The Little Folk - by Levi Illuitok (Hardcover)

About the Book

This traditional story tells the tale of a Inuk boy who is adopted by little folk---a magical race of small Arctic people called inugarulliit.

Book Synopsis

This traditional story, retold by Kugaaruk Elder Levi Illuitok, tells the tale of a Inuk boy who is adopted by little folk---a magical race of small Arctic people called inugarulliit. The boy's adopted parents finally allow him to go hunting, where he catches a lemming. The little folk use their abilities to turn the lemming into a polar bear, and the catch is stored at their iglu. The boy's parents are proud that their son can provide lots of meat to share with the community. This is a magical introduction to a traditional Inuit story for young readers.

Review Quotes

This is a fun book for teachers looking to incorporate lessons about size and perspective with students in kindergarten to grade three. It also offers readers a glimpse into life in the Nunavut region of Canada with imagery about Arctic living and hunting practices, as well as a simple glossary of Inuktitut words. K-3 subject areas: Math, Social Studies, Language Arts.-- "Books BC - Indigenous Books for Schools"

"[I]t is remarkable how unaffected and natural this book is. It is as if it was unaware that there was any "mainstream" that it could be compared to, and that is a good thing for us readers. I would read The Little Folk with young friends early before they know that there's such a thing as the hero's journey or the rule of three."--Canadian Review of Materials

About the Author

Levi Illuitok was born in Qilijauqtuaq, Kugaaruk, a community in Nunavut. While growing up, he and his family travelled by land and did not stay in one place for long. Levi enjoys going out on the land and hunting. He also teaches his traditional knowledge to students.

Steve James is originally from a small village in North Yorkshire, but he now lives on the outskirts of the vibrant city of Leeds with his partner and their daughter. There are lots of arty folk in Steve's family, so it was only natural that he should have a love for drawing from a young age, taking his early influence from the Beano and Dandy comics to Warner Brothers and Disney cartoons. When Steven isn't illustrating, he likes to see live music, watch films, play video games, take walks in the countryside, and play guitar.