Wild Eggs: A Tale of Arctic Egg Collecting. Suzie Napayok-Short. Illustrated by Jonathan Wright. Iqaluit, NU: Inhabit Media, 2015. 35 pp., hardcover, $16.95. ISBN 978-1-77227-025-9. Kindergarten-grade 2 / Ages 5-7. Review by Ingerjit Deogun. *** /4

Akuluk isn't happy with having to spend her summer vacation in Nunavut with her grandparents. Not when she could be with her cousin Naala in Montreal enjoying the "circuses, fairs, rides, and nice new clothes!" However, it doesn't take long for Akuluk's disappointment to turn into wonderment. In fact, all it takes is spotting a big Arctic hare.

Along the way, Akuluk spotted big Arctic hares on the side of the road. She had read about them in school and knew what they were. She wondered why they just sat there, looking and seeming like they didn't belong.

The big, rolling hills were green with tiny orange dots.

"Watch out!" exclaimed Akuluk. The taxi swerved to avoid hitting a hare crossing the road.

I wonder what I'm going to see next, Akuluk thought in amazement.

      Author Suzie Napayok-Short beautifully weaves a number of themes into her highly descriptive story, from the value of patience to the pursuit of knowledge. But, most poignantly, she explores our relationship with nature. She has Akuluk learn the traditional ways of living from her grandparents who understand the importance of respecting the land. One of the ways they share this lesson with Akuluk is by taking her egg gathering.

We can only take nests with four eggs or fewer, Akuluk. Piusituqattini, following traditional ways, means that we can't take nests that have more than four eggs in them. We must leave enough eggs behind for the birds to grow, and for other children in the future to pick, like we are doing now.

      The star of the book is the imagery by Jonathan Wright. The bright colours not only capture Akuluk's awe at seeing new things but also the beauty of the natural world. His soft and whimsical illustrations immerse young readers in the sights, sounds and smells of Akuluk's surroundings.

      Wild Eggs is the perfect book to begin a child's lifelong relationship with nature.

Recommended.

Inderjit Deogun is a communications professional in Toronto, ON.

To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.

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