Kaugjagjuk

Gr 3–5—Based on the Inuit legend, this tale teaches that great strength can grow from adversity. Readers are introduced to Kaugjagjuk and his sister when the ice floe they are playing on breaks off and they drift away from their parents to another shore. He looks after his sister until she, too, is lost while searching for food. Kaugjagjuk wanders until he reaches a village where cruel people put him to work with disgusting chores and force him to sleep with the animals. As years pass, he grows and remembers his mother telling him to listen to the Man of the Moon. He petitions Taqqiq for help and eventually he is given strength to fight off three large bears, stunning the villagers, who still see him as a child. He then walks away from them, never to be shamed again, and they regret their abusive behavior. The themes—patience, perseverance, and hard work—are evident. The realistic paintings reflect the action as well as the characters' emotions and details from story. Their vibrant colors and textures reflect the Arctic setting. While this story is based on a traditional tale told throughout the Arctic region, the author notes that this version differs from other retellings in that the child is able to overcome challenges and rise above the harsh treatment. A valuable addition to collections of Inuit tales.—Margaret R. Tassia, Millersville University, PA