent need to protect both cultural heritage and biodiversity.

This book was utterly breathtaking in its vivid and imaginative illustrations. Each child is portrayed with such stunning creativity and care that I often found myself pausing just to take in the artwork. Truly, these illustrations belong in art galleries. I would hang them on my own walls if I could. They celebrate not only the individual children but the beauty of each culture represented, and they radiate a sense of joy and pride. It’s so important for children to see books like this, where kids from around the world are represented with respect, warmth, and authenticity.

I learned so much about the tribes featured in this book, many of which I had never heard of before. From where they live to their customs, foods, writing systems, and daily life, each entry expanded my understanding of Indigenous communities across the globe. It was a reminder that “Indigenous” is a global term, not limited to one country or continent. A quote from the Cherokee people stood out to me: “We don’t take what we want from nature, just what we need.” That wisdom is at the heart of this book’s message.

The only thing I found missing was a pronunciation guide for each tribe's name. I wanted to be able to say them properly and respectfully. Still, this is a spectacular and important book that belongs in homes, classrooms, and libraries. It is as educational as it is beautiful and will leave a lasting impression on both children and adults.

Thank you to NetGalley and Publisher Spotlight Red Comet Press for the gift of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think that the beauty of this book really needs to be experienced as a print copy!
Beautifully illustrated in a very creative way are the specific characteristics, general location, and some cultural aspects of 22 different but often similar Indigenous peoples living in every corner of the world we share regardless of their color, creed, or state of freedom. Some are nomads, some are fisherfolk, some venerate bird or dogs or other fauna. Most continue with the oral traditions and beliefs but some use writing, tattoos, or tapestry to pass along their histories, some must be defiant against those who live under governments that are hostile to their ways and beliefs. The stories are inspired by direct testimonies and data obtained from various documentary sources. I took notes and made lists so I would remember, but that's not good enough. Great for gifting to EVERYone, but especially to a school or your local public library! I preordered a copy for myself.
We are all one.
"If there is a forest, there will be flowers. If there are flowers, there will be gods." Orang Rimba, Sumatra.
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected digital galley from Publisher Spotlight | Red Comet Press via NetGalley. Pub Date Sep 09, 2025 #bookbub #goodreads #storygraph #librarything
#Origin by #NatCardozo @nat.ilustradora @redcometpressbooks @pubspotlight #translated
#illuminatedbook #indigenous #fantasticbook #culturalexplorations #documentary

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Origin is a gorgeous collection of illustrations by Nat Cardozo (written with the assistance of Maria Jose Ferrada, translated by Ian Farnes and Layla Benitez-James, and published by Red Comet Press). Each page highlights an indigenous child and shares how their peoples connect with the natural world around them.

The illustrations do a fantastic job of capturing the human features of each child and the lives of the communities in which they live. I love how each illustration was paired with information about each indigenous community and their locations and language.

The book also serves as a phenomenal call to action for readers to find ways to connect with not only themselves, but with one another and the world that surrounds them. The inclusion of backmatter gives readers opportunities to further their exploration of different peoples and issues affecting our world. This would be phenomenal to share with Earth Day coming up!

This book was gifted as part of the annual Read Your World Day on January 29, 2026. This non-profit children's literacy initiative, founded by Valarie Budayr and Mia Wenjen, raises the awareness of the ongoing need to include books in homes and schools that celebrate diversity. #ReadYourWorld

[Miranda Beystehner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Origin is a stunning picture book that beautifully captures the deep connection between Indigenous cultures and the lands they call home. Each page highlights a different group of people, and their story is told through the eyes of a child. The illustrations are absolutely lovely - each child is drawn in a unique way that reflects the features of their homeland.

Although it is labeled as a children's nonfiction book, I honestly think readers of all ages can enjoy it. It’s a great introduction to a variety of Indigenous groups and could be a springboard for deeper learning. I personally discovered several cultures I wasn’t familiar with, and it definitely sparked my curiosity to learn more.

As a homeschooling parent, I can’t wait to incorporate Origin into our lessons about world cultures. It’s a gentle, engaging way to start those conversations with kids.

