02/24/2020
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.)
"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." — ★ Kirkus, STARRED review
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. — ★ School Library Journal, STARRED review
"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."— ★ Horn Book Magazine, STARRED review
"Just right for bedtime, it’s an intimate tale that celebrates simple warmth and comfort."—Publishers Weekly
"A tender paean for the youngest readers and their caregivers."—Booklist
"An Inuit baby curled in the pouch of his mother’s parka narrates what he sees and feels, protected from the cold and snuggled safe. Each page of this sensory exploration begins with the title phrase and ends with a feeling that the little boy loves, and the illustrations fancifully translate those feelings into swirling pictures. A cozy peek into a baby’s small world and big imagination." — The Boston Globe
"In My Anaana's Amautik is a sweet peek into the Inuit baby pouch...Adults and the little ones to whom they are reading can bond within the glow of this cultural gem as it hugs them in an atmosphere of love."—Shelf Awareness
"In My Anaana’s Amautik is a book to be savoured...it begs to be read cuddled close with the little ones we hold most dear."—CM Magazine
"This beautifully lyrical tale set in Northern Canada is a treasure to curl up with again and again."—Resource Links
★ 02/01/2020
Toddler-PreS–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
★ 2019-12-08
The narrator, an Inuit toddler, enjoys being tucked in the hood of Anaana's parka.
In the far north, many women wear parkas that have a hood, or amautik, that also serves as a baby carrier to keep their offspring warm. One toddler, the narrator of the story, explains how being carried this way "feels like being wrapped up in soft clouds." While tucked inside the amautik, the child inhales Anaana's calming scent, like "flowers in the summertime." The narrator thinks of the hood as a tiny iglu, or snow house, that provides cozy protection. The sound of Anaana's laughter comforts the child, but most of all, the child feels Anaana's love. 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. (Picture book. 2-5)
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.
