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 (Source).

Suzie Napayok-Short, an Inuit author, was born in Frobisher Bay and grew up in Apex and the DEW Line sites on Baffin Island. She attended residential school before moving to Coral Harbour, Nunavut, and later to Iqaluit, Nunavut. Suzie built a career as an Inuktitut translator and interpreter working for government departments and organizations across Nunavut and the Northwest Territories, and throughout Canada. Suzie currently lives in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, with her husband, their two children, and one grandchild. She continues her work as a freelance translator and interpreter for businesses across the North. She also works with residential school survivors as an interpreter and guide, helping survivors through the legal process. Wild Eggs is Suzie’s first book for children. It was inspired by egg-hunting trips she shared with her father (Source).

Tamara Campeau’s illustration journey began at Dawson College where she earned her associates degree in Illustration and Design. Shortly after, she furthered her studies at Sheridan College, where she attained her Illustration Bachelor’s degree with honours. Tamara works digitally to bring stories to life through her painterly illustrations. Her work has a strong sense of lighting and vibrant colour palettes, along with dynamic compositions. She loves creating endearing characters with a strong sense of personality and emotions. Her work is inspired by wildlife, children, and the environments they reside in. She uses this inspiration to add a layer of realism to her illustrations. When she’s not at her desk, she can be found breaking a sweat at the local gym or exploring nature with her standard poodle, Peanut (Source).

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