Written by Inuit Elder Levi Illuitok, who was born in Qilijauqtuaq, Kugaaruk, this story tells the story of a young boy who lives with the inugarulliit, or little folk, in the Canadian Arctic and the magic that unfolds from his first hunting adventure. Finally invited to join the hunting party, the boy and the miniature hunters face some innocent confusion as they discover a set of animal tracks. Once home and eager to please his family, the boy finds himself with a small problem that, in the end, is solved with some BIG inugarulliit magic. This is a fun book for teachers looking to incorporate lessons about size and perspective with students in kindergarten to grade three. It also offers readers a glimpse into life in the Nunavut region of Canada with imagery about Arctic living and hunting practices, as well as a simple glossary of Inuktitut words. K–3 subject areas: Math, Social Studies, Language Arts.

Other End Matter: Glossary
Images: Colour illustrations
Contributor Affiliation: Author Levi Illuitok (Inuit), Illustrator Steve James
Bibliography: No
Index: No

Source: Books BC - Indigenous Books for Schools

Levi Illuitok was born in Qilijauqtuaq, Kugaaruk, a community in Nunavut. While growing up, he and his family travelled by land and did not stay in one place for long. Levi enjoys going out on the land and hunting. He also teaches his traditional knowledge to students.

Levi Illuitok's profile page

Steve James is originally from a small village in North Yorkshire, but he now lives on the outskirts of the vibrant city of Leeds with his partner and their daughter. There are lots of arty folk in Steve’s family, so it was only natural that he should have a love for drawing from a young age, taking his early influence from the Beano and Dandy comics to Warner Brothers and Disney cartoons. When Steven isn’t illustrating, he likes to see live music, watch films, play video games, take walks in the countryside, and play guitar.

Steve James' profile page

This is a fun book for teachers looking to incorporate lessons about size and perspective with students in kindergarten to grade three. It also offers readers a glimpse into life in the Nunavut region of Canada with imagery about Arctic living and hunting practices, as well as a simple glossary of Inuktitut words. K–3 subject areas: Math, Social Studies, Language Arts.

Books BC - Indigenous Books for Schools

"[I]t is remarkable how unaffected and natural this book is. It is as if it was unaware that there was any “mainstream” that it could be compared to, and that is a good thing for us readers. I would read The Little Folk with young friends early before they know that there’s such a thing as the hero’s journey or the rule of three."—Canadian Review of Materials

Books BC - Indigenous Books for Schools