Kits, Cubs, and Calves: An Arctic Summer

Akuluk is visiting her family in Nunavut and can’t wait to get out on her uncle’s boat for a ride into the powerful Arctic Ocean. Surrounded by her family, and with her trusty toy polar bear beside her, Akuluk experiences the beautiful sights, sounds, and animals that abound in the ocean and along the shore during the short Arctic summer—from a mother polar bear and her cubs to a family of belugas and tiny Arctic fox kits. As they encounter each animal, Akuluk’s aunt and uncles share with her how each species cares for its young, and how they protect their babies from the other animals who share their ecosystem.

This beautiful story of family connection and respect for the natural world teaches young readers how close humans are to our animal counterparts, and that caring for the environment in which we live is one of our most important responsibilities.

Written by Suzie Napayok-Short | Illustrated by Tamara Campeau

Hardcover (English) ISBN: 978-1-77227-274-1 | $17.95 | 8″ x 9″ | 32 pages | Full-colour illustrations | Ages 5–7 | F&P Level P |

Praise

“Young readers who will readily identify with Akuluk will understand the value of respecting the environment and enjoying all it has to show us.” — CM Magazine

“An information-rich tale of reciprocity between Arctic families and the natural world.” — Kirkus Reviews

“Kits, Cubs, and Calves: An Arctic Summer goes beyond summer and gives a picture of life in the arctic for its people, its animals and the land, and it’s a great place to visit through Suzie Napayok-Short and Tamara Campeau’s work.”—CanLit for Little Canadians

“I love the way this book blends Inuktitut and cultural knowledge into the story seamlessly, teaching words and traditions to the reader as the story progresses. Reverence and appreciation for nature is at the forefront of this tale, and the book is very text-heavy making it perfect for older readers.”—The Tiny Activists

Awards

Shortlisted — First Nation Communities READ Awards, 2021