Nadia Sammurtok

The Grumpy Faces are a gang of whimsical woodland and Arctic creatures that care deeply about their habitats and encourage creativity wherever they go. In their first literary adventure, Polar Bear, Fox, and Wolf head out on a journey to find some snacks. On their way, they must learn how to be kind and understanding of each other, and work together toward their goal.

Cute and heartwarming, The Grumpy Faces are sure to bring a smile to every reader’s face, while also helping kids understand their emotions and how to navigate the differences they see in those around them.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.

Additional Information
28 pages | 9.00" x 9.00" | Hardcover 

Toonik Tyme is a lot of fun!

This book describes different things that happen during Toonik Tyme, an annual festival in Iqaluit that celebrates Inuit traditions and the return of spring.

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 7 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 E.

Curriculum Connections: Language and literacy; Indigenous perspectives; Community engagement; History; Heritage

Recommended for ages 5-7.

Additional Information 
16 pages | 10.00" x 10.00"

Told in the voice of a boy and his father by turns, this book takes a thoughtful and heartfelt look at the emotional toll of a child being taken from their family and community to attend residential school.

While the child’s internal monologue expresses his fear, confusion, and loss, the father’s monologue conveys his own sadness, fears, and hopes for the future of his child. The narrative gives voice to the things left unsaid between a parent and child experiencing this heart-rending separation. Upon his return to his community, when father and son are reunited, they must start the long process of reconnection.

Based on the author’s family history of residential school separation, this book provides a unique perspective on the difficult cycle of loss, reconnection, and regaining hope for the future.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 9 to 12.

Additional Infroamtion
40 pages | 9.00" x 8.00" | Hardcover 

Tuktu and his friends are exploring their feelings!

In this interactive book, children follow along as the animal characters experience different emotions, such as sad, happy, scared, and excited. As they go through the book, children are encouraged to talk about the feelings and practise making faces that express them.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 3 and under.

This book helps young children identify and express their emotions.

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.

Bilingual: English and Inuktitut

Additional Information
20 pages | 10.00" x 8.00" | Board Book

Nadia Sammurtok lovingly invites the reader into the amautik—the pouch in the back of a mother’s parka used to carry a child—to experience everything through the eyes of the baby nestled inside, from the cloudlike softness of the pouch to the glistening sound of Anaana’s laughter.

Sweet and soothing, this book offers a unique perspective that will charm readers of all ages.

Reviews
"Each spread appeals to a different sense, creating a deliciously cozy and nurturing microenvironment for this lucky tot. Inuit author and educator Sammurtok brings her work preserving Inuktitut to the text, with a spare sprinkling of vocabulary (defined in a closing glossary). The repetition of “In my anaana’s amautik” at the beginning of each short paragraph is both lulling and reinforcing of the relationship between child and mother. Canadian illustrator Lishchenko’s use of textures and subtle colors blends well with the strong, simple text. Delicate pastels give the Arctic landscape a welcoming beauty, and fanciful depictions of the similes the narrator suggests lend a playful air. The far north has never felt so deliciously warm." — Kirkus, STARRED review

"This gentle story is warm, cozy, and loving—just like being in anaana’s amautik. Readers will carry this gorgeous book close to their hearts." — School Library Journal, STARRED review

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 and under.

Additional Information
24 pages | 9.00" x 9.00"

Nadia Sammurtok lovingly invites the reader into the amautik—the pouch in the back of a mother’s parka used to carry a child—to experience everything through the eyes of the baby nestled inside, from the cloudlike softness of the pouch to the glistening sound of Anaana’s laughter.

Sweet and soothing, this book offers a unique perspective that will charm readers of all ages.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 and under.

Additional Information
24 pages | 7.50" x 7.50" | Board book

Nanuq is so excited when she finds out she is going to be a big sister! She thinks about all the fun things she will do with her new sibling. But when her baby brother is born, he cries all the time. Her parents are so busy with the baby, they don’t have time for her anymore. Nanuq feels lonely. Is this really what being a big sister is like? See how Nanuq’s friends help her understand that there are good things about being a big sister, too.

