Tanna’s Lemming, co-written by award-winning authors Rachel and Sean Quitsualik-Tinsley, tells the story of a young girl, a lemming that she cares for as a pet, and the important lesson she learns by eventually setting the lemming free. Set in the Arctic, this story illustrates life in the tundra during the summer and winter seasons and offers insight about a child’s perception of the needs and wants of living things. After an innocent mishap between the lemming and Tanna’s mother, Tanna takes responsibility and, in doing so, reflects on important Teachings from her father about the Law of Thunder and respecting all things in nature. Suitable for K–4 classrooms, this book is an excellent option for educators who are learning on the land and face conversations with students about collecting found objects or creatures in nature. Other topics include the needs and wants of living things, ecosystems and habitats, and self-reflection.

Other End Matter: Author & Illustrator biographies
Images: Colour illustrations
Contributor Affiliation: Authors Rachel and Sean Qitsualik-Tinsley (Inuit) Illustrator Tamara Campeau
Bibliography: No
Index: No

Source: Books BC - Indigenous Books for Schools

Of Inuit-Cree ancestry, Rachel Qitsualik-Tinsley was born in a tent on northernmost Baffin Island. She learned Inuit survival lore from her father, surviving residential school and attending university. In 2012, she was awarded a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for numerous cultural writings. Of Scottish-Mohawk ancestry, Sean Qitsualik-Tinsley was born in southern Ontario, learning woodcraft and stories from his father. Training as an artist, then writer, Sean’s sci-fi work won 2nd place at the California-based Writers of the Future contest, published by Galaxy Press. Rachel and Sean have worked for decades as Arctic researchers and consultants. In writing together, they have published 10 successful books and many shorter works, celebrating the history and uniqueness of Arctic shamanism, cosmology, and cosmogony. Their novel, Skraelings: Clashes in the Old Arctic, was a Governor General Awards Finalist and First Prize Burt Award winner.

Rachel Qitsualik-Tinsley's profile page

Of Inuit-Cree ancestry, Rachel Qitsualik-Tinsley was born in a tent on northernmost Baffin Island. She learned Inuit survival lore from her father, surviving residential school and attending university. In 2012, she was awarded a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for numerous cultural writings. Of Scottish-Mohawk ancestry, Sean Qitsualik-Tinsley was born in southern Ontario, learning woodcraft and stories from his father. Training as an artist, then writer, Sean’s sci-fi work won 2nd place at the California-based Writers of the Future contest, published by Galaxy Press. Rachel and Sean have worked for decades as Arctic researchers and consultants. In writing together, they have published 10 successful books and many shorter works, celebrating the history and uniqueness of Arctic shamanism, cosmology, and cosmogony. Their novel, Skraelings: Clashes in the Old Arctic, was a Governor General Awards Finalist and First Prize Burt Award winner.

Sean Qitsualik-Tinsley's profile page

Tamara Campeau’s illustration journey began at Dawson College, where she earned her associate degree in illustration and design. Shortly after, she furthered her studies at Sheridan College, where she obtained her bachelor’s degree in illustration 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 emotion. 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.

Tamara Campeau's profile page

"Utterly engaging, this is my new favorite don’t-take-critters-into-your-houses lesson in picture book form."—School Library Journal

"The sequence of events is clearly and vividly described. Tanna’s emotions, from the delight upon first finding Fluffi to her worry about her lemming being out in the cold on its own, are clearly heartfelt...Tanna’s Lemming is another worthwhile book about indigenous life in Canada for school and public library shelves. Recommended"—CM: Canadian Review of Materials

"The images in this book can be enjoyed by children of any age, but the reading level is upper elementary. Highly recommended for children’s collections and elementary school libraries."—Polar Libraries Bulletin

Set in the Arctic, this story illustrates life in the tundra during the summer and winter seasons and offers insight about a child’s perception of the needs and wants of living things. After an innocent mishap between the lemming and Tanna’s mother, Tanna takes responsibility and, in doing so, reflects on important Teachings from her father about the Law of Thunder and respecting all things in nature. Suitable for K–4 classrooms, this book is an excellent option for educators who are learning on the land and face conversations with students about collecting found objects or creatures in nature. Other topics include the needs and wants of living things, ecosystems and habitats, and self-reflection.

Books BC - Indigenous Books for Schools