The Most Amazing Bird celebrates the many different birds of the Arctic in this story of Aggataa, a young Inuk girl, and her grandmother. Through the seasons, Aggataa sees many beautiful birds, but the first bird she notes is raven, whom she finds ugly and noisy. Yet, she finds that when the other birds migrate south after the summer, it is the raven who stays in the winter, and she discovers she is happy to see it again. This book could be used in science to discuss seasonal cycles and animal migration. Through the illustrations, the reader can see how the Arctic landscape changes and the different life stages of birds. Throughout the book, the sounds of various birds are incorporated, which can be a great way for students to vocalize bird sounds. Inuktitut words for the featured birds are also provided.

40 pp., 9.5 × 7", colour illustrations

Michael Arvaarluk Kusugak (Inuit) • Andrew Qaapik (Inuit), illus.

Source: Association of Book Publishers of BC - Canadian Indigenous Books for Schools (2021-2022)

 

Michael Arvaarluk Kusugak is an Inuit storyteller who grew up in Repulse Bay, NWT (now Naujaat, Nunavut). During his childhood, his family traveled by dog sled, living a traditional Inuit lifestyle. He is the author of many picture books, including Northern Lights: The Soccer Trails, winner of the Ruth Schwartz Award.

He won the Vicky Metcalf Award for Children's Literature in 2008.

Michael Arvaarluk Kusugak's profile page

Andrew Qappik, CM has always been inspired by vivid memories of his respected Elders and their stories. He is a member of the Order of Canada and is well-known throughout the Canadian Arctic for his design of the flag for Nunavut, as well as the territory’s coat of arms and official logo. He lives in Pangnirtung, Nunavut.

Andrew Qappik's profile page

• Joint winner, Top 10 Picture Books of the Year, The Globe and Mail
• Joint winner, Kirkus Best Books List

“The illustrations enrich the text and celebrate the heartwarming message that nature is a wonderful gift that we can connect to and relish.”

Storywraps, 07/08/20

“This piece of creative non-fiction, with the touch of traditional Inuit storytelling, was entertaining and thought-provoking.”

Green Teacher, 10/21

“Sparse illustrations of arctic flora and fauna against the unforgiving snow and ice make this picture book immersive.”

Foreword Reviews, 11/20

“This piece of creative non-fiction, with the touch of traditional Inuit storytelling, was entertaining and thought-provoking.”

Green Teacher, 10/21

“Stunningly contemporary and amazingly timeless.”

Kirkus Reviews, *starred review, 09/15/20

“This beautiful tale provides gentle hints as to Inuk life in a sparsely poetic landscape. Delicate watercolors . . . complement the hushed storytelling.”

School Library Journal, 12/07/20

“Renowned Inuit storyteller Kusugak’s text is succinct yet lyrical . . . An engaging look at life in Canada’s North.”

Booklist, 11/01/20

“The language is simple and direct and, at times, beautiful in its description. The text is perfectly complemented by the drawings . . . That both author and illustrator are Indigenous people helps to achieve a particularly unified vision for The Most Amazing Bird. Highly Recommended.”

CM Reviews, 10/23/2020