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.

Recommended Ages: 3 - 5

Dual-Language: English and Inuktitut

Additional Information
44 pages | 8.00" x 9.00" | Paperback 

Siuluk is a very strong man. He’s so strong that people tell him he must be the last of the Tuniit, friendly giants who once lived in the North. Just like those giants, Siuluk is so strong that he can carry an entire walrus over his shoulder.

But not everyone believes that Siuluk is strong. One day, when a group of men tease Siuluk about his size, he has to find a way to prove his strength once and for all—but how?

Based on traditional stories from the Chesterfield Inlet area of the Kivalliq region of Nunavut, this tale of Siuluk and his legendary strength will captivate young readers.

Educator Information
Fountas and Pinnell Level N
Suggested Ages: 5-7.

Additional Information
28 pages | 8.00" x 9.00"

Spencer the Siksik can’t wait for the first snowfall. He is going to build a snow fort with Gary the Snow Goose!

When Spencer’s mom tells him he must first shovel his grandma’s steps, he doesn’t understand why she has to ruin his fun. He just wants to play outside! But when Spencer sees that his grandma and her neighbours can’t leave their houses, he remembers what his mom taught him about taking care of Elders in his community.

Follow along as Spencer learns the importance of one of the eight guiding Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit principles: serving others. Explore more books in the Spencer the Siksik series to see how Spencer and his friend Gary learn about the other principles!

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

This book is part of a series that teaches children about Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit principles, or "IQ" principles, which are a set of communal laws that focus on the ways one is expected to behave. Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit literally translates to "that which Inuit have always known to be true." This book teaches the IQ principle of serving others.

Additional Information
40 pages | 9.50" x 10.50" | Paperback

It’s a beautiful day, and Spencer the Siksik can’t wait to play with his friends!

Gary the Snow Goose wants to play Inuit baseball. Spencer thinks tag is more fun. When Spencer and Gary disagree, Spencer storms off. Can Spencer and Gary come up with a decision that they are both happy with? See how Spencer and Gary learn about one of the eight guiding Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit principles: consensus decision-making.

Don’t miss the rest of Spencer’s adventures! Each book in this series follows Spencer the Siksik and Gary the Snow Goose as they learn about one of the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ) principles. The IQ principles are a set of Inuit beliefs, values, and communal laws focused on living a good life and the ways one is expected to behave. Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit literally translates to "that which Inuit have always known to be true."

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

This book is part of a series that teaches children about Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit principles, or "IQ" principles, which are a set of communal laws that focus on the ways one is expected to behave. Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit literally translates to "that which Inuit have always known to be true." This book teaches the IQ principle of consensus decision-making.

Additional Information
36 pages | 9.50" x 10.50" | Paperback

Avatittinnik Kamatsiarniq: Respecting the land, animals, and environment.

Spencer can’t wait for gym class. He can’t wait to play soccer baseball! But his teacher announces that the class will be cleaning up the playground instead. Spencer is upset. He never litters, so why should he pick up other people’s trash? When his friend Gary gets stuck in a discarded plastic ring, Spencer remembers what his grandmother taught him about taking care of the land. Can Spencer make it up to his classmates before the community clean-up is over? Follow along with Spencer and Gary as they learn about one of the eight guiding Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit principles: respecting the land, animals and environment.

Don’t miss the rest of Spencer’s adventures! Check out the series to find out how Spencer and Gary learn about each of the eight guiding Qaujimajatuqangit principles.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

This book is part of a series that teaches children about Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit principles, or "IQ" principles, which are a set of communal laws that focus on the ways one is expected to behave. Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit literally translates to "that which Inuit have always known to be true." Spencer the Siksik Cleans Up teaches children about the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit principle of respecting the land, animals, and environment. 

