To My Panik: To My Daughter

To My Panik: To My Daughter is an ode to a mother’s love for her daughter. The text is written in poetic format using similes to compare the daughter’s attributes to Arctic and Inuit settings. The daughter’s eyes are compared to a qulliq, (traditional oil lamp). Her ears are compared to the mother polar bear listening for her cubs. The daughter’s voice is compared to a comforting throat song (traditional Inuit singing). Her personality is compared to a sweet baby Arctic hare, and her humour is as refreshing as the tundra air after a rain.
The full-colour, full-page realistic illustrations support the text while adding context and additional notes to the story. The beautiful water colour technique highlights the Arctic setting with all its delicate beauty.

Young children will enjoy listening to To My Panik: To My Daughter. The universal theme of a mother’s love for her daughter is a comfortable one for little ones. Children are also introduced to the Arctic as well through illustration and text. There are some Inuktitut words; qulliq (oil lamp), Anaana (mother), Panik (daughter). The concept of throat singing may have to be explained. The illustrations show mother and daughter in traditional dress. The illustrations can act as a springboard for discussions around life in the Arctic. The homes, the clothing, the topography, and some animals are all depicted.