Nattiq and the Land of Statues: A Story from the Arctic

Nattiq is a ringed seal with a story to tell. After a journey from the arctic world to the far south, Nattiq sees many strange things in the warmer lands and explains his adventures to the creatures of the North. The story is told in verse with inuktitut words laced within the text and often at a point of emphasis or significant noun such as the name of a plant or animal. The story is taken exclusively from the seal's point of view which beautifully exaggerates Nattiq's experience.

I travel south for days and days...

Nittiq stares up at "strange statues" (trees) for the first time. After a time, he realizes the statues are "alive".

The illustrations are stunning, and, while digitally constructed, they appear as a cross between oil and water colour, soft yet demonstrating the stark and stunning land and seascapes. The images cover different seasons, circling back to the North. Hiding in the water of the illustrations is Nattiq.

Nattiq and the Land of Statues could easily be an introduction story to studying Northern communities or simply a pleasure read. The glossary for the Inuktitut words is well-done; simple yet very usable for teachers and students alike. A wonderful little story.