Shawna Thomson
Shawna Thomson grew up in southern Ontario but has called Nunavut home since 2011 when she moved to Taloyoak. She currently works as an educator in Iqaluit, where she lives with her husband and their two dogs. Since moving to Nunavut, she has always been fascinated by stories of the giants and the little people. When she is not writing or teaching, she enjoys running, yoga, going hiking with her dogs, or reading historical fiction.
Kids Books (8)
Synopsis:
Matt is excited to join Junior Rangers and go on their spring hunting trip. During drills, an older ranger, Chaz, praises Matt's skills, and he jumps at the chance to hang out with Chaz. But when Chaz and his friends start making fun of a fellow ranger with less hunting experience, Matt feels pressured to join in. Matt doesn't want to bully anyone, but he doesn't want to be called a loser either. As his new behaviour pushes another friend away, and Matt sees his actions have consequences, he learns what being a real friend actually looks like.
Educator & Series Information
Graphic novel recommended for ages 9 to 11.
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 15-16 book in the series.
Nunavummi Reading Series books have also been officially levelled using the Fountas & Pinnell Text Level Gradient™ Levelling System. F&P Level of this book: O.
This book is also part of the Social Emotional Learning Series from Nunavummi. These books feature thoughtful, engaging stories that teach children to identify and regulate their emotions in healthy ways.
Additional Information
52 pages | 7.50" x 10.00" | Paperback
Synopsis:
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
Synopsis:
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
Synopsis:
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
Synopsis:
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
Synopsis:
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
Synopsis:
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
Synopsis:
Things are going great for Ellie—she’s acing her math tests and is looking forward to the school dance. But when a classmate starts posting mean messages about her online, Ellie feels embarrassed and isolated. Before long, even more kids at school have joined in on cyberbullying Ellie. How will she regain her confidence and confront her bully without losing her friends?
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.
This book is part of the Nunavummi Social Emotional Learning Series. These books feature thoughtful, engaging stories that teach children to identify and regulate their emotions in healthy ways.
Teacher's Pet focuses on identity, self-image, and personal relationships.
Recommended for ages 8-10.
Additional Information
32 pages | 6.50" x 10.00"
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