English
Books (1)
Synopsis:
I woke up with Moses Henry’s boot holding open my jaw and my right eye was looking into his gun barrel. I heard the slow words, “Take. It. Back.” I know one thing about Moses Henry; he means business when he means business. I took it back and for the last eight months I have not uttered Annie Mukluk’s name.
In strolls Annie Mukluk in all her mukiness glory. Tonight she has gone traditional. Her long black hair is wrapped in intu’dlit braids. Only my mom still does that. She’s got mukluks, real mukluks on and she’s wearing the old-style caribou parka. It must be something her grandma gave her. No one makes that anymore. She’s got the faint black eyeliner showing off those brown eyes and to top off her face she’s put pretend face tattooing on. We all know it’ll wash out tomorrow. — from "Annie Muktuk"
When Sedna feels the urge, she reaches out from the Land of the Dead to where Kakoot waits in hospital to depart from the Land of the Living. What ensues is a struggle for life and death and identity. In “Kakoot” and throughout this audacious collection of short stories, Norma Dunning makes the interplay between contemporary realities and experiences and Inuit cosmology seem deceptively easy. The stories are raucous and funny and resonate with raw honesty. Each eye-opening narrative twist in Annie Muktuk and Other Stories challenges readers’ perceptions of who Inuit people are.
Awards
- 2017-2018 Danuta Gleed Literary Award Winner
- 2018 INDIEFAB Book of the Year (Short Stories)
- 2018 Howard O'Hagan Award for Short Story
Reviews
"Dunning’s stories, nuanced and deeply felt, reach deep into the heart of what it means to be Inuit, into the sacred place where the songs of the north are still sung, visions are still seen, and the spirits still speak. From this place, it is possible to laugh at those who come to destroy. From this place, dignity is maintained and the connection to the turning of the seasons is unbroken. Together with grief for what has been lost, there is power and light in these stories." — Kristine Morris, Foreword Magazine, June 2017
"When I read the article, 'What inspired her was getting mad,' about the story behind Norma Dunning’s debut collection, Annie Mukluk and Other Stories, I was not surprised. Acts of justice and revenge factor throughout the book, propelling the stories so terrifically. Dunning wrote her stories in response to ethnographic representations of Inuit people that neglected to show them as actual people, and the result is a book that’s really extraordinary. Because her people are so real, people who laugh, and joke, and drink, and have sex (and they have a lot of sex)." — Kerry Clare, Pickle Me This, August 2017
"Although [Dunning] deals with serious contemporary realities for Inuit people, she manages to work in moments of humour that flesh out her characters, making them fully realized and complex.”— Matthew Stepanic, Where.ca, September 2017
"A successful short story takes us to unfamiliar places, and the 16 stories in this collection certainly fill that bill. It’s a journey deep into Inuit life, with tales of Inuk of all shapes, genders and ages. The title story is at turns funny, violent and cunning: Jimmy tries to convince best friend Moses to stay away from the glorious Annie Muktuk, an arnaluk (naughty woman, according to the glossary) who will cause him grief." — Sarah Murdoch, Toronto Star, November 2017
"This whole collection is fantastic, but the story with the bad trip is 'Husky', inspired by the life of trapper and HBC Factor "Husky" Harris whose visit to Winnipeg with his three Inuit wives, Tetuk, Alaq and Keenaq, is written about in history books. In the story, naturally, the group and their children make an impression at their hotel, and the racism of hotel staff leads to a fight that lands Husky in the hospital. The violence doesn't end there and the women are further victimized—but then they enact the most beautiful justice." — Kerry Clare, 49th Shelf, August 2017
"Inuk writer Norma Dunning’s debut collection passed under the radar of the big awards despite being the year’s best short fiction collection. The stories infuse Inuit myth with reality, explore the effects of colonialism, and delve into settler-writer portrayals of Inuit, all told with heart and humour that is infectious." — Michael Melgaard, National Post, December 2017
Additional Information
198 pages | 5.25" x 9.00"
Teen Books (1)
Synopsis:
Annie Mae''s Movement explores what is must have been like to be Anna Mae Pictou Aquash, a woman in a man''s movement, a Canadian in America, an American Indian in a white-dominant culture. This play looks for the truth by examining the life and death of this remarkable woman.
Educator Information
Recommended Grades: 10-11.
