Indigenous-Focused Children’s Imprint Swift Water Books Announced by PRH Canada
Today, Penguin Random House Canada is excited to announce a new imprint at Tundra Book Group, one of North America’s leading children’s publishers. Swift Water Books, led by acclaimed author David A. Robertson, will focus on publishing works by Indigenous writers and illustrators, with its first children’s books slated for release in Spring 2026.
Swift Water Books features the work of emerging Indigenous talent alongside established and celebrated Indigenous voices. The imprint will publish books for young readers of all ages across a broad range of categories of children’s books, including picture books, graphic novels, middle grade and young adult fiction, and more. While there have been Indigenous publishers in Canada for years, Swift Water Books will be the first Indigenous children’s imprint within a major publishing house in Canada.
Robertson, who is a member of Norway House Cree Nation, notes, “I’ve been writing books for fifteen years and have devoted the majority of my time to educating readers—in particular, youth—about our past and our present, so that we can have a better vision of the future we want to see. I’ve been lucky enough to develop a platform where I can open doors for other Indigenous artists to do similar work, so that our truths are more widely available, and we can continue to walk on this path towards healing, both within our communities and as a larger community here on Turtle Island.”
Swift Water Books, as an imprint of Tundra Book Group, the children’s division of Penguin Random House Canada, will sell and distribute its books across Turtle Island. The first titles, to be published in early 2026, include Here for a Good Time, a young adult novel by Kim Spencer, and Canada, a picture book based on a poem by the late, iconic Richard Wagamese, originally published by Ronsdale Press, adapted by David A. Robertson and illustrated by Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley. “This imprint is the realization of a belief that stories can change things for the better, especially when they are written with intention, with truth, and with a focus on the real agents of change: youth,” says Editorial Director Robertson. “With a growing interest in Indigenous storytelling, there is no better time for this imprint than right now.”
Other writers and illustrators who have books forthcoming with Swift Water Books include Yolanda Bonnell, Cherie Dimaline and Wenzdae Dimaline-Manchester, Falen Johnson, Autumn Peltier, Waubgeshig Rice, Tasha Spillett, Kirk Van Brunt, Chelsea Vowel, Luke Swinson, and August Swinson. Of the imprint’s name, David says, “Swift Water honors my father and his impact on my life and career, in how he helped me to focus on the important things: effecting change in my community and helping others in whatever capacity I can. My father grew up on the land and by the water, and it was the place he found calm. My father was my calm. He used to call the rivers around his ancestral home Swift Water, and I think it’s a fitting way to remember him.”
Kristin Cochrane, CEO of Penguin Random House Canada, said: “It has been a profound joy to partner with Dave in the creation of this vital and groundbreaking imprint. When we first spoke about this idea, Dave’s intention was to open doors and create pathways into publishing, and I’m so proud of the ways in which he’s done precisely that as he’s built Swift Water Books alongside the Tundra team. Our world will be richer thanks to his advocacy, vision, and the stories he will help bring to readers everywhere.”
Tara Walker, Tundra Book Group publisher said: “I am immensely proud of the work Dave and our team has done so far to build this imprint and create a space for Indigenous artists to share their stories. Dave is an incredibly talented writer, and it has been an honor to work alongside him and watch him grow into this new role, using his sharp editorial instincts and creative vision to curate an exceptional list of titles. I am beyond excited to see this imprint continue to take shape and for the rest of the world to share in the wonderful stories that emerge.”