Additional Information
36 pages | 10.50" x 9.50" | Paperback

Spencer can't wait to go outside and play with his friends. He wants to play basketball and practise for the tryouts at school. But Gary the Snow Goose doesn't want to play basketball with him. Gary wants to play street hockey. The two friends can't come to an agreement. When Spencer sees that there is a reason why Gary doesn't want to play basketball, he remembers what his grandmother taught him about showing respect.

Educator & Series Information
This book is part of a series that teaches children about Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit principles, or "IQ" principles, which are a set of communal laws that focus on the ways one is expected to behave. Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit literally translates to "that which Inuit have always known to be true." This book incorporates the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ) principle of Inuuqatigiitsiarniq: respecting others, relationships, and caring for people. IQ principles are a set of communal laws that focus on the ways one is expected to behave.

Recommended ages: 6 to 8.

Additional Information
32 pages | 8.00" x 8.00" | Colour Illustrations | Paperback 

Spencer the siksik is excited for the first day of school! When he gets to class, the teacher introduces a new student: Gary the snow goose. Spencer doesn't want to let Gary play with him and his friends. He thinks Gary will just confuse things because he is new. But when Spencer sees that Gary is upset, he remembers what his grandmother taught him about being welcoming.

Educator & Series Information
This book is the first in a series that teaches children about Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit principles, or "IQ" principles, which are a set of communal laws that focus on the ways one is expected to behave. Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit literally translates to "that which Inuit have always known to be true." This book teaches the IQ principle of Tunnganarniq: Being Welcoming.

Recommended ages: 6 to 8.

Additional Information
32 pages | 8.00" x 8.00" | Colour Illustrations | Paperback 

Spencer is stuck inside on a boring rainy day. As he plays on his tablet, he becomes frustrated trying to hold it upright. He asks his parents for a tablet holder, but they explain that it is not something Spencer needs. He understands, but he still has to find a way to hold the tablet without being uncomfortable. Then, Spencer remembers what his grandmother told him about being innovative and resourceful. What will Spencer create to solve his problem?

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

This book is part of a series that teaches children Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit principles, or "IQ" principles, which are a set of communal laws that focus on the ways one is expected to behave. Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit literally translates to "that which Inuit have always known to be true." This book teaches children about the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit principle of qanuqtuurniq, being innovative and resourceful. 

This title encourages creativity and using what you have to solve problems.

Additional Information
32 pages | 9.50" x 10.50" | Paperback 

Piujuq is a kind young woman who loves to take long walks on the tundra and dance by her favourite lake surrounded by butterflies. But one day, she encounters a stranger on her walk. When this person asks a favour of Piujuq, she happily obliges, and that kindness leaves Piujuq stuck in the body of a caterpillar. Alone, and thinking that no one could ever love her because of how she looks, Piujuq does not return to her camp. Instead, she lives a lonely life on the tundra as a caterpillar. Until one day, when another stranger appears . . .

Based on a traditional Inuit story, this tale of inner beauty, kindness, and magic is a perfect addition to any young reader's bookshelf.

Awards

• 2017 Canadian Children's Book Centre Best Books for Kids and Teens

Reviews
"Carolyn Gan's rich full-page images allow readers to better understand first Piujuq's beauty and connection to nature, and then her crippling loneliness. The immersive illustrations also make this text ideal for group read-alouds, a setting that would be useful for fully teasing out the nuances of this deceptively simple story's themes. More than just its moral, The Caterpillar Woman also emphasizes the importance of preserving Inuit traditions and language, particularly at the book's end when Piujuq draws on the "magic that existed when the world was new" (p. 27). The book closes with an Inuktitut Pronunciation Guide that helps readers to correctly pronounce the characters' names. A solid selection for school libraries, this book supports the social studies curriculum, as well as character education. Even more importantly, however, it strives to share and preserve the traditional Inuit lifestyle."— Resource Links

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

Additional Information
32 pages | 9.25" x 7.30" | Paperback