Kids Books (13)
Synopsis:
Animals Illustrated mixes fun-filled animal facts suitable for the youngest of readers with intricately detailed illustrations to create a unique and beautiful collection of children's non-fiction books on Arctic animals. Each volume contains first-hand accounts from authors who live in the Arctic, along with interesting facts on the behaviours and biology of each animal.
Kids will learn about how narwhal raise their young in the cold Arctic ocean, what they eat, and where they can be found, along with other interested information, like the fact that a narwhals long tusk is actually a tooth!
Reviews
“Narwhal is definitely recommended for school libraries and classroom collections.” — CM Magazine
“The table of contents gives a clear sense of organization. The illustrations are both scientifically accurate, engaging, and beautiful.” — Kid Lit North
“. . . [I]ncludes comment about the narwhal’s deep diving and behaviour beneath the ice, as well as about its impressive tooth, often referred to as a tusk, that can grow up to almost 3 metres in length.” — CanLit for Little Canadians
Educator & Series Information
This book is part of the non-fiction Animals Illustrated series, which mixes fun-filled animal facts suitable for the youngest of readers with intricately detailed illustrations to create a unique and beautiful collection of children’s non-fiction books on Arctic animals. Each volume contains firsthand accounts from authors who live in the Arctic, along with interesting facts on the behaviours and biology of each animal.
Recommended Ages: 5-7
This book is available in French: Narval
Additional Information
24 pages | 6.75" x 9.25"
Synopsis:
Animals Illustrated mixes fun—filled animal facts suitable for the youngest of readers with intricately detailed illustrations to create a unique and beautiful collection of children's non—fiction books on Arctic animals. Each volume contains first—hand accounts from authors who live in the Arctic, along with interesting facts on the behaviours and biology of each animal.
Kids will learn how polar bears raise their babies, what they eat and how they hunt, where they can be found, and other interesting information, like the fact that polar bears actually have transparent fur and black skin!
Awards
- 2017 Canadian Children's Book Centre Best Books for Kids and Teens
Reviews
“The polar bear is presented to the audience in a respectful way.” — CM Magazine
“Design of the series is spot-on, with attractive covers and lay-out that is both consistent throughout the series and age-appropriate for conveying information visually and textually.” — Kid Lit North
“Animals Illustrated is a significant series for young animal lovers . . .” — CanLit for Little Canadians
Educator & Series Information
This book is part of the non-fiction Animals Illustrated series, which mixes fun-filled animal facts suitable for the youngest of readers with intricately detailed illustrations to create a unique and beautiful collection of children’s non-fiction books on Arctic animals. Each volume contains firsthand accounts from authors who live in the Arctic, along with interesting facts on the behaviours and biology of each animal.
Recommended Ages: 5-7
This book is available in French: Ours polaire
Additional Information
24 pages | 6.70" x 9.25"
Synopsis:
Perfect for nature-loving young readers who want to expand their knowledge of Arctic animals beyond polar bears and walruses!
Animals Illustrated mixes fun-filled animal facts suitable for the youngest of readers with intricately detailed illustrations to create a unique and beautiful collection of children’s non-fiction books about Arctic animals.
Each volume contains first-hand accounts from authors who live in the Arctic, along with interesting facts on the behaviours and biology of each animal. In this book, kids will learn what ravens eat, where they live, how they raise their babies, and other interesting facts, like the fact that ravens have one of the biggest brains of any bird and that they can use tools!
Educator & Series Information
Recommended Ages: 6-8
This book is part of the non-fiction Animals Illustrated series, which mixes fun-filled animal facts suitable for the youngest of readers with intricately detailed illustrations to create a unique and beautiful collection of children’s non-fiction books on Arctic animals. Each volume contains firsthand accounts from authors who live in the Arctic, along with interesting facts on the behaviours and biology of each animal.
Reading Levels:
Fountas & Pinnell Text Level Gradient: P
Guided Reading Level: P
This book is available in French: Corbeau.
Additional Information
28 pages | 6.50" x 9.00" | Hardcover
Synopsis:
Animals Illustrated mixes fun-filled animal facts suitable for the youngest of readers with intricately detailed illustrations to create a unique and beautiful collection of children’s non-fiction books about Arctic animals.
