Tanna's Lemming - (Tanna's Animals) by Rachel Qitsualik-Tinsley & Sean Qitsualik-Tinsley (Hardcover)

About the Book

Based on the author's own life experience of growing up in the Arctic and raising baby animals, this heartwarming story teaches young readers the value of hard work, helping, and caring.

Book Synopsis

"Stories have hearts, just like people. And the heart of this story is true, even if the things said or done have been switched around a bit."

In this follow-up to the critically acclaimed Tanna's Owl, Tanna finds a small, grey lemming, far too cute to turn over to the scientist who has sent the children out to gather lemmings for his research. Instead, Tanna deems Fluffi to be a family member and attempts to raise the lemming in her home. But when the lemming strays from its cozy bed behind the stove and into Tanna's mother's things, Tanna is forced to consider whether she has really done what is best for Fluffi. Is it possible to treat something poorly by trying to treat it well?

Review Quotes

Set in the Arctic, this story illustrates life in the tundra during the summer and winter seasons and offers insight about a child's perception of the needs and wants of living things. After an innocent mishap between the lemming and Tanna's mother, Tanna takes responsibility and, in doing so, reflects on important Teachings from her father about the Law of Thunder and respecting all things in nature. Suitable for K-4 classrooms, this book is an excellent option for educators who are learning on the land and face conversations with students about collecting found objects or creatures in nature. Other topics include the needs and wants of living things, ecosystems and habitats, and self-reflection.

"Utterly engaging, this is my new favorite don't-take-critters-into-your-houses lesson in picture book form."--School Library Journal

"The sequence of events is clearly and vividly described. Tanna's emotions, from the delight upon first finding Fluffi to her worry about her lemming being out in the cold on its own, are clearly heartfelt...Tanna's Lemming is another worthwhile book about indigenous life in Canada for school and public library shelves. Recommended"--CM: Canadian Review of Materials

"The images in this book can be enjoyed by children of any age, but the reading level is upper elementary. Highly recommended for children's collections and elementary school libraries."--Polar Libraries Bulletin

"Based on Burt Award-winning, Inuit-Cree author Rachel Qitsualik-Tinsley's childhood memories of growing up on Baffin Island, this outstanding picture book shares essential teachings on the importance of responsibility, patience, and respect."--★ Quill & Quire, Starred Review

"Tanna's Owl by Rachel and Sean Qitsualik-Tinsley, illustrated by Yong Ling Kang (Inhabit Media, 5-7) perfectly captures the sense of connection between the Inuit and the Arctic environment they live in."-- The Globe and Mail

"[T]his story gives a well-rounded picture of caring for a wild animal that doesn't diminish the hard or unpleasant aspects of that experience--shown to great effect in Kang's simple yet expressive illustrations. However, it also reinforces the Inuit belief that no one owns an animal. Based on Rachel Qitsualik-Tinsley's own childhood experience, this #OwnVoices story accessibly incorporates aspects of the authors' Inuit-Cree (Rachel) and Scottish-Mowhawk (Sean) ancestry and expertise in Arctic traditions."--Booklist

"The heartwarming text is based on Rachel Qitsualik-Tinsley's (Inuit-Cree) own childhood experiences...Kang's use of a soft, muted palette pairs well with the text to make the story come alive for readers. Ably demonstrates to young readers the value of doing a difficult but important job."--Kirkus Reviews

"A realistic and entertaining tale of animal rescue and the thrill of seeing an animal return to the wild to live."--School Library Journal

"Tanna is an engaging character. Readers can easily empathize with Tanna when she adopts Fluffi...The Qitsualik-Tinsley team's story is tender and stirring"-Canadian Children's Booknews