In My Anaana's Amautik

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. VERDICT 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.—Anna Haase Krueger, Ramsey County Library, MN

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Inuit writer Sammurtok details the pleasures of riding in an amautik--the Inuktitut word for "the pouch in the back of a woman's parka where a baby can be carried"--a conveyance limited to very small children. Her calming bedtime litany dwells on the warmth and security the garment offers: "In my anaana's amautik, it feels soft.... I love curling up inside." More stanzas ring small changes on the theme, invoking all the senses--the warmth of anaana's skin, her scent, the sound of her laughter, and the message delivered by this safe place: "I feel loved." Lishchenko's artwork, in light-filled, sun-bleached scenes, convey the delicate beauty of the Arctic--a spray of flowers growing up from a pile of stones, the white fluff of blooms gone to seed. Just right for bedtime, it's an intimate tale that celebrates simple warmth and comfort. Ages up to 3. (Apr.)

Copyright 2020 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

"Reading In My Anaana's Amautik is equivalent to receiving a warm and cozy hug...The illustrations beautifully compliment the words and further incite a calm and soothing response. This is a peaceful story that is a perfect read for any little one who is preparing for a short or long sleep." — Danielle Daniel, author of Sometimes I Feel Like a Fox