Bedtime in Nunatsiavut

Set in an area of northeastern Labrador, largely populated by Inuit people, Bedtime in Nunatsiavut tells of a young girl who asks many questions of her anânak (mother) at bedtime. Nya wants to know why she can’t fly, breathe underwater or catch a fish in her mouth. Why can’t she have a long fluffy tail, stay up to howl at the moon or dance in the sky? For each of her questions, her anânak merely touches her nose to Nya’s in a kunik (kiss) and says that perhaps Nya’s wish will be fulfilled in her dreams. In dreamland, Nya becomes several animals, a goose, salmon, polar bear, fox and wolf, and experiences many adventures as she travels to various areas of Nunatsiavut. Her final wish, to dance in the sky, is granted as Nya transforms into the aurora borealis.

The story is simple and repetitive (bordering on overly repetitive), and the tone effectively changes from tranquil to lively as Nya moves from the calm atmosphere of her bedroom to the activity in her dreams. Nya’s mother never actually gives her a succinct answer to her questions, only suggesting that her daughter might be able do those things that she so desperately wants to do, albeit in her dreams. The loving relationship between mother and daughter is well-drawn. Though several communities are mentioned in the story, an homage to the author’s hometown and surrounding areas, the story would work without the specific place names as the northern setting is depicted clearly enough in the text and the illustrations.

The illustrations are simple and flat and especially vibrant during the dream scenes. One recommendation would be to change the order of the beginning pages. Firstly, the end papers are so bright and colourful that they are almost jarring; after all, this is a bedtime story. Secondly, four double-page spreads, containing the title pages and dedication, alternate from stark white to black backgrounds with northern lights until, at last, the story begins. It would have been far better to set the mood by having dark backgrounds throughout as switching repeatedly from light to dark somehow spoils the effect and the setting of the mood.

There are many references to Indigenous cultures and issues within the illustrations: patterns, the colours and beadwork in anânak’s earrings, “Every Child Matters” imprinted on Nya’s orange pajamas, and a red handprint, to name a few. Parents will recognize these, but young children in the target audience might not.

An afterword and reading guide for parents, a map of Labrador showing the Nunatsiavut communities, and a glossary of Inuttut words are provided. However, it might have been beneficial to include the pronunciation of the words in the glossary.

Overall, Bedtime in Nunatsiavut has a few minor flaws, but it would still make a good addition to a library collection of Indigenous literature.