submitted by Beng Favreau-"B is for Basketball" is the official book for this year's All Native Basketball Tournament. It is the one of the first, if not the first, children's book on aboriginal basketball to be published in Canada. Created by the students and teachers of Haida Gwaii, this beautifully-illustrated alphabet book will be launched at the opening ceremony of the All Native Tournament on the evening of Monday, Feb. 7 at the Jim Ciccone Civic Centre in Prince Rupert.A home-based launch will follow on Saturday, Feb. 19, 4 pm at the Haida Heritage Centre at Kaay Llnagaay, Skidegate. Collector's editions of the book will be on sale at both launches. The idea for a children's book about basketball came from parents in Skidegate. When selecting books for their new library, they asked for a book about aboriginal baseketball. After discovering that no such children's books existed, School District 50 decided to create one, incorporating collaborative efforts between students and teachers. "B is for Basketball" is the result of a working partnership between School District 50, Literacy Haida Gwaii, local artist and illustrator Judy Hilgemann, and McKellar & Martin Publishing Group. Children need to see themselves, their communities, and their passions reflected in quality children's books. "B is for Basketball" makes this possible through its locally-relevant story and captivating illustrations of basketball action and north coast scenery. Governor General's award-winner and world-renowned Haida artist Robert Davidson makes this significant book even more meaningful with his inspiring forward. The collector's edition of the book is made possible through Northern Savings Credit Union's sponsorship. The trade edition will be available in March at major bookstores. Profits from both editions will go into funding early learning programs on Haida Gwaii.