Fitzhenry & Whiteside Limited

For fans of Sweetest Kulu! Told from the perspective of a baby nestled inside the amautik (the pouch in the back of a mother’s parka used to carry a child), this book is soft and sweet, perfect for bedtime. Anaana means mother in Inuktitut.

Told from the unique perspective of a baby nestled inside a mother’s parka, this book will charm readers of all ages.

Each spread appeals to a different sense, creating a deliciously cozy and nurturing microenvironment for this lucky tot. Inuit author and educator Sammurtok brings her work preserving Inuktitut to the text, with a spare sprinkling of vocabulary (defined in a closing glossary). The repetition of “In my anaana’s amautik” at the beginning of each short paragraph is both lulling and reinforcing of the relationship between child and mother. Canadian illustrator Lishchenko’s use of textures and subtle colors blends well with the strong, simple text. Delicate pastels give the Arctic landscape a welcoming beauty, and fanciful depictions of the similes the narrator suggests lend a playful air. The far north has never felt so deliciously warm. — STARRED review, Kirkus

This gentle story is warm, cozy, and loving—just like being in anaana’s amautik. Readers will carry this gorgeous book close to their hearts. — STARRED review, School Library Journal

A baby's perspective of being held in its anaana's (mother's) amautik ("the pouch in the back of a woman's parka where a baby can be carried") is explored in lulling, sensory-rich text and illustrations. This gentle story elevates the feelings of comfort and security that the amautik enables. — STARRED review, Horn Book Magazine