Books·Canadian

ᓇᑦᑎᖅ Nattiq And The Land Of Statues

A picture book by Barbara Landry, illustrated By Martha Kyak.

Barbara Landry, illustrated By Martha Kyak

A ringed seal, known in Inuktitut as ᓇᑦᑎᖅ nattiq, has returned to his Arctic home after a long journey south. His friends — a polar bear, caribou, raven, walrus and narwhal — gather round to hear about his trip.

"What did you see beyond our land?" shouts the polar bear.

ᓇᑦᑎᖅ nattiq describes the amazing sights he has seen — from crystal clear waters full of giant icebergs to the tundra in full summertime bloom to strange, tall statues, far to the south. The statues swayed in the autumn breeze, howled when winter storms set in and opened their arms to nesting birds in the spring.

"They can never come and visit us," nattiq explains to his friends, and so he plans to return south every year to tell them stories from the Arctic.

Inspired by her travels, Barbara Landry has written an imaginative story about discovery and friendship. Martha Kyak brings her familiarity with the North to the stunning illustrations. Includes a glossary of Inuktitut words. (From Groundwood Books)

Barbara Landry has written several books of poetry, including ᓄᓇᒥ nunami. Barbara has also spent time with the Inuit community in Nunavut, where she studied Inuktitut. Her travels in the North inspired her to write this story, her first children's book. 

Martha Kyak is an Inuit artist. She has also illustrated numerous children's books. Kyak currently teaches Inuit history and Inuktitut at Nunavut Sivuniksavut, a college program for Inuit youth in Ottawa.

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