Nadia Sammurtok

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.

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.

This tenderly told follow-up to the acclaimed To My Panik: To My Daughter highlights the unique beauty of a mother-son bond. In this lovingly told book, a mother recounts for her son all the things she loves about him, connecting each attribute to an element of the Arctic landscape or Inuit traditional life. Her son is strong, like a polar bear carrying its cubs across the frozen sea. He is gentle, like a delicate blade of cottongrass. He’s as steadfast as the spark that lights the campfire, and as invigorating as a sip of icy river water. This beautiful narrative of connection and love will warm the hearts of all readers.

This story is dedicated to the author's mother and father, both of whom are residential school survivors. 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.

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.

Team Tuktu and Friends is up to bat Ukaliq is excited to spend the day with his friends, but he's nervous about playing Inuktitut baseball. What if he isn't any good at it? Tiri is fast, Nanuq is strong, and Tuktu has good aim. What if Ukaliq can't even hit the ball? As the game ramps up and Ukaliq steps up to the plate, will he be able to discover his own unique baseball talent?

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.

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

Tiri has a secret: he is scared of the dark. He doesn't want anyone to find out, but as he spends the day with his friends, he learns they are each scared of something too. Tuktu is scared of heights. Ukaliq is scared of swimming in deep water. Will Tiri be able to open up and face his own fear? See how the friends learn to support one another.

Tuktu and his friends are hiding. Can you find them? In this interactive book, children will follow clues to find the animals hidden in the illustrations.

Learn all about traditional Inuit sports and games in this action-packed interactive board book, filled with adorable Northern animals Get ready to play Inuit games Join Tuktu and his friends as they show you how to play games like the one-foot high kick, muskox push, owl hop, and more. Start practising, grab a friend, and play along in this fun interactive book.

“Panik, do you know how much I love you? When I look at the horizon, past the vast tundra, I see no end. That is how much I love you.” In this lovingly told book, a mother recounts for her daughter all the things she loves about her, connecting each attribute to an element of the Arctic landscape or Inuit traditional life. As her daughter’s eyes glisten like the fire of an oil lamp, and her courage shines bright like buds of purple saxifrage fighting through a thick blanket of snow, the mother weaves a beautiful narrative of connection and love that will warm the hearts of all readers.

Starred reviews from Kirkus, SLJ, and The Horn Book Magazine! 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.

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.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.

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.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. This book teaches the IQ principle of Tunnganarniq: Being Welcoming.

Tuktu and his friends are playing Tuktu Says. Join in and play with them In this interactive book, children can play along by doing the actions with the characters in the book. With interactive books, children are encouraged to actively participate in the stories they are listening to. Through directions or instructional text, children are encouraged to play, move, or make sounds along with the characters in the book.