Written by: Nadia Sammurtok

Illustrated by: Lenny Lishchenko 

For ages: 3 years and up 

Language: English & Inuktitut 

Topics Covered: Indigenous Voices, Family, Love, Comfort, Emotional Support, Social-Emotional Learning, Own Voices. 

Summary: 

In My Anaana’s Amautik is an incredibly sweet story that celebrates the calm and cozy emotional support that a child feels while in their mother’s amautik.  An amautik is a pouch in the back of a parka for carrying a baby, and it sounds like a wonderful way to travel.  Our little narrator describes feeling peaceful, cared for, and loved.  I really enjoyed how the senses are integrated into the storytelling such a feeling softness, smelling flowers, and especially the social-emotional aspects.

I think everyone is holding their loved ones a little closer these days, as many things are unknown.  Having that sense of peace and connection with a parent is so important for children right now, and this book exemplifies that connection wholeheartedly.  I love the way a few Inuktitut words are sprinkled in, and have a glossary in the back of the book.

This book was published by Inhabit Media but kindly sent to us by Publisher’s Spotlight.  All opinions are our own!

About the Author & the Illustrator:

Nadia Sammurtok is an Inuit writer and educator originally from Rankin Inlet, Nunavut. Nadia is passionate about preserving the traditional Inuit lifestyle and Inuktitut language so that they may be enjoyed by future generations. Nadia currently lives in Iqaluit, Nunavut, with her family.

Lenny Lishchenko is not a boy. She is an illustrator, graphic designer, and comic maker, who will never give up the chance to draw a good birch tree. Ukrainianborn and Canadian raised, she’s interested in telling stories that people remember years later, in the early mornings where everything is quiet and still. She’s worked with clients such as Lenny Letter, Power Athletics Ltd. Alberta Venture, and Rubicon Publishing, and is based out of Mississauga, Ontario.