My name is Beatrix Bosse and I am a Sugpiaq Alaska Native. Ever since I was very young, reading has been a big part of my life and that passion for books has brought me to where I am today. Without this love and proficiency, I never would have been able to apply for the schools of my dreams and become knowledgeable in a wide variety of both fun and engaging topics that connect me with both my culture and the world around me. This devotion to literature started all the way back when I was only four or five years old. At this age, I absolutely loved picture books. They could be about anything and everything, from dinosaurs to aliens to earthworms, but the ones that stuck with me the most were books that were read to me by my family. Some of my most cherished childhood memories are from when my mother sat me down on her lap and read to me about how she would love me forever, or about how life is better with a friend. It brought me closer to her, and the lessons she taught me through these books will stay with me forever. My teachers always mentioned my good behavior and kind disposition during parent-teacher conferences, and I wholeheartedly believe that the picture books of my childhood help contribute to this high praise. These books taught me to be a good person, and I still hold those values to this day. Beyond just good behavior however, these books also taught me another valuable lesson in that I learned to be curious and caring about the world around me. I read picture books about topics like nature and history, which have sparked an adoration for learning like no other. The captivating illustrations and imagery caused me to seek out educational content with zeal, and allowed me to form a much deeper connection with the world by constantly wanting to know more. No topic was safe from my inquiry, no matter if it were about animals in the ocean, or a simple history of the first airplanes, I most likely read about it. Through this deep connection and passion for finding more in my community, I even managed to explore my own native identity and how it shaped who I am today. I found book after book written by people just like me, who taught me about my ancestors and their important beliefs and practices; it gave me a sense of belonging in the world. Without picture books, it would not have been possible for me to advance so easily in school and pursue higher education with as much excitement as I currently do. I fully believe that all the connections I have made, and all the things I have learned were built upon a strong foundation of picture books. Without these valuable resources, I would be nothing like the person I am today, and I would have been worse off for it.