Cherokee Growing Readers Initiative launches new book: 'Brush, Book, Bed'

The book combines Cherokee language, dental hygiene, and reading, and is authored by and features Cherokee community members.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 6:37pm

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An abstract, impressionistic image of a parent and child reading together, with soft, blurred pools of warm light and color creating an intimate, cozy atmosphere.The new 'Brush, Book, Bed' book from the Cherokee Growing Readers Initiative aims to promote healthy habits and celebrate the tribe's language and culture.Cherokee Today

Kristina Hyatt, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) and the relational health program director for the Center for Native Health, recently authored a book for the Cherokee Growing Readers Initiative through Unite for Literacy. The book, titled 'Brush, Book, Bed,' promotes children's dental hygiene and features Hyatt's own children. The book was produced in collaboration with the Qualla Boundary Public Library and Children's Dental, and incorporates the Cherokee language.

Why it matters

The book aligns with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians' strategic plan to increase representation of community identity and Cherokee language, enhancing the visibility and accessibility of Cherokee culture through partnerships. It also aims to educate parents on the importance of reading to children and establish healthy dental habits.

The details

Hyatt worked with Chi Shipman, manager of Qualla Boundary Public Library, and Mellie Burns, manager of Children's Dental, to produce 'Brush, Book, Bed.' The book combines Cherokee language, dental hygiene, and reading, and features Hyatt's own children. The book will be available at various community locations, including schools, libraries, and health clinics.

  • Hyatt presented the initiative to Tribal Council in September 2025.
  • 'Brush, Book, Bed' will be available at community book gardens starting in 2026.

The players

Kristina Hyatt

A member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) and the relational health program director for the Center for Native Health, who authored the book 'Brush, Book, Bed.'

Chi Shipman

The manager of Qualla Boundary Public Library, who collaborated on the production of 'Brush, Book, Bed.'

Mellie Burns

The manager of Children's Dental, who collaborated on the production of 'Brush, Book, Bed.'

Garfield Axe Long

Translated the Cherokee language content in the book.

Principal Chief Michell Hicks

The Principal Chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, whose strategic plan the book aligns with.

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What they’re saying

“Things fall in line for a reason and are put together in a very specific way. So, I know that wasn't chance that the three of us sat down together at that table. It was meant to be to bring us to where we're at now.”

— Mellie Burns, Manager of Children's Dental

“I'm a dental hygienist. I don't work clinically, but in all of the work that I do, I make sure to incorporate why it's important to take care of your teeth. That's kind of how this collaboration piece has come together. And also, I'm a mom of two boys, and just being right now in this moment, living in that, raising my boys, reading with them is like one of my favorite activities to do with them.”

— Kristina Hyatt, Author of 'Brush, Book, Bed'

“My older one said, 'Mom, I want to make sure that all of my classmates have a copy of it.' To me, that's what's special about this project, too, is being able to get our community members involved and so that they're able to see their friends and their family in these books.”

— Kristina Hyatt, Author of 'Brush, Book, Bed'

“I think that's like one of the biggest pieces I'm excited about with this one being done is that it has community members in it and it's done by a community member. And this was done on an iPhone, so it's very easy to do. The process is super simple to follow.”

— Chi Shipman, Manager of Qualla Boundary Public Library

“To think that you could save your grandma's voice in this, save our [Cherokee fluent] speakers' voices in this, and it's all ours. [Unite for Literacy] doesn't keep anything. They just help us make them and distribute them, and it's all owned by us.”

— Chi Shipman, Manager of Qualla Boundary Public Library

What’s next

Shipman said she is meeting with the Cherokee Language Master Apprentice Program and Dadiwonisi Language Program in Tutiyi (Snowbird) to produce more books for the initiative that incorporate Cherokee language, and she is planning to write a book herself about the library.

The takeaway

This book project highlights the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians' commitment to preserving their language and culture, while also promoting important health and literacy initiatives for the community. By featuring local community members and incorporating the Cherokee language, the book serves as a valuable resource that celebrates the tribe's identity and heritage.