Key selling points: An opportunity for young people to learn about beadwork - a cultural tradition of many Indigenous groups across Turtle Island. Author Kelsey Borgford describes beadwork as a key connection to family, community, and self sustenance. Borgford was inspired by her friend Tessa Pizzale's story, and wanted her to come full circle and illustrate the book. What's in a Bead was the runner up for Second Story Press' third Indigenous Writing Contest. Kelsey Borgford was a finalist for the Indigenous Voices Award in the Unpublished Poetry in English category. Her poetry collection Once the Smudge is Lit is forthcoming with Kegedonce Publishing in Fall 2023. Illustrator Tessa Pizzale is an interdisciplinary artist who illustrates, paints and creates different Indigenous crafts including regalia leather belts, ribbon skirts, and beadwork. She learned a lot of her craftsmanship from her late Kookum, who taught her how to bead, and her Nikawiy, who taught her how to sew.