Tooma Laisa shares a traditional Inuit story that is a cautionary tale about caring for walruses and not being greedy. The story is written in Inuktitut syllabics and English, with some key vocabulary (such as names) in Inuinnaqtun. This book would be a good introduction to the concept of sharing and not taking more than we need from the environment. The idea of careful use of resources so that there will always be enough could be extended by growing and caring for plants that can be harvested, such as beans, where it would be explained that we save some seeds to have new plants.

44 pp., 9 × 10", colour illustrations

Tooma Laisa (Inuit) • Udayana Lugo, illus.

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

Tooma Laisa was raised in Iqaluit, Nunavut, where she feels at home most with her friends and family. She earned an Advanced Inuit Studies certificate from Nunavut Sivuniksavut in Ottawa. Over the years, Tooma has worked as a performing artist and enjoys educating others about Inuit culture. She also practises visual art such as drawing and painting. Aside from her musical and artistic interests, Tooma is always yearning to learn something new and take on opportunities to build her skills and knowledge for the betterment of herself, the community, and Inuit.

Tooma Laisa's profile page

Udayana Lugo was born in Russia, but grew up in Mexico City, Mexico, where she studied product design. She later completed her masters in Italy before life took her back to Mexico, then to the United Kingdom. It was there that she decided to become an illustrator, although she can’t remember a time when she wasn’t drawing. Udayana uses a variety of traditional media in her art, and her sketchbooks smell of hairspray, which she uses to fix her drawings. She currently lives with her husband and two kids in Vancouver, Canada, where she carries a sketchbook with her constantly to draw whatever captures her attention.

Udayana Lugo's profile page