Origin has earned 5 stars from me. I recommend it to anyone looking to introduce diverse cultures to their children, or just to learn more themselves. Many thanks to NetGalley and Red Comet Press for the opportunity to read an advance copy.

[Rhiley Jade · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Red Comet Press for the E-ARC! This E-ARC was sent to me in exchange for an honest review.

I desperately wish this E-ARC was better formatted because it would have received five stars. I was entranced in the way the stories of each indigenous tribe was told, but the formatting for the ARC was so poor that it was hard to follow, hard to read, and I was confused at several points.

It was truly beautiful from what I COULD read. Each tribe tells you a story that transports you into their life and into Mother Earth. It's incredibly important to hear and LISTEN to marginalized voices in today's society, books like this are needed now more than ever.

Learning about indigenous languages dying out every two weeks, how many tribes were left on Earth-It was all information that you don't hear every day or in classrooms. This book should be readily available in schools.

I want to pick up a physical copy as soon as it's available!

[Erin Buhr]

As written in the introduction, "this book pays tribute to the Indigenous peoples who have bravely persevered to this day and whose ancestral wisdom has so much to teach us." It is a beautiful tribute.

Each spread is about a different Indigenous group from around the world. It states their name, territory, population, language and, then in the words of a child, there are a few paragraphs about their group. On the opposite of each spread is the painted of one child with the geography of their people represented on their face. They are stunning. Stop in your tracks and stare, breathtaking.

The connection between each group and the natural world is a common theme running throughout the book and most celebrated in the artwork. It is a lesson the creators of this book hope readers to consider.

I love this book for sharing on Indigenous peoples day, in classrooms when learning about history or the environment, and for sharing at homes on laps with time to discuss.

[Jennybeast · Rating 5 out of 5]

On the one hand -- this is stunningly beautiful -- the illustrations, the care, the thought and research that has gone into each. I love that it centers Indigenous cultures. I love that the content is based on direct testimonies, documentaries, anthropologists. I love that it highlights both well-known peoples and less familiar ones. I learned a lot. It is a thing of beauty.

On the other hand, it is important to recognize that the author isn't Indigenous as far as her biography states, and that this is a an overview -- a brief taste of many cultures. Perhaps it will spur readers to learn more. Certainly, it offers an inspiring portrait of a world in harmony with nature that I hope and dream we may some day return to.

[Marisa Duarte · Rating 3 out of 5]

The artwork is captivating and inspiring. This book features the perspectives of Indigenous peoples from children's points of view. Each image is of a child's face with the ancestral terrain illuminating the background of the face. Unfortunately the text sounds anthropological, like adult ethnographers imposing their perceptions of cultural distinctiveness into the minds of children. That part is odd; parents reading this to their child might want to address that with reminders that children have a right to their own thoughts and that the text was written by non-Indigenous grown-ups impersonating Indigenous children. I give this three stars for effort. For the illustrations I would give it five.

[V · Rating 5 out of 5]

Origin is a gorgeously illustrated over-size picture book. Each two-page spread introduces a character from a different Indigenous people; readers are briefly introduced to the child's culture and relationship with nature. The portrait of each child incorporates images from their environment; I love how one girl's hair is a blend of mountains and curls with a waterfall cascading down her part. Narration by the different children offers readers a more intimate glimpse of what are likely unfamiliar ways of living, facilitating connection and respect. Origin is a laudable addition to any collection.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Visually rich and stunning, Origin is a wonderfully engaging glimpse into the lives of a typical child in various Indigenous communities around the world. Each community is highlighted with beautiful descriptions of the land, people, traditions, and mythology. As another reviewer mentioned, I wish there'd been a pronunciation guide for words, but regardless I learned so, so much!

This will make a great addition to any child's library. Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Mary-Esther Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful way to honour the world’s First Peoples.

[Summer DBM · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. The illustrations were gorgeous and it was great to see such a wide swath of indigenous peoples represented authentically.

[Randy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely beautiful in its depictions of different indigenous peoples from around the world. The words sing, and the illustrations draw me in. What a gift this book is.