Each volume contains first-hand accounts from authors who live in the Arctic, along with interesting facts on the behaviours and biology of each animal. In this book, kids will learn what ringed seals eat, where they live, how they raise their babies, and other interesting facts, like how deep they can dive and how they are amazing diggers!
Educator & Series Information
This book is part of the non-fiction Animals Illustrated series, which mixes fun-filled animal facts suitable for the youngest of readers with intricately detailed illustrations to create a unique and beautiful collection of children’s non-fiction books on Arctic animals. Each volume contains firsthand accounts from authors who live in the Arctic, along with interesting facts on the behaviours and biology of each animal.
Recommended Ages: 6 to 8.
Available in French: Phoque annelé
Additional Information
28 pages | 6.50" x 9.00" | Hardcover
Synopsis:
Animals Illustrated mixes fun-filled animal facts suitable for the youngest of readers with intricately detailed illustrations to create a unique and beautiful collection of children’s non-fiction books on Arctic animals. Each volume contains first-hand accounts from authors who live in the Arctic, along with interesting facts on the behaviours and biology of each animal.
Kids will learn about how walruses raise their young in the cold Arctic ocean, what they eat, and where they can be found, along with other interesting information, like the fascinating uses for their characteristic tusks.
Awards
- 2017 OLA Best Bet
- 2017 Canadian Children's Book Centre Best Books for Kids and Teens
Reviews
“Young readers will learn the basics about walruses here: adaptations, young, social groups, feeding, anatomy, range, predators, dangers to humans, and Inuit use of walruses for meat and ivory for their harpoons.” — Kirkus Reviews
“The endpapers, as well, use illustrations to full effect to convey information.” — Kid Lit North
“. . . [I]t’s the uncommon info, like which bulls can be a threat to boats and how walrus meat is prepared by the Inuit, that makes Herve Paniaq’s Walrus distinct.” — CanLit for Little Canadians
“. . . [M]akes a wonderful addition to library shelves, and should be there for those kids who love to learn about new and not always common animals.” — Sal’s Fiction Addiction
Educator & Series Information
This book is part of the non-fiction Animals Illustrated series, which mixes fun-filled animal facts suitable for the youngest of readers with intricately detailed illustrations to create a unique and beautiful collection of children’s non-fiction books on Arctic animals. Each volume contains firsthand accounts from authors who live in the Arctic, along with interesting facts on the behaviours and biology of each animal.
This book has been officially levelled using the Fountas & Pinnell Text Level Gradient™ Levelling System. It's F&P level is P.
Recommended Ages: 5-7
This book is available in French: Morse
Additional Information
32 pages | 6.75" x 9.25"
Synopsis:
In this book, kids will learn how wolverines raise their babies, where they live, what they eat, and other interesting information, like how they use their distinctive scent and how they became known as the gluttons of the animal kingdom!
Reviews
"Niptanatiak shares the scientific facts about the animal in a very accessible and simple way, so despite its factual nature this book feels like anything but a boring textbook. A key focus of the facts is how the wolverine engages with its surroundings and other animals, making it a great way to introduce young readers to the Indigenous concept of relationality." - Excerpt from IBBY Canada's From Sea to Sea to Sea: Celebrating Indigenous Picture Books - 2023 Edition
Educator & Series Information
This book is part of the non-fiction Animals Illustrated series, which mixes fun-filled animal facts suitable for the youngest of readers with intricately detailed illustrations to create a unique and beautiful collection of children’s non-fiction books on Arctic animals. Each volume contains firsthand accounts from authors who live in the Arctic, along with interesting facts on the behaviours and biology of each animal.
Themes: Nunavut, Inuit, Indigenous, Arctic Animals, STEM
"A key focus of the facts is how the wolverine engages with its surroundings and other animals, making it a great way to introduce young readers to the Indigenous concept of relationality" - From Sea to Sea to Sea 2023 Edition
Recommended Ages: 6 to 8.
Available in French: Carcajou
Additional Information
28 pages | 6.50" x 9.00" | Hardcover
Synopsis:
What animals live in the Arctic?
This book features high-contrast images of familiar animals found in the North, like the polar bear, narwhal, and ringed seal.
Educator & Series Information
This is an Arvaaq Book. Books in this series are intended for infants and very young children and are designed to help children develop physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and language skills.
This book features high-contrast images. These books engage an infant's interest in pictures and books while helping to support their visual development.
