In My Anaana’s Amautik

Toddler-PreS–In this sweet story, a young child describes the multitude of wonderful feelings and sensory experiences they have while being carried by their mother. Each spread starts with a statement about how it feels “in my anaana’s amautik,” then expands that idea with a simple but powerful simile that evokes a connection with nature and/or a connection between mother and child: “In my anaana’s amautik, it feels peaceful. Her breathing feels like ocean waves gently rolling in and out. I love sleeping in my anaana’s amautik.” Finally, each spread ends with an affirmation of what the child loves about being carried. The text’s gentle pattern and repetition surrounds each idea and carries readers along, just as the child is carried. Inuit author Sammurtok’s beautiful story is matched with illustrations that use a controlled palette and intimate compositions to create a calming sensory experience. The use of texture and pattern in the illustrations adroitly captures the experience described in the text. A short glossary and links to audio recordings of the Inuktitut words is included.