Jaypeetee Arnakak
Jaypeetee Arnakak is a linguist, translator, and educator. He spent many years many years as a policy analyst specializing in Inuit culture, language and education issues. He is the editor of Unikkaaqtuat Qikiqtaninngaaqtut, a collection of thirty-three versions of traditional stories, transcribed and edited from oral recordings of ten Inuit elders from two High Arctic communities, Arctic Bay and Igloolik. He has also adapted several traditional Inuit stories into children's storybooks.
Kids Books (6)
Synopsis:
“Long ago, there lived great giants in the Arctic.”
But where did they go? Learn all about the famous giants of the North, including Inukpasuksuk, Nuvuja, and others. Why do winds from the south bring warm weather? What happens when the giant in the sky gets upset? The Great Giants of the Arctic answers these questions and more using simple language for young readers to enjoy.
This stunningly illustrated bilingual picture book serves as an early-level introduction to the rich, mysterious world of Inuit mythology. Adapted by author and linguist Jaypeetee Arnakak with the intention of teaching Inuktitut as as a second language, The Great Giants of the Arctic can be enjoyed by Inuktitut language learners and curious young readers alike.
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 6.
Bilingual: Inuktitut and English
Additional Information
36 pages | 8.50" x 8.50"| Hardcover
Synopsis:
How did Inuit come to know so much about Arctic animals? Follow a shaman as he is reborn as a polar bear, a ringed seal, and more to learn about what each animal teaches him. Through simplified text and engaging illustrations, young readers are sure to enjoy this adaptation of a traditional story.
This stunningly illustrated bilingual picture book serves as an early-level introduction to the rich, mysterious world of Inuit mythology. Adapted by author and linguist Jaypeetee Arnakak with the intention of teaching Inuktitut as a second language, The Shaman Who Became Many Animals can be enjoyed by Inuktitut language learners and curious young readers alike.
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 6.
Dual-language format: English and Inuktitut.
This is a traditional story told in a simple way for young readers.
Additional Information
36 pages | 8.50" x 8.50" | Hardcover
Synopsis:
Wolf wants to know how Fox catches so many fish. Fox thinks Wolf is trying to play a trick on him. Wolf claims he will catch many more fish than Fox ever could. Can Fox teach Wolf a lesson about being boastful and greedy?
Discover this engaging retelling of an Inuit traditional story, which has been simplified for young readers to enjoy.
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 5 to 7.
Bilingual: Inuktitut and English
F&P Level: L
Additional Information
32 pages | 8.50" x 8.50" | Hardcover
Synopsis:
The lemming may be tiny...but his smarts are larger than life! Can he outsmart the mighty owl?
An owl swoops down to eat the lemming for a snack. But the lemming is smart and has a plan to trick the boastful owl. How will the lemming escape into his den? Find out in this well-known Inuit traditional story that has been simplified for younger readers to enjoy.
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.
Additional Information
24 pages | 8.00" x 9.00" | Hardcover
Synopsis:
“Long ago, animals were different. They could speak. They wore clothing. They used tools…”
Raven and Loon are best friends. They love to sew clothes for each other. But when Raven won’t hold still to be measured for a new coat Loon is making, Loon gets mad. What happens when these two friends disagree?
Uncover this traditional Inuit story retold in simple and accessible prose for developing readers to enjoy over and over again!
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 6.
Additional Information
24 pages | 8.50" x 8.50" | Hardcover
Synopsis:
When a mother and daughter find a polar bear cub alone on the sea ice, the daughter cannot bear to leave it behind. Finding no mother bear in sight, the two adopt the cub and raise it as the girl’s brother.
The cub and the girl become fast friends—even if the cub’s bear sense of smell always means he wins at hide-and-seek! The cub hunts for the community, and they never want for food. But the cub continues to grow, and eventually he is no longer a fuzzy little cub, but a powerful full-grown bear. Some in the community become fearful of the bear, but the girl and her mother love him just the same.
That is, until one day, the bear returns from a hunt with another bear by his side. The mother soon learns that they need to let the cub go, in order for him to live the happy life they want for him.
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.
Additional Information
36 pages | 8.50" x 9.50" | Hardcover
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