Recommended Ages: 0 to 3
Bilingual: English and Inuktitut
Additional Information
12 pages | 8.00" x 8.00" | b&w illustrations
Synopsis:
Animals of the Salish Sea is a wonderful book for home and school. This book shares Coast Salish traditional teachings of 26 animals. Also included is the specific aspects of each animal who live in this unique marine environment.
Explore the Salish Sea through the First Nations and Native art of Coast Salish artists (including: Terry Horne, Doug LaFortune, Francis Horne Sr., Maynard Johnny Jr., Marissa Nahanee, Latash Nahanee, Simone Diamond, Erica Joseph, Darrell Thorne, Doug Horne, Chad Leon, Joe Sxwaset-Wilson) and Musqueam, Coast Salish author Melaney Gleeson-Lyall.
"The Coast Salish people have been the guardians of the Salish Sea for thousands of years. The Salish Sea provides us food and sustenance for living, ceremonies, and journeys of life. We use the Salish Sea as our highway to travel and visit all of our relations. Our cedar plank longhouses lined the shores inviting all of our visitors to our lands." - Doug LaFortune, Coast Salish
Educator Information
This beautiful and colourful book offers teachings about the animals of the Salish Sea!
Additional Information
Board Book
Synopsis:
Animals of the Salish Sea is a wonderful new book for home and school. This book shares Coast Salish traditional teachings of 26 animals. Also included is the specific aspects of each animal who live in this unique marine environment.
Explore the Salish Sea through the First Nations and Native art of Coast Salish artists (including: Terry Horne, Doug LaFortune, Francis Horne Sr., Maynard Johnny Jr., Marissa Nahanee, Latash Nahanee, Simone Diamond, Erica Joseph, Darrell Thorne, Doug Horne, Chad Leon, Joe Sxwaset-Wilson) and Musqueam, Coast Salish author Melaney Gleeson-Lyall.
"The Coast Salish people have been the guardians of the Salish Sea for thousands of years. The Salish Sea provides us food and sustenance for living, ceremonies, and journeys of life. We use the Salish Sea as our highway to travel and visit all of our relations. Our cedar plank longhouses lined the shores inviting all of our visitors to our lands." - Doug LaFortune, Coast Salish
Educator Information
This beautiful and colourful book offers teachings about the animals of the Salish Sea!
Additional Information
Hardcover
Synopsis:
There are a lot of animals living in Arctic waters!
This book features animals that live in the waters around Nunavut, such as the narwhal and the ringed seal.
Educator & Series Information
This book is part of the Nunavummi Reading Series, a Nunavut-developed series that supports literacy learning while teaching readers about the people, traditions, and environment of the Canadian Arctic. It is a Level 3 book in the series.
Nunavummi Reading Series books have also been officially levelled using the Fountas & Pinnell Text Level Gradient™ Levelling System. This book's F&P Level is LB.
Curriculum Connections: Language and literacy; Environmental awareness; Life systems
Recommended for ages 3-6.
Additional Information
12 pages | 6.00" x 8.00"
Synopsis:
The Anishinaabek are a rich nation with teachings and practices passed down from generation to generation. Explore more about the people and nations through Anishinaabek author Jennifer Meness.
Educator & Series Information
This book is part of the Indigenous Nations in North America series.
Additional Information
32 Pages | Paperback
Synopsis:
Anishinaabe educator and author Wanda Barker, Bear Clan from Hollow Water First Nation brings her knowledge and fluency in Anishinaabemowin to language learners in her book Anishinaabemowin Animal Alphabet Book 1. This alphabet book focuses on the letters used in the double vowel writing system. The book focuses on learning the names of animals, information on the animals and their actions. A double vowel chart to learn the sounds and pronunciation is included.
Educator Information
Recommended for grades 1 to 3.
Additional Information
36 Pages
Synopsis:
Ants in my Pants is a story about a young Indigenous girl who struggles to focus. She has a hard time sitting still and loves to be active. The rhyming story goes through what a day in her life is like both at school and home. Through her struggles to focus, she begins to understand that she also has many strengths. Learn the tools and techniques that she uses to stay calm and to focus. A perfect book for students who struggle to focus.
Educator Information
Recommended for grades 1 to 4.
Keywords / Themes: Indigenous Inclusive Education; Focus; Self-Regulation; Personal Strengths
Additional Information
Pages: 20 | Paperback