And we’re back with another post highlighting some fantastic new books from Inuit-owned, Nunavut-based publishers Inhabit Media! You can check out my previous post here.
Putuguq & Kublu and the Qalupalik
Putuguq and his sister Kublu live in the small northern community of Arviq Bay, where there might not be a lot of buildings or people, but there’s always fun and excitement to be had, thanks in large part to Putuguq’s vivid imagination! When the siblings head to the shore to meet Kublu’s friend Lisa, they come across their grandfather, who warns them to watch out for the qalupalik, who lies beneath the ice waiting to snatch away children. Grandfather is just trying to spook them with a scary story though….right?
Putuguq & Kublu and the Qalupalik uses a graphic novel format, with bright, colourful illustrations and a simple, limited text, making it a great choice for emergent readers.
I particularly enjoyed the portrayal of the siblings’ grandfather, who is revealed to have quite a sense of humour. It’s refreshing to see a grandparent portrayed as a fun-loving individual who isn’t above pulling a harmless prank on their grandchildren. Certainly this grandfather is a source of cultural knowledge and wisdom, and his warning to the children to be careful around the shore is practical and sensible. But even the wisest, noblest of elders can have a cheeky side to them, and a spirit of fun and joy. Growing older doesn’t have to mean losing your sense of humour!
Passed orally from storyteller to storyteller for hundreds of years, this beautiful illustrated story weaves together elements of an origin story and a traditional animal tale, giving young readers a window into Inuit mythology.
Using elements of Inuit mythology and traditional oral storytelling techniques this stunningly illustrated picture book tells a captivating origin story for the creation of day and night. In long ago times, when words held powerful magic, a fox longed for endless darkness in which to hunt, while a hare wished for endless daylight in which to graze. Together these two very different creatures forged a compromise that created the days and nights we enjoy today.
This is a picture book you absolutely must see to believe – the illustrations are absolutely beautiful, and shouldn’t be missed. It’s also very refreshing as a librarian to be able to add Inuit-written and published mythology and traditional tales to the library’s collection, adding much needed diversity and better representing the cultures and peoples of our northernmost territories. Author Paula Ikuutaq Rumbolt is from Nunavut, and has spent a great deal of time learning about her culture and heritage, and sharing what she has learned with her community and the rest of the country through her writing.
A big thank you to Inhabit Media for sending me copies of these beautiful new books in exchange for my honest review.
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